By Staff Writer: Julia Simmons
Photo Credit: Julia Simmons
If dogs are a man’s best friend, where does that leave cats? Dogs seem to be the default pet for most families, but a cat or kitten can also be a terrific addition to a household.
In my experience, cats give just as much love as a dog- they only do so differently. While a dog may meet their owner at the door, barking and jumping, a cat is usually quieter. Cats may simply look up at their owner from a pile of blankets, or they might slowly waltz over and give their owner a quick, friendly rub. Unlike an overly excited dog, cats are independent. They do not hover or cling. They will let you know when they are ready for your affection.
Cats are also fairly intelligent. A pet’s intelligence might depend on their breed, but generally, cats are just as trainable as dogs. However, because cats are independent and have their own personalities, they take more patience on the part of their human. An owner may have to work at a bond between themselves and a cat, versus an instant affection they might receive from a dog. Despite their stereotype, cats are not difficult to train. They are not stupid; humans are just lazy.
Cats are lower maintenance pets- cats clean themselves, cats use a litter box instead of the yard, cats keep spiders and moths out of the house. A dog needs regular exercise and may require daily walks, while cats can get their exercise from a few minutes of playtime indoors. Cats live a long time, they require less room to be happy, they create less mess in a home. In general, a cat is easier to care for than a dog.
I have two cats at home, and last year my partner moved in with us, along with his two large-breed dogs. I have come to love these dogs just as much as my cats, but my stance on cats being inherently better has not changed.