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If you're trying to decide whether a dog or a cat would make a better pet, the first question is to ask yourself whether YOU would make a better dog-owner or a better cat-owner. I currently belong to both clubs, and although I prefer dogs I can understand how they might not be the best pet for everyone.

The first thing to consider is the amount of time you have to spend with your pet. Got a job that requires you to work for oh, at least 8 hours a day? For your cat...no problem. For your dog? Big problem. Although most dogs learn to adapt to their humans lifestyle, they are by nature companion animals, and generally thrive on having you nearby. Also, there's that pesky issue of having to go outside to go to the bathroom. Cats, on the other hand, use litterboxes and often don't seem to mind being alone all day. In fact, if you're home they might find you to be quite annoying. If you have the type of lifestyle in which you go away overnight a lot, a cat may be a better choice. Once grown, cats can often be left alone for a few days thanks to the miracle of self feeders. And, cats are often fine without their owners. For long absences, such as a vacation, a cat's requirement may just be a friend stopping in every few days to scoop the litter box and replenish the food and water. Dogs, on the other hand, are pack animals that generally need frequent human contact to be happy. Plus, they need to be let outside to go the bathroom several times a day. Leaving a dog for an extended period of time usually means checking them into a boarding kennel, taking them to a friend's house, or having a pet-sitter come multiple times a day.

You should also consider your emotional expectations when trying to figure out which species makes a better pet. Dogs are much more engaging, much more likely to lick your face when you're sad and run around excitedly with you when you're happy. They're always eager to go anywhere that you go, whether it be on a long walk or just to the next room. Cats, on the other hand, tend to be a little bit more aloof. If they like you, and want to curl up on your lap, they will, but most cats aren't going to just drop everything they're doing to come snuggle with you the way a dog will. (Of course, the dog probably won't be doing anything besides focusing on you, his favorite thing in the whole world.)

Even though every animal comes with their own personality, dogs can often be molded to fulfill the needs we have of them, whether it be as a hunting companion,

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