Dogs vs. Cats

Pros of Cats

1. Cats are easy keepers and can be left on their own for a day or two (provided they have food and water) if need be, although this is not the ideal.
2. They are usually litter trained before you get them, as such they are considered “clean” pets.
3. Help control mice populations.
4. In most places cats can be acquired for free.
5. If you want to be left alone, a cat will usually understand.
6. They are small, so can be transported in a carrier easily

Cons of Cats

1. Require litter boxes, and litter.
2. Cat food is more expensive than dog food.
3. Cats have claws and tend to use them. For people who are concerned about their furniture, it is a good idea to invest in cat furniture or scratching posts, or ask about a claw protector product. Declawing is another option but the side effects may outweigh the benefits.
4. A very small risk for pregnant women, is toxoplasmosis, a parasite cats can shed once in their lifetime if exposed to it through mice. Pregnant women can simply avoid cleaning the litter box or use gloves.
5. Kittens are mischievous, for people who do not want a pet that gets into everything, an adult cat would be better.
6. Cats like to be awake at night so may be noisy.

Pros of Dogs

1. Some dogs have other talents, like guarding, or herding.
2. There are a variety of dog breeds, many different sizes, and behavioral types, to suit most situations or preferences.
3. Can be trained.
4. May give health benefits to the owners because dogs require regular walks.
5. Are excellent companions for people who like that sort of thing.
6. For people who want to be more involved with their pet, dogs are ideal, for example, agility dogs.
7. Dogs are extremely loyal.
8. A dog will curl up and go to sleep when you do.
9. A dog who knows how to play catch, can provide lots of entertainment.

Cons of Dogs

1. You cannot leave a dog home alone for long, eight hours is considered the maximum, unless you have a dog door so they can go outside to use the yard.
2. Dogs must be house trained, this may take two to four weeks.
   3.Some breeds of dogs require regular grooming, both daily brushing and haircuts every eight weeks.
3. Initial cost is usually higher.
4. Require obedience and socialization training.
   6.Spaying and neutering costs are usually higher than with cats, especially for the larger dog breeds.
5. A bite, or attack, from a strong dog can seriously hurt, or kill, a child or adult.
6. Will dig in your yard and be destructive in the home if their mental needs are not met.
7. Dogs bark and may be considered as annoying by neighbours.
8. Dogs require fencing to keep them in the yard. Yes, you can chain them up, but this often creates aggression.
9. Certain breeds are prone to health problems.

Just because there are more positives or negatives, does not make either animal better or worse than the other. Every owner situation is different.

Of course, there is nothing stopping you from getting both. Studies have shown that children who grow up in homes with more than one pet, have fewer incidences of asthma. People with pets tend to live longer, have quicker recovery times from illness, and have less depression.

This is Trillium and Poncho, no they are not my pets, the photo is from Wikimedia, used under the GNU Free license.