Cat or dog: which pet should you get?

I am glad to welcome you to the pages of the “Cat City” blog.

Isn't it an interesting question, who is better to have - a cat or a dog?

After all, when there is a new apartment, the daughter is growing up, and there is no pet, then the time comes to choose one.

So choose between a puppy or a dog. And how to evaluate: who is better?

Let's look at the pros and cons in the behavior and maintenance of murks and dogs. For example:

Attachment

A dog is a more faithful and devoted friend to its owner than a cat. Even feature films are made about friendship and mutual understanding between a person and a dog. These are films such as “Hachiko” or “White Bim-Black Ear”.

A large or small dog needs family and communication in the same way as people do. The pet doesn’t care where to go, where to spend the night, as long as it is with the person: to guard, protect, work. These qualities are inherent in nature. After all, the wild dog lived and lives in a pack, which makes it easier to get food and survive.

And cats are independent predators. Their sense of herd is not developed. Although, pet cats know, love and willingly communicate with the owner. But kisuli are most attached to the house in which they live. This is probably why cats are endowed with a magical gift. Popular beliefs say that cats not only absorb negative energy, but also protect the apartment and residents from evil spirits. To do this, the cat is the first to be brought into the new home.

From a scientific point of view

Science has proven that cats have better vision. And the sense of smell is a dog’s trump card. Both have excellent hearing. Much better than a human.

There are 12 laboratories around the world studying the intelligence and physiology of dogs. Nobody deals with cats to such an extent. Therefore, they remain mysterious creatures.

The life expectancy of both animals is the same. Unfortunately, only 12-17 years old. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s Murka or Sharik, loss is always difficult.

New Scientist magazine tried to find out who has more advantages in keeping a dog at home - a dog or a cat - from the point of view of scientists involved in the study of animal behavior - behaviorists and animal psychologists.

According to scientists, dogs are better than cats, although it is difficult to agree with such biased criteria, due to the obvious controversy of their assessment. In addition, dogs are more difficult to keep than cats, at least from the point of view of the need for daily walking. If scientists had considered this parameter, the score would have been equal.

Rather, a global survey of the owners of these pets living in all corners of the planet would help here. But there are no such statistics.

Who is more affectionate and gentle?

Dogs love affection and can be cuddled, caressed, and played endlessly. The pet loves close, physical contact with the owner: it will either snuggle sideways, or lick it with its tongue, or even climb onto your lap and become quiet so as not to be driven away. The animal may not leave its owner 24 hours a day. And after separation he greets with wild joy, jumping, wagging his tail.

A beauty comes to a person only when she wants to. But her caresses are gentle and pleasant: she rubs and purrs. Or maybe lick it with your tongue - wash it or “comb it”. Cats also love to crush the owner’s blanket or clothes with their paws. By doing this, they show trust and love for the owner. But he won’t let himself be squeezed by Kisul – he doesn’t like encroachments on personal freedom. Murka also meets his returning friend on the doorstep, but she does not know how to show wild dog joy.

Who to choose - a cat or a kitty

The gender of a pet greatly influences its lifestyle and behavior. Cats and kitties differ from each other just like men and women. To decide on the choice of a pet, you need to familiarize yourself with its most significant characteristics.

Most people think that a cat is more affectionate than a cat, that it is cleaner and a better hunter. The cat is lazy, does not like manifestations of tenderness, and with the arrival of spring days he completely turns into an intolerable, heart-rending meowing creature.

People have many stereotypes regarding cats

In fact, these stereotypes are easy to break. It happens that cats hunt much better than cats. You can also argue about affection. There are fluffy girls of such a nature that it is better not to touch them, and on the contrary, there are surprisingly affectionate and friendly cats. The final choice will be dictated by the heart, but it is still useful to know about the peculiarities of animal behavior depending on gender.

Continuation of the family line

If a person gets a pet for the hobby, and not for the purpose of breeding, then gender is an important aspect. By choosing a cat, you can save yourself from the unpleasant moments associated with estrus, and also not be afraid of the appearance of unplanned offspring. However, the unrealized instinct of procreation in a cat can also bring a lot of unpleasant moments. To avoid problems, the animal can be spayed or neutered.

Castration is a veterinary operation to completely remove the genital organs, including those of female cats. In castrated animals, estrus is interrupted due to the cessation of egg production. As a result, all symptoms of sexual behavior, including annoying cat “songs,” end.

When sterilizing cats, the fallopian tubes are simply tied without partial or complete removal of the internal genital organs. The ovaries and uterus remain, function and continue to produce hormones. Therefore, sterilized individuals retain both normal sexual desire and all instincts; they are able to mate, but with 100% probability they cannot bear offspring.

Sterilizing an animal has benefits not only for the owner, but also for the pet itself.

Those who are against the use of any surgical procedures on their pets need to be prepared for certain difficulties. A cat, especially one living in an apartment and deprived of the opportunity to leave it, will mark its territory. Getting rid of this “aroma” is quite difficult. A fluffy pet living in a private house solves its “male” affairs on its own, taking regular walks. For a homebody cat, owners who care about his health and their peace of mind should bring “girlfriends” themselves. If the pet is purebred, for each such date you can also receive a certain amount.

If the owner decides to allow his cat to become a mother, then he must take care in advance about the fate of her offspring. If the pet is purebred, it will not be difficult to place the kittens. With ordinary four-legged babies this is more difficult, but also possible.

Home attachment

The nature of the cat family is such that they become more attached to a certain place than to a person. Moreover, in a cat this feeling is expressed more strongly. She, like a woman, is a kind of keeper of the family hearth. The cat is more active; on occasion, he can run out onto the landing or run away completely.

Affectionateness and affection for a person

There is no consensus on the question of who is more affectionate - a cat or a kitten. Regardless of gender, pets show affection for the person they choose as their pet. They just do it differently.

Cats can be called individualists. You shouldn't expect your furry friend to constantly express his love to his owner. The period of manifestation of tenderness is short-lived, and it occurs only when the animal itself wishes it. If you try to grab a cat when he is busy with his own business, then the person will receive nothing but dissatisfaction.

The cat loves to purr, be on the owner's lap or rub against his legs. This is how she expresses her affection, while a more “selfish” cat, when performing these manipulations, usually begs for food.

Fluffy pets are sensitive to how they treat themselves. Love is responded to with devotion, and bad attitude is responded to with resentment. Noticing hostility on the part of a family member, the animal may become capricious or aggressive.

Regardless of gender, cats feel treated by their owner and respond to love with devotion.

Four-legged healers

Depression, energy deficiency, cardiovascular problems - these are the ailments for which pet fluffies are treated.

The affectionate purring of the cat, the warm soft tongue of the dog, the cheerfully wagging tail - these are living, fluffy pills for stress, tension and daytime fatigue. There is no overdose from taking such a medicine, only vitality increases.

Different sizes

Are you planning to get a puppy, but are unsure about which breed to choose? The range and variety is huge! I'm glad to have the chance to choose the dimensions of my future pet. Puppies often grow into large animals. Breeds are classified:

• large - from 60 cm in height, weighing more than 25 kg. Representatives are the Black Russian Terrier, Caucasian Shepherd, St. Bernard, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Bull and English Mastiff.
• medium - up to 60 cm tall, weighing up to 25 kg. Representatives: poodle, beagle, cocker spaniel. The group is widespread and includes hunting, medium-sized decorative, and service breeds.
• small – up to 28 cm tall, weighing less than 12 kg. Representatives: Russian Toy Terrier, Pomeranian Spitz, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Japanese Chin.

Cleanliness

Dogs on a walk are active and for them, even a puddle or mud is just fun. After playing in the company of a dog, the pet must be bathed from head to paws. Or buy protective clothing for walks, although your paws still get dirty.

If you don’t wash the dog, then all the street dirt and sand will spread across the apartment floor, sofas, and bed. And you need to walk your dog at least twice a day. And wash your paws and brush your fur the same number of times.

It is in the issue of toilet and daily walking of dogs that the biggest disadvantage of keeping lies. Imagine: day, night, bad weather, and you have to take your friend outside.

It is necessary, it is necessary, otherwise there will be an unpleasant embarrassment in the apartment.

And the little murochki are neat. We walked around, ate, and before going to bed, we licked and washed ourselves. Because they don’t like foreign smells on their fur coat and paws. For big and small things, the cats go to the litter tray. The owner only needs to keep the pot clean. Otherwise, picky beauties can go and shit in the corners.

Serve for good

There are known cases of cats being trained to massage, use the toilet, help, but nothing more. Dogs are created to serve humans, to act for the benefit of the family, team, and society. Companion animals are used in the police, search services, and medicine. Cats are found in places where food is easily obtained - near sanatoriums, shops, apartment buildings.

Cats lose interest in training immediately after receiving what they want - food. While cats are hungry, they are technically trainable. They understand what a person wants without trying to do what is required. The dog always strives to follow the command. They sincerely want to please the owner, they do not cheat, although they often expect treats and encouragement.

Price issue

Expenses for the animal start from the first day of acquaintance, this includes:

• The cost of the pet itself. The price depends on the breed and whether the animal will participate in exhibitions or in breeding.
• Cost of food. The higher the quality of the feed, the more expensive it is.
• The portioned food intake increases in direct proportion to the growth of the animal. For example, a Rottweiler eats 10 times more food than a Murka.

And if the cat is large - chausie, then it should be fed only with poultry: quail or turkey, where the daily norm is 1.5 kg.

• Clothing for walking in the cold season;
• Carrying;
• Stand with feeding bowls;

• Walking harness + leash;
• Bed;
• scratching post;
• Automatic drinker;
• Toilet tray;
• Absorbent or clumping litter
• Furminator, brushes for combing wool;
• Toys, rustling tunnels.
• Animal skin care products;
• Vaccinations and veterinary drugs;
• Veterinarian services.

And this list can only be replenished as necessary. For some people, such a list can be a big minus, for others it can be a plus. It's all about personal financial capabilities.

How to save:

1. Experts do not recommend saving on the quality of food; at least then an additional expense item will appear - vitamins, which are not needed with a good diet.
But you can save money by buying food in larger packaging - not 2 kg for a week, but 10 kilograms for a month or 20 kg at once. 4. It is worth subscribing to newsletters about promotions in stores.

What we thought:

The first step was to compile a list of everything a pet needs throughout its life and calculate the approximate quantity of all this required. To do this, we resorted to the help of experts from the Zveryushkin Gastronom pet store and a survey of owners of four-legged friends among our friends.

Next, Yandex.Market provided us with the minimum prices for pet products from the list and average prices. We calculated the cost of services for pets, such as veterinarian visits, vaccinations and haircuts, based on the price lists of several clinics and salons.

The cost of maintaining a large dog - a shepherd dog, whose average lifespan is about 12 years, a medium breed - a cocker spaniel, which lives about 14 years, and a mongrel domestic cat, the representatives of which live 17 years or longer, were compared.

To determine how much food an animal will eat over so many years, we used the average weight of the animal by breed and the recommendations of dry food manufacturers for daily consumption. So, the weight of the shepherd was 35 kg, the cocker spaniel – 12 kg, the cat – 5 kg.

List of goods and services that we evaluated - download.

Free time

Dogs need to be walked, and not for 15-20 minutes, but from one to three hours a day. Sports, service, and hunting dog breeds must receive sufficient physical activity, otherwise the animals will become a threat to apartment furniture, shoes and household items.

It is better to keep large breed pets in a private home and in a large enclosure, and not in a cramped cage, as some animal owners do.

Cats in a private house roam free on their own. In the apartment for kitties there are scratching posts, houses, educational toys, and rustling tunnels. Murki do well without outdoor walking.

Alas, during a vacation or a long business trip, you have to ask someone to feed, water, and walk your pets.

So who is better to choose for an apartment?

First of all, it all depends on the size of the apartment. If it is small, then the choice is limited in terms of dog breeds, since many varieties are large (Doberman, Shepherd, English Mastiff, Alabai) and they require a lot of free space both in the house and outside. Therefore, they are suitable only for owners of country cottages with their own territory. But there are also decorative breeds of dogs - toy terrier or chihuahua, which are suitable even for very miniature apartments. Cats also vary in size, but still do not need as much territory as dogs.

Some studies show that you should focus on your character. That is, if a person is reserved and does not like activity and company, then it is better for him to choose cats, since they, with their proud disposition, are more suitable for introverts. This cannot be said 100%, because perhaps some introvert will want to unwind and soften his character a little, so an active companion - a dog - will suit him. And an extrovert will want to relax after an active day with a cat, with whom he can be lazy and watch TV series, rather than run for a walk. Therefore, this is an individual factor.

Note! You can hold a vote between family members and ask everyone's opinion on who is better to have - a dog or a cat. There is no exact answer to the question of who is better - a dog or a cat, as previous experience also influences this

But you can conduct a kind of experiment. If you have friends, ask them for a cat or dog for a week and try to care for the animal. Then, having direct experience, you will be able to roughly focus on your preferences and answer for yourself who is better - cats or dogs. And an even better option is to have both pets (a cat and a dog), which will definitely not let the owner get bored and sad

There is no exact answer to the question of who is better - a dog or a cat, since previous experience also influences this. But you can conduct a kind of experiment. If you have friends, ask them for a cat or dog for a week and try to care for the animal. Then, having direct experience, you will be able to roughly focus on your preferences and answer for yourself who is better - cats or dogs. And an even better option is to have both pets (a cat and a dog), which will definitely not let the owner get bored and sad.

Place of residence

An animal is a family member, a friend. You also need to find a place or corner for it in the house where it will sleep. You can, of course, have your pet sleep on the bed with its owner. But if the Saint Bernard weighs 60 kg, and is more than a meter long. Inconvenient and unhygienic.

Families with small living spaces should consider this issue before purchasing a large breed puppy.

Differences between cats and dogs

Apart from differences in personality, it is important to consider that the lifestyles of animals are very different. The dog needs more care

If this is not a dwarf pet that is litter trained, it needs to be walked regularly. Even if your companion knows how to relieve himself in diapers, it is vital for him to be outside. The socialization of the pet depends on this: a well-adapted pet will feel more confident and cope with problems faster, otherwise the dog may become cowardly, afraid of everything and behave badly. The latter is expressed in an unrestrained reaction to strangers.

Dogs can play and exercise with their owner

Dogs, unlike cats, need regular exercise. If the latter rest most of the time, then the close relatives of their shaggy companions - wolves - are almost constantly on the move. Without sufficient physical activity, the dog experiences nervous tension and begins to throw out unspent energy. In most cases, this is expressed in the destruction of the house: the pet chews furniture, tears up wallpaper, bites wires, etc. The cat is more independent. She tolerates the absence of her owner more calmly and requires less attention.

Cats often pick at furniture because they need to sharpen their claws, so it's important to make sure to provide an alternative in advance.

When choosing, it is also important to take into account the financial component. The main expense item is food, unless we are talking about show animals

Food is always cheaper for dogs because they have less need for pure meat and eat more plant-based ingredients and by-products. This applies not only to the natural menu, but also to ready-made dry food. However, with larger dogs the costs may be higher. I have a cat and a Labrador at home. A cat eats 40–50 g of food per day, a Labrador retriever eats about 300–400 g. This is 6–10 times more. Even taking into account the fact that I buy holistic food for the cat and inexpensive super-premium food for the dog, the difference is colossal: it costs no more than 1,000 rubles a month to feed the former, but I spend about 4,000 rubles on my Labrador. The only saving grace is that shaggy companions tolerate diets with grains better, since they are not absolute predators.

Education and neighbors

Kisunis are running around in the apartment, playing, chasing toys. They like to be active in the early morning hours or late in the evening. The downside is that they prevent adults and children from falling asleep or wake them up early. But you can’t punish the mustachioed-striped ones, because the beauties will stop trusting and loving because of this.

Dogs can bark in the apartment. And this is already a concern for the neighbors. Therefore, dogs need to be educated and trained.

Why are cats better than dogs?

1. The cost of a kitten, an adult cat, or a cat is less than a purebred dog! Veterinary clinics will charge significantly less money for the same type of procedure. The reason is the small size of the mustachioed-striped pet.
2. Cats take up much less space in a room or house. The size allows cat people to have several pets of the mustachioed-striped type. In addition, cats are not noisy, do not damage repairs and are less likely to damage furniture, clothes and shoes.
3. A small apartment is enough for cats to be happy. They do not require space, are able to never go outside and at the same time remain the happiest creatures on the planet.
4. Does not create inconvenience with noise levels. If dogs bark so loudly that the whole house can hear, only you can hear the cat's meow.
5. They can purr. This property is given to kittens from birth. This is how they communicate with each other, in the family. People love the ability to purr when they pick up a small lump in their arms. Purring is believed to have therapeutic effects!
6. Minimum care. This even applies to animals with a pedigree and a passport. They feel calm without increased attention or special care. It is not even advisable to bathe, so as not to wash off the protective layer from the skin.
7. They hunt rodents. Cats are happy to chase even cockroaches, mosquitoes or flies. This is not a game, but an innate hunting instinct!
8. Cleaning the tray. Sometimes it’s easier to clean the litter box than to pick up the feces from the ground and put them in a bag. Action often becomes a problem for men. Flushing feces down the toilet is much easier for a squeamish person.
9. Cats wash themselves. You shouldn't bathe them several times a year. It is believed that it is worth washing a cat only in case of severe contamination. Otherwise, cats carefully lick themselves and comb their own fur.
10. In Egypt, the cat is deified. Who knows, perhaps animals actually maintain a mystical connection with the divine world. They are worth appreciating, loving and caring for.