The Great Debate: Dogs or Cats?

Published: 10/23/2020

Are you a dog person or a cat person? It seems like a simple question, but it’s one that can immediately divide any room. 

Dogs and cats are traditional "enemies" of the pet world and it’s often impossible for pet parents to avoid getting sucked into the debate. Ask the people who love them whether canines or felines are better and they’ll start fighting like, well, cats and dogs!

So who wins? Do dogs rule and cats drool, or vice versa? Let’s look at both sides of the argument to try and solve this great debate once and for all.

6 reasons why dogs rule

Unconditional love

Your dog loves you unconditionally. ‘Nuff said. We could end the argument right there if we wanted.

Dogs simply love human companionship. It doesn’t matter what clothes you wear, what school you went to, or what mistakes you may have made in the past — your dog doesn’t care. When you’re a pet parent to a pup, you’ve got a loyal friend for life. 

Constant companionship

There’s a pretty good reason why dogs earned the nickname “man’s best friend”. No matter where you are, what you’re doing, or how you’re feeling, your pup wants nothing more than to be right by your side. 

When you’re happy your dog is happy, and is ready to run, play, explore, and cuddle with you all day long. When you’re feeling blue, they’re always there to offer a furry shoulder to cry on.

Made for fun

Although they have a deep and meaningful side, dogs always know how to let their hair down. These fur-babies sure know how to party and never take life too seriously. 

Dogs love playing with you, with other dogs, with random strangers, and even with that rock they’ve dug up from the back corner of your yard. No matter whether you’re having a great day or a terrible day, your pup always knows how to make it better.

Don’t believe us? Head to your local dog park and watch a few pups romping around. We challenge you not to smile!

They’re seriously talented (and helpful)

Our pups help us in myriad ways each and every day. Dogs are social animals, and they encourage us to be social too — how many new people (or even lifelong friends) have you met because of your pooch? Dogs also encourage us to stay active, providing a huge range of benefits for our physical and mental health.

They’ve even been shown to help with anxiety, depression, and a range of other mental health issues, so there’s a lot more to your lovable bundle of fur than you might think.

You can train them

No matter how young or old, big or small, fluffy or scruffy, any dog can be trained to do lots of things. 

Ain’t it great to have a fur-baby that can be trained to do their business outside? No dealing with nasty litter boxes for dog lovers. And have you ever tried to train a cat? Good luck with that!

Or maybe we can talk about the many wonderful and wacky things dogs can be trained to do? We’re not simply talking rolling over or playing dead, but everything from leading search and rescue operations to sniffing out drugs and even cancer. These really are amazing animals.

They come in all shapes and sizes

If variety is the spice of life, dogs are just what the doctor ordered. From Chihuahuas to Great Danes, Pugs to Irish Wolfhounds, English Sheepdogs to Mexican Hairless Dogs, the sheer range of different dogs around the world is astounding. 

And we’re not just talking in terms of appearance, as there’s a huge range of temperaments, personalities, and activity levels in dog-dom too. Whatever you’re looking for in a pet, there’s a dog out there that fits the bill perfectly.

Oh, and did we mention the whole thing about dogs offering unconditional love? Case closed.

6 reasons why cats rule

Cats are affectionate

Some people think cats are aloof and even a bit arrogant, but those people are just plain wrong. Cats are actually a whole lot more affectionate than they’re given credit for. The difference between cats and dogs is that you have to earn a cat’s affection — they don’t just hand it out for free to any old person. 

Instead, cats only let the most special people into their hearts and lives. If you can be that person for the cat in your life, you’ll be rewarded with a loving and loyal companion.

They’re low-maintenance

Dogs need lots of regular exercise, chew up toys (and your furniture), and dig up the yard. Oh, and they need baths. Cats, on the other paw, are wonderfully simple to care for.

Think about it. Cats clean themselves, they don’t need to be walked every day, and they’re not going to make a mess of your backyard. They also have much better manners — they’re not going to jump all over your guests or bark at passing cars — and studies have even shown that cats are cheaper to raise than dogs.

If you’re searching for a stress-free furry family member, choose a cat!

Cats don’t cramp your style

While dogs seem to be constantly seeking attention, cats aren’t needy creatures. They understand that every now and then you just need some “me time”, a chance to relax and unwind without being constantly asked to do things.

This independence means they’re well placed to cope with being left home alone, and that they’ll never demand too much from you as a pet parent. 

Dogs aren’t the only ones that provide health benefits

There have also been plenty of studies done into the health benefits that cats can provide to their humans. The research shows that cats can do everything from improve heart health to boost your psychological well-being.

And if you’re looking for love, cats can even make you more attractive. Now that is one very impressive talent.

They’re perfect for indoor living

If you’ve ever shared a home with a wet, stinky dog, you’ll appreciate just how wonderful cats are as indoor pets. Cats love the great indoors, and they’re excellent inside animals for several reasons. 

They’re masters of self-grooming, they know their way around a litter box, and they’re certainly a whole lot quieter than their canine counterparts. You can even rely on your kitty to rid your home of mice and other pests — what’s not to love about that!

Cats live longer

While lifespans vary between breeds, as a general rule, cats live longer than dogs. Okay, that may not be something you consider when you’re searching around for the “pawfect” pet, but you’ll appreciate every extra day you get to spend with your kitty later in life.

No matter which way you look at it, cats are just better. 

Why it doesn’t really matter

If you’re a devoted dog lover or crazy about cats, it’s highly unlikely that any of the arguments above will change your mind. And that’s okay — dogs are awesome and so are cats, so you really can’t go wrong when you welcome either of these gorgeous creatures into your heart.

But let’s remember something important: no one said you had to choose sides! It’s entirely possible to love both dogs and cats, and it’s also possible for dogs and cats to live in complete harmony. Sure, you might have your favorite, but that doesn’t have to stop you sharing your love with a cat or dog as well.

So if you’re looking for a new furry family member and you’re having trouble choosing between a dog and a cat, why not have both?