Many people seek pets for their companionship, as they can provide unconditional love and care. According to Industrial Trends and Stats, 2 million households in the U.S. own a pet; 58 million households own a dog, making it the most popular pet, followed by 40 million households who own a cat. However, this ratio doesn’t just apply to the U.S., as cats and dogs are the most common domestic pets in many countries around the world.
“Cats vs. Dogs” has been a common debate for ages.
However, there is no debate: cats are better than dogs as pets.
Initially, cats are considered to be more affordable than dogs because of their lower maintenance needs and smaller size. As ValuePenguin reported, pet owners, on average, will spend about $1,248 a year taking care of their dogs and $836 a year on cats. Dogs are generally considered more expensive than cats because they require more food, frequent vet visits, regular professional grooming, and additional training like obedience classes. On the other hand, cats require less food and only need occasional brushing, and vet visits for cats are less costly than dogs.
Furthermore, cats have lower maintenance than dogs. Dogs require more exercise, training, grooming, and attention compared to cats. Dr. Vint Virga, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and author of The Soul of All Living Creatures, says as a general rule, dogs should get at least 2 hours of dedicated social time either with humans or other dogs on a daily basis. Cats are fine on their own for long periods of time and can entertain themselves.
Moreover, there are more stray cats on the streets than dogs. ASPCA reports that each year, about 920,000 animals in shelters are euthanized, and around 530,000 of them are cats. Many of the stray and feral cats that enter these shelters have no identification, leaving them lost and forgotten, unable to reunite with the families they once knew. The stressful environment of the shelter also makes them scared and withdrawn, making it nearly impossible for them to connect with potential adopters.
Some believe that cats are far less affectionate than dogs. Karen Hiestand, a vet and trustee of International Cat Care, states that cats are the only asocial animals that have been domesticated, and all other domesticated animals have social bonds with others of their kind. This independence is often seen as aloofness or selfishness. However, cats are just as friendly and affectionate as dogs but show affection differently than humans and other pets, especially dogs. According to the Spruce Pets, cats express love by purring, rubbing their heads against you (bunting), and rolling over on their backs.
When thinking about a pet, it’s important to consider lifestyle, needs, and preferences. Someone who’s looking for a more affordable and lower-maintenance pet might want to choose a cat over a dog. Someone who’s looking for a “child” to care for and a companion to take on adventures with might look for a dog.
Visit a local shelter today and find out how a cat or dog can make life better.
Works Cited
Davis, Maggie. “Average Spending per Pet Household Estimated to Be $1,733 in 2024, Led by Vet Costs.” ValuePenguin, 24 June 2024, www.valuepenguin.com/pet-spending-study.
“Dirty Dogs: Homes With Pooches Loaded With Bacteria.” NBC News, 22 May 2013, www.nbcnews.com/healthmain/dirty-dogs-homes-pooches-loaded-bacteria-6c10036529.
Dowling, Stephen. “Why Do We Think Cats Are Unfriendly?” BBC, 27 Aug. 2024, www.bbc.com/future/article/20191024-why-do-we-think-cats-are-unfriendly.
“Industry Trends and Stats.” American Pet Products Association, americanpetproducts.org/industry-trends-and-stats.
Kearl, Mary. “Alone Time for Dogs: How Much Is Too Much?” American Kennel Club, 31 Jan. 2024, www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/alone-time-dogs-how-much/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CSome%20dogs%20will%20do%20better,the%20course%20of%20the%20day.
“Pet Statistics.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics.
Shojai, Amy. “How Do Cats Show Affection?” The Spruce Pets, 25 Oct. 2024, www.thesprucepets.com/how-cats-show-love-553978.
