by David O'Brien

Created on: July 07, 2009   Last Updated: July 08, 2009

It is much easier to answer who is better, than to ask who must go if ever faced with that decision. Gladly I have always loved both creatures, even after including the flaws which come with ownership. To think of it as a friendship is better I believe. I cannot avoid the question any longer, the Cat is the better pet. That was hard to write, but true in my heart.

The reason for more attention in the life of a dog, makes for more reward in less time. We all like the love our animals give us, but the dog devotes so much effort toward the leader of his pack. When both partners can receive equal- or near equal attention, a nice environment is in place. Meanwhile, somewhere in the background, lays the tired labored feline, begging for no disruption. Later will come the time of need, when the time clock has shifted to the real boss of routine. Independently these clean freak creatures, who constantly groom each part of their body, maintain where they stand within the household. I feel that cats can adapt to a change in the environment, without to much commotion, compared to a dog.The possession of territory is clearly more to do with the K-9 instincts. Time will eventually cure any settling issues.

When it comes to being around children, the Cat again is the better pet. Most dogs are great around children, just the mire size is sometimes an issue. A cat will rarely extract it's claws, when just prowling on or near a crib. Cats do seem be more curious of babies, but the dogs are almost jealous of the attention they are not receiving. The dog will only be lonely until the child starts to become a fan, up close.

Feeding the cat is also very easy to do, in comparison to that of a dog. When it comes to going out of town, and your not sure if the dog is gonna come or not, the cats are good up to three days on there own. Ample food placed out, or better yet, an auto feeder, provides them all they need while being gone. If more than a three day getaway, a friend can stop in every few days to check up. A dog is more trouble usually. Finding a good kennel seems to be the choice of many a travelers. Many places wont allow pets. Dealing with these issues can raise difficult situations.

The final factor in my mind relates to the love of a cat or a dog. The life span of a cat is nearly double that of a dog, and creates a longer bond to be established. I do feel the dog provides plenty of weight in this question, but to have our pets longer tends to be the memory of the ones we loved through our years.

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