“Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us,” said Winston Churchill. Although those lines seem to put down feline pets, the legendary statesman kept a few cats in his lifetime.
This does not suggest that one is better than the other, but the cat versus dog comparison can determine which is the best pet for you.
How to Choose the Most Suitable Animal for You
Both animals have their own distinctive charm and they appeal to different people, even sparking cat versus dog debates. However, many surveys and statistics show that the canines are more popular.
In fact, in the UK, dogs are the most popular pets, with 26% of the population owning one. Cats are in the number two spot, beloved by 18% of the population.
All that considered, favouring one pet over another should not be based on popularity. It should not also be solely based on whether a cat or a dog will love you more.
What matters is which of the two suits your lifestyle, resources, availability, personality, and physical capabilities. The one that ticks most of your boxes is the pet that you should consider having.
That being said, let’s have a closer look at the notable cat and dog differences to help you pick the right furry friend for you.
1. Brainpower
According to animal behaviourist Stanley Coren, cats can learn about thirty-five words on average. Dogs “can learn 165 words; that’s equivalent to the vocabulary of a two-year-old child.”
Dogs also excel in the arenas of trainability, communication, and complexity of thought. They are easier to train and have a superior ability to learn from human activity. Overall, canines have been scientifically observed to be more intelligent than felines.
However, some may argue that cats are very clever because they can make their owners care and feed them despite giving little in return.
To the felines’ credit, they are indeed better at surviving than dogs. It appears that the solitary nature of cats did not work in their favour in terms of intelligence. As it turns out, working in groups, like dogs do, makes animals smarter.
2. Sensory Capacities
Cats excel in the vision department. They are more able to spot prey in very low light conditions.
When it comes to smell, the dogs win. The many canines working as sniffers are a testament to this fact. The canines’ sense of smell is reportedly four times better than that of cats.
There is a reason no felines are working as sniffers at airports or high-security events. However, both have a far superior sense of smell than humans.
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3. Physical Capabilities
Which one is faster? The fastest land animal on the planet is the cheetah, a large cat. Domestic cats, however, are not faster than canines, but they are not far behind.
Dogs still take the cake when it comes to endurance. Sled dogs have been known to travel long distances by foot for hours, which means they are marathoners.
Cats are more prodigious at napping, but that is probably because they are more efficient at hunting and getting food. Felines tend to sprint rather than go on a long slog like dogs are capable of doing.
When we talk about agility, cats have it in aces. They are known to land on all four feet when they fall off a high place. They have excellent balancing skills.
“I’ve seen cats that have fallen more than 32 stories and didn’t have serious fractures,” noted veterinarian Michael Garvey. “Sadly, most dogs that fall even four stories don’t survive, because they cannot compose their bodies mid-air.”
About life expectancy, cats tend to live longer, averaging 13–14 years. Some can live up to 19 years. On average, dogs live 8–10 years, depending on their size. Some canines can live as long as 15 years.
4. Independence
Cats are independent creatures and can thrive on their own. Although they require pet care like pooches, they can go about their business without needing much supervision. Since cats are solitary animals, they are the best match for people who work long hours.
If we shift the focus to the other side of the coin, there is contention whether dogs are pack animals. But it is clear that they have been successfully domesticated by humans.
Thus, many of the dog breeds in existence were bred to socialise with humans, making them more sensitive to being left alone at home compared to cats.
Trivia: Some cats (e.g., Maine Coon) have dog-like personalities, whilst some dogs (e.g., Basenji) are said to be cat-like.
5. Care Requirements
Both pets have similar equipment requirements. They both need toys, accessories, and training aids. Cats especially require litter trays, whilst dogs need leads and collars.
Feeding requirements for both types of animals depend on their size and activity level, although cats eat less than dogs.
The nutritional needs between two pets differ as well. Cat food contains more protein compared to dog food since felines are obligate carnivores, unlike canines. Protein is the main fuel of their bodies.
When it comes to house-training, cats are easier to house-train than dogs. Changing litter and cleaning cat environs should be done more frequently. Dogs, on the other hand, need much training and socialisation to adjust to their home well.
Whilst cats do not need to be bathed, the ones with long hair need to be regularly brushed. Dogs require both brushing and bathing, with the frequency depending on their coat length and activity.
Which one needs more space? Pooches need a spacious home to satisfactorily run and move around. Whilst many dog breeds are fine with living in flats, they should have access to parks and regular walks to expend their energy. Cats, on the other hand, can thrive in smaller spaces.
FAQs About Cats vs Dogs
1. Are Cats More Intelligent Than Dogs?
Dogs are observed to be more intelligent than cats. They are more adept when it comes to training, communication, and forming complex thoughts.
Their tendency to work in groups is believed to help make them smarter, unlike felines who mostly prefer to live solitary lives.
2. Are Cats Less Aggressive Than Dogs?
There are no definitive scientific findings that prove cats are less aggressive than dogs. However, aggression in cats can be just as dangerous as canine aggression. So do not take it lightly.
If your feline friend is exhibiting signs of aggression, get her checked by a veterinarian for underlying illness. If she does not have any ailments, the cause of her aggression could be due to stimuli in the environment.
3. Who Is More Friendly, Cats or Dogs?
Dogs were domesticated by humans longer than cats, making them more amenable to human companionship. However, some canine breeds developed for protection tend to be wary of people outside their family.
Thus, if you are thinking about bringing home a pooch, consider his temperament and breeding. Go for an outgoing and laid-back breed of canine if you simply want a furry friend who is people-oriented.
4. Which Is a Better Pet, a Dog or a Cat?
The answer to this question will greatly vary from person to person. For some people, having a dog resonates more with them than being a cat owner, whilst it is the other way around for others.
To choose the right pet for you, observe which animal fits best into your lifestyle. The personality and daily needs of the animal are factors to consider as well. They help you gauge whether you can take on the responsibility of caring for them throughout their lives.
Conclusion
Regardless of which side you are on in the cat versus dog debate, do your research when choosing which animal to take home. Remember that each cat and dog have unique personalities and quirks. Take time to know them first before finalising your decision to get a pet.
If you are on the fence about which pet to bring home, why not acquire both a cat and a dog? Here are some tips on how you can introduce them safely to each other.