Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat?

Title endorsed in part by:

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

Results so far:

Dog		62%	2590 votes	Total: 4157 votes
Cat		38%	1567 votes	Total: 4157 votes

Dog

4 of 207

Dogs definitely take the cake as the best pet. Some may find this debatable. To those individuals I say: We live by a different set of values. If loyal, obedient, playful, and sociable are characteristics that you value, then you probably agree with me and are a dog person. If independent, aloof, proud, and arrogant are characteristics that you value, then you are probably a cat person. Let me further explain my beliefs.

When I was still single I thought adopting a pet would be a good way to spend some of my leisure time, so I adopted a cat. I quickly discovered the fault to my reasoning. Like any proud new pet owner, the first thing I did was purchase food, treats, and toys for the new addition to my family. Unfortunately, the cat snubbed her perfect little nose at the toys I had purchased. I tried motorized mice, jingle balls, balls suspended from posts, and a multitude of other toys that promised a delightful time for my feline. Nothing worked; therefore, I conceded to the notion that my cat was a dud. Imagine my surprise when I returned home one afternoon to find the cat attacking my new curtains with zeal! The curtains were sheer and flowing, and seemed to only display minimal resistance as her claws sliced through them. Oh, what a time she had!

In contrast, destruction of property was never a problem with my dog. He was always eager to play with his own toys. He cannot contain himself when I grab his leash. He is thrilled to take a walk, go for a jog, or go play in the park. He loves to fetch, and is always up for a lively game of chase. Additionally, he has thoroughly worn out all of his toys; however, my curtains do not seem to interest him. Hmmm

Another characteristic that I admire is loyalty. My dog is continuously loyal. He can be scolded, and wag his tail with fervor the next minute. He forgives so easily. He is always happy to see me. He wants to rest his head on my lap whenever we watch TV, ride in the car when we go somewhere, and sleep curled up beside me at night. I cannot say that for the last feline that shared my home. The cat would hold a grudge for days if she felt mistreated. Often, the cat seemed happier in another room than joining me. It was almost as if she thought I was only a roommate renting a room in her home. I constantly wondered what I had done to annoy her.

It seems to me that dogs have mastered the English language, or at least the important words: Let's go, dinner, come here, sit, stay, down, off, etc. Yet, my cat only caught on to dinner time. Hmmm

My dog is not picky. He eats anything and everything that I offer. He is eating the same food that was originally selected for him. The cat, on the other hand, required a different brand every other week. I gave away more food that my feline had categorized as below her high standards than I care to mention.

As a former cat owner, I have been converted. I appreciate all of my dog's winning characteristics. He is pleasant and requires little from me, but offers an abundant amount of love and affection in return. I cannot say that for the feline who has now resided with my mother-in-law for several years due to my husband's allergies. They seem to understand each other better than I ever could as they share some of the same personality traits!

Learn more about this author, Bonnie Thomas.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Cat

4 of 150

by Tessa Winters

Picture this- the warm summer afternoon sun is pouring through the uncovered window, gracefully falling across what at first glance seems to be the worlds softest cushion. On noticing the scrutiny, the cushion raises its head and glares at you with a nobility that even Cleopatra could never achieve. After a long calculating look the cat decides that its human can take care of itself for a little while longer, and resumes his sleep. Such a purr-fect picture of tranquility that for a time stress and worry seems to fall away under its spell.

Its futile to fight like cats and dogs over cats and dogs, the decision of superiority is based entirely on personal preference. My personal preference is the cat, I grew up with cats, have shown cats at cat shows, and find myself in close friendship with like-minded "cat-people".

There are two reasons which I can deduce for my partiality; independence and manageability.

Very early on in life a kitten will realize that humans are like employees whose presence they will choose to tolerate. The currency we trade often turns in a cat's favor; in return for a bowl of food and a semi-consistently clean litter tray, they will grant their human the honor of their presence in a game or a cuddle (of course played or cuddled as the cat desires). A cat will keep itself clean, and well-groomed; with the exception of the times a human will have a brain-nap and endeavor to take this on themselves, cat's do not require or desire human intervention in cleanliness. A cat is wonderful for those who cannot find the time or are not capable of going outside with a cat, they can be kept indoors quite happily their entire life!

It is not uncommon when going to a house where a dog lives to find an "off limits" section of the back yard. We all know what goes on there. Personally, I find this to be something of a nuisance, then again, I am a cat person. Cat owners have been spoiled, it is remarkably easy to scoop up the undesirables and toss. The "off limits" area in my house is about 1.5' by 2', making cats ideal for small properties.

Cats personify the natural, playful sophistication that most people spend their whole lives trying to achieve. When I see a cat I am in awe of its beauty, poise, and energy; Cats can purr so softly it can put a playful toddler to sleep, or play so vigorously that it can make a weary person forget to sleep.

Both cat lovers and dog lovers will argue that their animal of choice is more endearing than the other, better with children than the other, nicer than the other, and the list goes on. In the end, of course, it depends almost entirely on the exact animal. Each animal is complete with its own set of characteristics and personality quirks which makes it the ideal pet for its human.

Of course some people have to wait until they meet their ideal cat to understand this.

This article was written on behalf of my cat.

Learn more about this author, Tessa Winters.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.