Six Reasons Why Cats Are Better Than Dogs

If there is one classic debate in the world of pets and pet lovers, it's whether cats make better pets than dogs, or vice versa. Although many people do love both cats and dogs, it seems as though most people prefer one over the other. Moreover, each takes a stance as to why their chosen species is better than the other. I'm not ashamed to admit that my BFF is a cat. I actually like dogs too, but I prefer to live with cats. Here are just a few of the reasons why I think cats make better pets than dogs.

Hygiene

Dogs require regular baths and even then, many breeds have a distinct eau de dog that comes back very soon after getting squeaky clean. Cats on the other hand, are (for the most part) self cleaning. I've had many cats over the years, but have only had to give a few baths in all that time, and it wasn't due to eau de cat.

One of my cats got into some oily substance outside that I didn't want her to lick off; another cat was having skin issues caused by fleas, so I bathed him with an oatmeal cat shampoo to help with that. Other than these two instances, my cats have always done a great job of cleaning themselves. When have you ever seen a dog do that?

Exercise Requirements

All dogs require regular physical exercise, and although running around the house or apartment can supplement their daily walk, run or play session at the dog park, it's not enough activity for most dogs.

Cats need exercise too, of course, but you don't need to brave the arctic winds in the middle of winter to provide them with enough physical activity. You simply get out their feather toy and wave it around for a few minutes while your cat jumps around trying to catch that "bird" that somehow miraculously got loose in the house. If you're feeling really lazy, you can forgo the interactive toys in favor of furry mice, sparkle balls and other cat toys that kitty can play with all by himself.

Cost to Keep

Economically speaking, cats definitely make better pets than dogs. Big dogs eat a lot of food, and even the smallest dog breed eats more than most cats do. Moreover, there are a lot more supplies to buy for dogs, such as leashes, harnesses, crates, raincoats, winter clothes (don't laugh - short-haired breeds get cold in the winter!), bigger pet beds and more expensive toys. Unless you have a hairless breed, cats don't need to wear clothes and in fact, will usually rip you to shreds if you try to put a sweater on them. Same goes for a harness and a leash.

Time Requirements

Dogs need training in order to be good canine citizens. Unruly dogs make a nuisance of themselves at the dog park and even in your own home when guests come over. Cats on the other hand, need relatively little training except a squirt from a water bottle when they counter surf. Potty training a puppy lasts infinitely longer than with a kitten, because felines usually only need to be shown where the litter box is once before they catch on.

Noise Level

Is there anything more annoying than the incessant barking of a bored dog left all alone in the yard? When have you ever heard of someone complaining because their neighbor's cat meowed all day? Of sure, the sound of fighting cats is no picnic for the ears, but the battle lasts only a minute or two before one of the cats hightails it back to their own territory.

Gastric Incidences

To a dog, the things they find in garbage cans, the cat's litter box and their backyard are tasty morsels they just can't turn down. Yes, dogs eat rotten food, the TV remote and poop, and they suffer the gastric consequences later. When have you ever seen a cat do such a ghastly thing?

All kidding aside, there really is no definitive answer as to whether cats make better pets than dogs. We all have different opinions on what makes a good pet, and our preference is often influenced by the experiences we have with each species. I'm sticking with cats as my BFF for now, but I have nothing against dogs.