Which pet do you prefer? Cats or Dogs?

Canines have unique nose-prints, are super social, and pants to cool down. Whiskers that navigate surroundings, ears that can hear sounds up to 64kHz, and scratches up your couch without a care in the world, now that’s your ordinary household cat. Dogs vs. Cats. Who’s actually better?

Cats

Cats originate from the felix sylvestris lybica, and are owned by 29% of American households. They need around 20-30 minutes to undivided attention each day, depending on the breed. Kittens typically need three meals a day, while ages six months and older do fine with one to two. Cats need two meals of wet food per day. Taurine should also be in their diets, as it’s critical for them to maintain good health. Cats should always have access to clean water, and it should be changed at least two times a day. They also need a litterbox, litter, a carrier, toys, a scratching post, and a comfortable (preferably high) place to sleep. 

Additional facts about cats:

• Cats spend around 70% of their lives sleeping (13-16 hours per day)

• Egyptians used to worship and own cats, thinking they were gods taken in the cats’ form. And when their pet cats died, they would shave off their eyebrows in mourning

• A cat can jump up to five times their height, and can run up to 30mph over short distances

• Grapes and raisins are poisonous to cats, as they can result in kidney failure, and lethargy

• Cats have 32 muscles in each ear, allowing them to rotate each ear independently by 180 degrees

Dogs

Dogs are known to be a man’s best friend, and they can run up to 45mph. Their daily life commonly involves 12-16 hours of sleeping per day, exploring their environment, and short bursts of energy (ex. zoomies). Dogs have similar gestational tracts to humans, so their diet is close to ours. Their food should contain at least 18% protein to provide sufficient nutrients, and be made with natural ingredients like beef, lamb, carrots, and blueberries. Dogs also need a comfortable place to sleep, toys to keep them busy, a toilet area, and a safe space to live.

Additional facts about dogs:

• There are a total of 360 dog breeds recognized by the FCI,  Fédération Cynologique Internationale, the World’s Canine Organization

• Dogs are as intelligent as a two-year-old human, and can learn up to 100 words and gestures, with some learning up to much more

• A greyhound can outrun a cheetah (while cheetahs can reach a speed of 70 mph, they can only maintain that speed for around half a minute, while a greyhound can run for 35mph and last for seven miles)

• Dogs’ schedule blades aren’t attached to their skeleton, which allows for greater flexibility when running

• Dogs are able to feel jealousy, especially when they see that their owners are showing attention to other creatures.

While people may have strong opinions on whether cats or dogs are better, there is no rational “correct answer” to which one is better. Both species have their merits and are worthy to be appreciated. Cats are known to always land on all fours, while dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell. 

Which animal would you want to be if you had to choose between the two?