{"id":982,"date":"2020-05-31T18:12:05","date_gmt":"2020-05-31T17:12:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=982"},"modified":"2022-01-04T15:18:26","modified_gmt":"2022-01-04T15:18:26","slug":"cats-vs-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cats-vs-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Cats vs Dogs: The Ultimate Pet Showdown!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The question of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cats vs. dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and which is the ultimate pet has hounded dog devotees and feline fanciers for centuries. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you had to decide on only one, which would you choose? <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a real conundrum. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both species make excellent pets. They both love owners to a fault and bring joy and happiness in their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">make this tough decision a little easier, check out some of the areas and ways in which cats and dogs differ the most, and you be the judge of who makes a better companion.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='which-is-more-popular-cats-or-dogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which Is More Popular, Cats or Dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[visualizer id=&#8221;1739&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Americans are a nation of pet lovers. In fact, more than half the country owned a pet in 2018. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, they seem to prefer cats to dogs. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stats show that <a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cat-statistics\/\">94.2 million felines were living in US households<\/a> last year and 89.7 million dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This puts cats in first place and dogs ranking second among the most popular pets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='caring-for-kitties-and-pups'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caring for Kitties and Pups<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a pet is a huge responsibility. Your furry companions need food, toys, and exercise, but they need love and attention above all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='who-needs-more-stuff-a-cat-vs-a-dog%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who Needs More Stuff, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat vs.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats don\u2019t need much to be happy. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To welcome a feline into your home, you need to provide a food and water bowl, a litter box, maybe a few toys, and a scratching post. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although the latter is unnecessary, the cat will find its own (most likely your furniture).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs need a collar, a leash, and a dog bed or dog house (if your pet lives outside), in addition to water and food bowls, chew toys and treats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Generally, it all comes down to how obsessed you will become with your beloved pet and how much stuff you will buy them. The basics are about the same, though.<\/p>\n<h3 id='dog-versus-cat-feeding-habits'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog Versus Cat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feeding Habits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[visualizer id=&#8221;1986&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although both adult cats and dogs should be fed once or twice a day, canines eat considerably more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A medium-size dog should eat around 1 cup (8 ounces) of food, while felines eat just under 1 cup (6 ounces) a day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The feeding habits of kittens and puppies also differ. While kittens are fed twice a day, puppies eat three to four times in a day, usually half a cup per feeding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>With that said, cats take the medal with less money spent on food than dogs.<\/p>\n<h3 id='grooming-needs-who-needs-more-pampering'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grooming Needs: Who Needs More Pampering?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, a cat is the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">easiest pet to take care of<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Felines tend to clean and groom themselves and don\u2019t usually need the help of humans. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exception is long-haired cats, which are a human creation, not a natural one. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They should be brushed and bathed regularly to keep their coats shiny and silky and to avoid potential skin issues. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some owners choose to declaw their felines, although most animal activists and many owners are <a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cat-statistics\/\">against such procedures<\/a>. Trimming the nails is acceptable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike cats, dogs need more regular baths, brushings, and haircuts. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">felines and canines <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">can get ear infections. Still, dogs are more prone to this issue, so routine cleaning is necessary to avoid chronic ear diseases.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='who-needs-more-attention%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who Needs More Attention?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats demand less attention. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By their very nature, felines are independent and prefer to be left to their own devices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It might make them a bit aloof, but a cat that respects your personal space could be just what you need after a long day or when you\u2019re expecting guests.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another point for felines in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dogs versus cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> battle is that kitties can be left alone for longer. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It isn\u2019t unusual for cats to develop separation anxiety when they aren\u2019t with their human for a few days. Still, more often than not, they\u2019ll act as if nothing has happened. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still, this can vary <a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/most-popular-cat-breeds\/\">depending on the breed<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same is not true for dogs. Some breeds of canines will start to howl or bark even if they\u2019re left alone for just an hour or so.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, there\u2019s a good chance your <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pet dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will try to nip at your feet and ankles when it wants attention, not to mention jumping and drooling all over you or your visitors. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs have the best intentions. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After all, they\u2019re merely showing joy and love, but their constant need for attention can be annoying at times.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And it\u2019s not only our attention they need. Dogs require exercise and plenty of it. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking your pup for a walk once or twice a day may be fun, but sometimes it can be a chore you simply don\u2019t have the energy to do.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='who-lives-longer-cats-or-dogs'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who Lives Longer, Cats or Dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another win for felines. Domestic cats usually live 12\u201319 years, whereas dogs have an average lifespan of 8 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many factors determine how long pets live. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With dogs, it mostly depends on their size. For instance, a Great Dane can live up to 8 years, while a Miniature Poodle can live for as long as 15 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With cats, it varies depending on where they live. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Outdoor cats have a much shorter lifespan than domestic felines\u2014they usually live for fewer than 5 years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='which-is-better-to-live-with-cats-or-dogs%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which Is Better<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to Live with, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats or Dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you get a pet, you\u2019re in it for the long run. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That means making certain sacrifices and changes in your day-to-day life. But which species is easier and better to live with?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='cats-and-dogs-which-needs-less-space'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats and Dogs: Which Needs Less Space?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well, seeing as cats are smaller, the obvious answer would be felines. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats can fit in small apartments, and they don\u2019t need yards to run around in. They\u2019re perfectly content to watch the world while sitting perched on a windowsill instead of interacting with humans and other animals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cats are better than dogs <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">when it comes to sharing a bed or a sofa. Even if you have two furry felines, there\u2019s still room for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs, especially big dogs, take up a lot of space and need a lot of room. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canines are playful creatures who love walking, running, jumping, and fetching, and for that, they need a big backyard or at least a nearby park. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They wouldn\u2019t be happy or healthy cooped up in a tiny apartment with no room to exercise.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='are-cats-or-dogs-smarter'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are Cats or Dogs Smarter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For all the research performed, there\u2019s still no straightforward answer to this question.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fnana.2017.00118\/full\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2017 study published in <em>The Frontiers in Neuroanatomy<\/em><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> found that dogs had more cortical neurons in the brain, 530 million, as opposed to 250 million in cats (humans have 16 billion). <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These neurons, scientists say, are linked to cognitive processes, planning, and complex behavior. All of which are considered to be signs of intelligence.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does this mean that cats aren\u2019t intelligent? And is this a definitive conclusion that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dogs are more intelligent than cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Probably not, as experts say that it\u2019s not acceptable to use human standards to measure the intelligence of two species very different from us and from each other. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It would be like cats or canines comparing the human brain to that of a hamster.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For all it\u2019s worth to cat fanciers, dogs may have more neurons, but felines are better equipped at living alone. They can manage more efficiently without the help of humans than dogs can.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='dogs-vs-cats-who-is-easier-to-train'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs vs. Cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Who Is Easier to Train?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even cat lovers will agree that dogs are much easier to train than felines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being pack animals, dogs are used to following a leader, which makes obeying commands from the alpha something they\u2019re born with. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, dogs are so eager to please their owners that they\u2019ll take in all the training and reinforcement commands you teach them. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That being said, not all dogs are the same. Like German Shepherds or Poodles, some breeds are more trainable than others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the best-known <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">facts about dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is that they can have jobs. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pups can learn how to do more than just sit or roll over. In addition to hunting, retrieving, herding, drug-sniffing, and even fishing, canines are also used as guide dogs for people with disabilities. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some even work for police officers or are employed by the army.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, Cats are their own (and your) boss. It\u2019s not that cats can\u2019t be trained. It\u2019s that they don\u2019t want to be. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some things a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pet cat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ca<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">n learn, like how to respond to its name or even how to walk on a leash, but it takes a lot more work and even more patience than it does with dogs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The approach to training is different too. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs can be trained in groups and usually will learn new commands in a short time. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cat training sessions should be shorter but more regular. Felines have longer memories than dogs, so if you try hard and long enough, you might teach your cat some tricks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One thing both <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dogs and cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> h<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ave in common is their love of treats as a sign of a job well done.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='house-training%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">House Training\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs may respond better to learning basic commands, but felines are the winners when it comes to house training.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For kitties, using the litter box comes intuitively. Most owners find that it only takes showing them the box once or twice before they start using it on their own. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs, however, need more patience and positive reinforcement before learning how to communicate that they need to go potty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='which-species-is-cleaner'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which Species Is Cleaner?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether it\u2019s down to nutrition, anal gland issues, or wet fur, or even if they were simply born that way, dogs smell. And that\u2019s an undeniable fact. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats, however, rarely emit unpleasant odors. Of course, do keep in mind that their urine is quite stinky. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether it&#8217;s marking their territory or simply getting you back for scolding it about not using their scratching post, if they do miss the litterbox, it takes some elbow grease to get rid of the smell.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speaking of cleanliness, dogs do their business outside, meaning owners have to scoop up dog poop in all kinds of weather regularly. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Litter boxes might be a little disgusting, but they\u2019re definitely easier to handle than a small plastic bag.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='noise-levels'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Noise Levels<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canines are more vocal than cats. Not only do they bark, but their bark can be pretty loud and frequent. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kitties purr and meow, but this is considered cute and adorable\u2014and a sign of true love between cat and human.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having said that, there are some breeds of dogs, like the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newfoundland or Shar-Pei, that are very quiet. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, some cat breeds\u2014we\u2019re looking at you Siamese\u2014can be pretty vocal,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and even worse, they tend to initiate a conversation with you in the middle of the night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='facts-on-health-benefits'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on Health Benefits<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Science backs up claims that cats can actually improve their owners\u2019 health. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Felines are known to reduce stress and thus lower risks of heart disease, allowing you to live a longer, more relaxed life. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On top of that, their purring has been proven to heal bones, tendons, and muscles. It has even shown positive results in improving joint mobility following an injury. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They can even help you sleep better by being the purr-fect cuddle buddy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats are great for your social life, too. Comparing <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dogs vs. cats, facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> indicate that cat people are more socially active and trusting than non-pet owners. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What\u2019s more, a staggering 90% of single women said that they found men who own cats to be nicer and more caring than other guys. So if you can\u2019t seem to get a girlfriend, you might consider getting a cat!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs also offer many health benefits. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They promote a healthy lifestyle because of their need to be walked and kept active at all times. Having a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/pet-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog as<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> means regular walks, which not only keep canines happy but are also crucial for their health. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike a gym membership, walking your dog isn\u2019t something you can put off or just cancel. Plus, it\u2019s a great cardio workout.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs love to exercise, and they will make you love it too. Whether hiking, cycling, or simply taking a stroll, canines are great companions and motivators for owners of all ages. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In fact, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a study<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat owners vs. dog owners <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/time.com\/5028171\/health-benefits-owning-dog\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shows that canine parents live longer<\/a> and healthier lives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also shows that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mnn.com\/family\/pets\/stories\/6-medical-conditions-that-dogs-can-sniff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">pups can actually save people\u2019s lives<\/a> by detecting certain diseases, such as cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both cats and canines are great at offering comfort. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many sad or grief-stricken people say that talking to their pets has made them feel better. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe it\u2019s the fact that they don\u2019t judge, or perhaps their cuddly and warm nature provides the perfect therapy. Who knows? The point is it works.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who wins? Let\u2019s just call this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog vs. cat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> round <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a tie.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='fluffy-or-fido-who-causes-allergies'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluffy or Fido: Who Causes Allergies?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three in ten Americans suffer from pet allergies, and people are <a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/allergy-statistics\/\">twice as likely to be allergic<\/a> to cats than dogs. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although some think that hairless cat breeds, like the Sphynx cat, will protect them from allergic reactions, they\u2019re mistaken because it\u2019s not just cat fur that causes a reaction. The allergens can be found in the feline\u2019s skin, saliva, and urine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, research on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dogs and cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> suggests that children exposed to four-legged, furry friends from an early age are less likely to develop allergies in adulthood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='which-pets-are-more-adaptable-felines-or-canines'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which Pets Are More Adaptable, Felines or Canines?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No one likes change, but dogs seem to cope much better in new situations, such as when introduced to new pets or people in the house. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is probably because dogs tend to bond with people more than places. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And for that reason, most <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog facts<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> show, they don\u2019t mind moving to a new house or even traveling long distances. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As long as they\u2019re with their owners, pups are over the moon. Of course, some canines might display anxiety, but chances are, if you\u2019re calm and collected, your dog will be too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in the environment don\u2019t go down well with cats. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Felines are not as trusting, and they need a lot more time than dogs to adapt to new surroundings.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='what-about-damage-around-the-house'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What About Damage Around the House?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog and<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can display destructive behavior. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With their sharp claws, felines can cause some severe damage to furniture, or they can knock over expensive vases and ornaments while they\u2019re perching on shelves and bookcases. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And there\u2019s little you can do to stop it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canines are different. Sure, dogs can chew your shoes or the legs of the kitchen table, but proper training soon takes care of that. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plus, it\u2019s usually puppies teething that do most of the chewing around the house. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> responds very well to its owners. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As all canine lovers know, a stern voice and an angry look will get the dog to immediately stop what it\u2019s doing. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try this with cats, and you will be ignored entirely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='which-is-more-useful-to-have-in-the-house'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which Is More Useful to Have in the House?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats can keep your home clear of rodents and pests, both through their scent and hunting ability. And that\u2019s about all they can help you with.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In terms of usefulness, there\u2019s only one winner in this part of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cats vs. dogs debate<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014and it\u2019s dogs. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of their size and personality, all canines have the urge to protect their family and house. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even the smallest dog breeds show a lot of courage when faced with threats. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some will growl to alert you to the presence of intruders. Others will outright attack a burglar, but most commonly, thieves will be deterred from entering a house at the sight of a large dog or even just the sound of barking. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since cats typically run and hide at the first sign of danger, the point goes to dogs in this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dogs vs. cats <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">category.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='which-pet-is-more-affordable'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which Pet Is More Affordable?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>[visualizer id=&#8221;1992&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This one goes to cats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estimates show<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that the <a href=\"https:\/\/finance.yahoo.com\/news\/cost-more-cats-dogs-save-153027096.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">average initial cost of owning a cat is around <\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$365, plus about $809 in recurring expenses throughout each year. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, a small dog will immediately cost approximately $470, while annual bills are $740. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meanwhile, large dogs will initially cost $560, and you can expect to pay $1,040 a year. Experts advise owners to be prepared to spend much more than these amounts, though.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, running the numbers on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cats vs. dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> indicates that felines are the more affordable pet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='personality%c2%a0'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Personality\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last but not least, your pet\u2019s temperament should match your own and your family\u2019s. Otherwise, it will be tough to get along.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='who%e2%80%99s-more-fun-loving'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who\u2019s More Fun-loving?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats are undoubtedly funny, especially when they\u2019re up to their usual shenanigans (see cat videos). Still, there are only so many things you can do with your cat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs, however, are huge fans of interactive games. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tug-of-war, fetch, tag, playing with other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dogs and cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (although cats might see it as something other than fun), canines will jump at the chance to play with all four feet. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re someone who wants a pet that will do more than just sit there and cuddle from time to time, dogs are the right fit for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='which-species-is-more-loyal'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which Species Is More Loyal?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well, this is an easy one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats may bond with their humans and even miss them when they\u2019re gone, but in terms of loyalty, dogs are the ultimate winners in this <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dog vs. cat<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> debate. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canines will follow their owner anywhere, come running every time they\u2019re called even if they\u2019re sound asleep, and protect their family at all costs. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After all, there\u2019s a reason why dogs, and not cats, are \u201cman\u2019s best friend.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some take issue with this kind of unconditional devotion and prefer pets who show their affection when they want to, rather than when you ask them to. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re one of these people, you would be much happier with a feline in your home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='how-are-cats-and-dogs-alike'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Are Cats and Dogs Alike?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs may look different\u2014after all, they come in <a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/most-popular-dog-breeds\/\">all shapes and sizes<\/a> (just look at a Yorkie and a Saint Bernard)\u2014whereas cats are more or less the same size (except the Maine Coon).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nevertheless, dogs and felines have a lot in common. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For one thing, their bodies function pretty much the same: they both have fur, they both eat the same kind of food, and both of them scavenge and hunt for their meal\u2014not that domesticated pets need to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">similarities between cats and dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include their love of humans (some more than others) and the fact that both are territorial animals, often marking certain boundaries to ward off other animals.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='faq'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id='what-are-the-benefits-of-having-my-cat-or-dog-spayed-or-neutered'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the benefits of having my cat or dog spayed or neutered?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spaying or neutering your pets will protect them from developing diseases later in life. It will also stop them from behaving aggressively and running off. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs can be fixed <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">after eight weeks of age, while a cat should be at least four months old.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='why-do-cats-and-dogs-eat-grass'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why do cats and dogs eat grass<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You might see your pets eat some pretty disgusting things, and grass won\u2019t be the worst of them. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One theory as to why pets eat grass is that they\u2019re trying to get rid of intestinal parasites. Another is that eating grass and various plants will help them vomit. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever the reason, it\u2019s more common for dogs to eat grass than it is for cats. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still, even if you only have cats, you should be careful about using fertilizers and pesticides in your garden\u2014or at least try to use non-toxic ones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='why-do-cats-and-dogs-fight'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why do cats and dogs fight<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For many kitties and pups, it\u2019s merely because of how they\u2019re hardwired. Dogs will always see cats as prey and chase after them, and cats will always perceive dogs as a threat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the \u201coriginal\u201d fight started over food. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As cats moved into people\u2019s homes and sort of domesticated themselves, they took over what was formerly canine territory. It is more or less when they started arguing over the scraps of food given out. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hence the expression, \u201cfighting like cats and dogs.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='is-it-possible-for-cats-and-dogs-to-get-along-with-each-other'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it possible for cats and dogs to get along with each other?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s best to start when they&#8217;re small when it comes to figuring out <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to make cats and dogs get along<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When they\u2019re younger, cats and dogs go through a socialization period to learn how to behave. This is the best time to teach them how to coexist without too much trouble.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This period lasts for about 12 weeks for puppies, while it\u2019s shorter for kittens, at 4\u20138 weeks. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If they are older, it\u2019ll be up to you to teach them how to become friends.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When introducing your cat to a new puppy, or vice versa, pay close attention to your body language. D<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and cats <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">are super sensitive and can easily pick up on your fear or other emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='bottom-line'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many things set cats and dogs apart. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs wag their tails, and cats headbutt you to show affection. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canines want to be with you., while cats like to be left alone. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs love the outdoors, while felines are perfectly happy inside. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dogs go with the flow, and kitties do their own thing. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no easy winner in the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cats vs. dogs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> showdown, as owning either comes with its pros and cons. In the end, the best solution might be to just have one of each.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What are the benefits of having my cat or dog spayed or neutered?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Spaying or neutering your pets will protect them from developing diseases later in life. It will also stop them from behaving aggressively and running off.\\n\\nDogs can be fixed after eight weeks of age, while a cat should be at least four months old.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why do cats and dogs eat grass?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You might see your pets eat some pretty disgusting things, and grass won\u2019t be the worst of them.\\n\\nOne theory as to why pets eat grass is that they\u2019re trying to get rid of intestinal parasites. Another is that eating grass and various plants will help them vomit.\\n\\nWhatever the reason, it\u2019s more common for dogs to eat grass than it is for cats.\\n\\nStill, even if you only have cats, you should be careful about using fertilizers and pesticides in your garden\u2014or at least try to use non-toxic ones.\u00a0\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Why do cats and dogs fight?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"For many kitties and pups, it\u2019s merely because of how they\u2019re hardwired. Dogs will always see cats as prey and chase after them, and cats will always perceive dogs as a threat.\u00a0\\n\\nHowever, the \u201coriginal\u201d fight started over food.\\n\\nAs cats moved into people\u2019s homes and sort of domesticated themselves, they took over what was formerly canine territory. It is more or less when they started arguing over the scraps of food given out.\\n\\nHence the expression, \u201cfighting like cats and dogs.\u201d\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is it possible for cats and dogs to get along with each other?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"It's best to start when they're small when it comes to figuring out how to make cats and dogs get along.\\n\\nWhen they\u2019re younger, cats and dogs go through a socialization period to learn how to behave. This is the best time to teach them how to coexist without too much trouble.\\n\\nThis period lasts for about 12 weeks for puppies, while it\u2019s shorter for kittens, at 4\u20138 weeks. If they are older, it\u2019ll be up to you to teach them how to become friends.\\n\\nWhen introducing your cat to a new puppy, or vice versa, pay close attention to your body language. Dogs and cats are super sensitive and can easily pick up on your fear or other emotions.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s no easy winner in the cats vs dogs showdown, as owning either comes with pros and cons. Read our article and make your choice, or just get one of each! [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cats-vs-dogs\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from Cats vs Dogs: The Ultimate Pet Showdown!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":986,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-982","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/982","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=982"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/982\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/986"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=982"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=982"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=982"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}