by Cameron Foster

Created on: July 11, 2009

The actor Danny DeVito made this comment in the motion picture "The War of the Roses": "I think dog people should marry dog people and cat people should marry cat people".

Cats are superior pets to dogs in this author's opinion for many reasons.

Dogs generally require more maintenance than cats. Dogs must be let outside several times a day to go to the bathroom unless they live outside of course. If the dog lives outside then it's dirty and going to bring fleas and pests into your home. Same problem if the canine uses a "doggie door". The dog brings the outside world inside with him. Not good!

Some dogs, but certainly by no means all, bark for long periods (or at least longer than most people want to listen to them) for no good reason.

You can't go out of town even overnight without worrying about the damn dog. Should I leave it outside where it will bark endlessly and drive the neighbors crazy or put it in an expensive kennel? Cats can be left alone for several days if they have enough food/water and clean litter when you leave. It's so much less hassle!

So it is my observation that dogs are just like little kids: a true joy but very tiring.

Where the rubber meets the road, they're just a lot more work than cats, and not necessarily for more in return.

For example, you've just moved into a new home. Give your kitty a few hours to explore, show them where the litter box and food is and (most of the time) you're done. No muss no fuss.

Cats have a reputation for being antisocial and aloof, but this is no truer than to claim that ALL dogs bark constantly. Some cats have a truly human personality, yet they're not so needy like dogs are. A cat bonds with its owner and develops delightful rituals for requesting treats, wanting you to play with her, etc. I have seen numerous cats tend to a sick owner just like a little nurse (no thermometer provided, of course)!

And there's nothing in the pet world that surpasses the feeling of having an affectionate kitty purring on your lap as you rub him!

In fact, if cats are nurtured and treated with love and patience they have been known to act a lot like the best part of dogs, such as waiting at the door for their owner, playing games with you, begging for food (so cute!) and loving on you when you're watching TV.

A great thing about cats is their intriguing nature. They love to experience new things; the key to truly enjoying a cat or cats is to not expect them to be dogs. They won't wear you like a dog, unless you have a truly unusual feline. But they will without a doubt let you know they love you, and they will enjoy your company.

A dog is certainly a better pet as a companion to share activities outside the home with, because cats are not "pack" animals.

Have you ever seen someone walk a cat?

However, cats are far better if you desire an indoor furry friend.

Learn more about this author, Cameron Foster.
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