These days many families have pets in their households. Our pets are an extension of our family tree. Deciding on the perfect furry friend to bring home can often be a difficult decision. The pets commonly found in our homes today are cats and dogs. For years, there have been debates about which species is superior. While both animals make great companions, they have different needs, personalities, and habits. These traits can be key factors for families who are determining which pet will fit best in their homes.
People who gravitate towards dogs tend to look for a pet with lots of energy and playful ways. In most cases, dogs are very outgoing with strangers and other pets. They have tendencies to be very dependent of their owners and look for lots of affection and attention. My dogs, Jasper and Benae, are always attached to my hip. Occasionally, they will follow me throughout the house and even sneak their way into my bathroom! I make sure that I set time aside within the day for walks and playtime because my dogs are very active.
Cats on the other hand are very independent creatures. They are less social and are not fond of strangers. When getting to know new people, they are very cautious before letting their guards down. Usually, they have a calm personality and need less attention. Cats can be quite loving and observant, but they tend to become bored much more easily than dogs.
Dogs need to be taken outside often. They need to be taken out at least twice a day to use the bathroom and to soak in the sun. They need to have their daily walks to stretch their legs and to breathe in the fresh outdoor air. If you are away from home for long periods of time, then you may reconsider having a dog as a pet. They will depend on you to do all their daily routines. Puppies need ongoing training, especially for potty training. This process can take months depending on the dog.
Walking a cat outside the house is not considered a necessity, even though some cats enjoy being outdoors. This is dependent on the cat’s preference. Most owners occasionally let their cats out to roam freely. Not only are cats much safer indoors, but they are perfectly fine being laid out next to a window or curled up in a sunny spot on the couch. Cats do not need to be taken outside to use the bathroom because they utilize the litter box. Their instincts tell them to bury their pee and poop which makes the litter box to appear cleaner. This process can be a lot easier than cleaning up behind your dog and less time consuming than walking your dog outside for them to handle their business.
Dogs have more grooming requirements than your usual cat. Many factors such as the coat, breed, and size can determine how often a dog needs grooming. Typically, a dog should be groomed every four to eight weeks. As a dog owner you must ensure your dog’s nails are trimmed every two months and that their ears must be cleaned regularly. This can become very costly depending on where you go and how often.
Cats spend most of their day grooming themselves, so they are considered naturally tidy animals. They are equipped with the tools to clean themselves. Their tongues are covered with tiny barbs called papillae. When a cat licks themselves, they not only get the dust off their coat, but they pull out any loose hairs as well. They use their tiny front teeth to remove fleas and ticks. These instincts help keep themselves naturally clean in between trips to the groomer.
Dogs and cats have obvious differences, but they are similar in several ways. Both animals can provide health benefits for their owners by helping to lower anxiety and decrease blood pressure. Caring for these animals can help children grow up more secure and active. They share common survival skills as well. If somehow, they were left out in the wild, they would be able to fend for themselves. From protecting themselves to hunting for food, they both retain their instincts that would help them adapt to the new habitat.
These pets can also help the with the owner’s social life. Owners typically stop to talk with each other while going on walks. Owners can also meet new people while visiting pet stores and groomers. These animals clearly differ in more ways than one, but both animals are loved equally by many people.
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Comparison of Dogs and Cats.
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