Everyone has that one friend who insists that the dog is easier to pet than the cat. Or maybe you have a friend who says that they love cats more because they don’t shed like dogs. They may even call you crazy for wanting to share your home with both a dog and a cat.
Both cats and dogs are each known for their own special strengths and personalities, which makes it difficult to choose one over the other. Today we are going to compare them and see which type of animal is actually better as a pet. Our guide will help you decide, whether you’re a new pet owner or just curious.
Contents
Cats are generally low maintenance pets
Cats are independent and don’t require much in the way of attention. You can leave them alone for hours at a time without worrying about them getting into trouble or having a meltdown.
Cats have great personalities, too. They’re playful, affectionate, and usually very patient with their humans’ antics.
Dogs are more work than cats. They need exercise, they need socialization, and they need the training to be good members of the family. But owning a dog also comes with more rewards than owning a cat — like being able to take them on hikes and walks in the park.
Cats are very clean animals that don’t need to be bathed too often
Cats have a keen sense of smell, which allows them to detect when they need a bath. If your cat starts scratching itself excessively and itchy, then it may need a bath. It’s not necessary to give your cat a bath on a regular basis, but if your cat has an accident or gets into something sticky or smelly, then you will probably want to give it a bath.
Cats are also known for their fastidious grooming habits. Cats spend an average of two hours every day cleaning themselves! They use their tongues and paws to clean their coats, ears, and other body parts with great care and precision. In fact, cats’ tongues have over 100 different types of taste buds compared with our 6-8 types!
Dogs are more prone to parasites, so you may need to bathe them more often than cats.
Dogs are also more prone to parasites and skin conditions, which means that they may need baths more often than cats do. Dogs also have a lot of furs compared to cats, so they shed more frequently and require regular grooming sessions in order for their fur not to become matted down or tangled up in knots (which can be painful).
Although, no matter whether your child is a dog or a cat, you have to take preventive measures to make sure they have a healthy and secure future. As unexpected as it might seem, it is never too much to get safety measures and preventative care.
Most dogs have an innate need to be active and playful, while cats can groove to uncanny and malignant places without a second thought. This tendency can often result in them risking their health. You can do your well-lit research and understand what pet insurance is for preventative care. To be able to have more hushed mental space, getting pet insurance can benefit you.
Dogs need more physical attention as they cannot groom themselves like cats can
Cats are notoriously independent, but dogs like to be around people. That’s part of the reason they make great pets. But if you want a cat, you should know that it won’t be as easy to pet them as it is for dogs.
Dogs need more physical attention as they cannot groom themselves like cats can. While cats are self-sufficient, dogs require regular human interaction. If you want a dog who comes when called and enjoys romping around with the kids, then you’re going to need your fair share of dedicated time and energy into training and playing with your dog every day.
Cats don’t usually like being held or hugged unless they are kittens or puppies, so they may not enjoy cuddling sessions like dogs do. Cats also don’t tend to love being picked up or carried around because they are built differently than dogs — their center of gravity is lower than a dog’s so they don’t feel comfortable being lifted off the ground by their chest or legs and carried around like a baby.
Who is easier to train?
Dogs are easier to train than cats because they are more likely to follow a reward-based system. Cats are much more independent, and won’t always be motivated by treats or affection. However, there are some tricks that can make training your cat easier.
If you’re looking for a dog who is easy to train, look at the breed’s history. Dogs bred for companionship and protection tend to be more obedient than other breeds. Some breeds of dogs have been bred specifically for their willingness to learn new tricks and commands — such as Border Collies and German Shepherds — so they may be easier to train than other dogs.
Cats are known for being independent creatures that don’t like being told what to do. If you want a cat who will come when called or sit on command, look for a kitten who has been socialized early with people and other animals; this socialization helps develop confidence in unfamiliar situations.
Whether you’re trying to teach your pet how to walk on a leash or use the toilet, consistency is key! Try using positive reinforcement when training your pet, such as treats or praise. If your pet doesn’t respond well to positive reinforcement methods, try using punishment instead; this method can sometimes work if used properly.
So, how do we decide?
Well, to be honest, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you would like. Because different owners have different preferences. For example, display of physical affection might be a non-negotiable for one type of owner—they won’t be very inclined towards getting a cat.
Similarly, if an owner prefers their pets to be more independent and easier to maintain, then cats might be the right pet for them. As discussed in the article, cats can comfortably be left on their own, and their aloneness won’t be as visible as the dogs.
Hence, we can’t determine the answer to this question with certainty because it’s highly subjective. However, we can say that there are a number of factors that may affect how easy it is for you to pet your favorite animals. We hope this helps you to decide which animal is easier for you to pet!
