The Difference Between a Cat and a Dog

Picture it: Your abode, circa 2009, you hear an insistent knocking at your front door, you get up, walk over to the door and open it, and almost stumble over a covered basket. Peering inside, you see movement. Stepping up for a closer look, you notice a pair of eyes and a lot of fur. You wonder: What is it? Dare you open it? Pick it up and bring it inside? You can't leave it there so, yes, you bring it in to continue your investigation. What is it? Is it a cat or a dog? Here's how you can tell the difference.

A cat will burrow even further into the basket to avoid detection.
A dog will leap up and out of the basket to give you a big sloppy kiss.

A cat will meow plaintively in response to your surprised "well, what do we have here?"
A dog will start barking wildly and running around in circles in greeting.

A cat will stay put for the next 3 days, venturing out of the basket only for food, water or to find the litter box.
A dog will follow you everywhere you go for the next 3 days, rarely leaving your side.

As time goes on, their differences become even more apparent.

A cat will stay inside.
A dog will beat you to the door to go for a walk.

A cat will shun most food you put in front of it.
A dog will gobble up anything you put it front of it, then head over to the table to help you with your food.

A cat will sleep curled up next to you.
A dog will stretch out across the bed, the sofa, the floor - wherever you happen to be.

A cat will sleep on your lap.
A dog will sleep at your feet.

A cat will use its litter box every time it has to go potty.
A dog will go wherever it wants to, inside or out.

A cat will throw up hairballs.
A dog will play with them.

A cat will spit out its medication.
A dog will happily lap it up as long as it is buried in a piece of meat.

A cat will seek solitude in high places.
A dog doesn't want solitude or high places.

A cat will not walk on a leash.
A dog will hand you its leash every time you head for the door.

A cat will wake you before dawn for food.
A dog will sleep until you are ready to go out the door.

A cat will go wild for catnip.
A dog will go wild for anything edible.

A cat will yawn and go back to sleep when you try to play with it.
A dog will bring you all of its toys and wait eagerly for you to pick one up and start tossing it around the house.

A cat will run and hide when the door bell rings.
A dog will bark and run around in circles, waiting for you to open the door.

A cat will hide under the car seat during a road trip.
A dog will hang out the window as far as gravity will allow.

A cat sharpens its claws at the first sight of bathwater.
A dog will eagerly jump into the tub ready for its bath.

A cat will look at you in horror if you even attempt to dress it up in cute little cat clothes.
A dog will sit patiently as you try on one doggie costume after another and take photos to post on the Internet.

A cat will search for a quiet corner to lick itself dry after its bath.
A dog will shake itself dry after its bath, giving you and everything in its path the same treatment.

A cat will ignore you when you call unless there's something in it for the cat.
A dog will come running any time it hears its name.

A cat will settle down for a nap after every meal.
A dog will lick its food bowl clean and be ready for more play.

A cat will allow you the privilege of sharing your life with it from this day forward.
A dog will become your best friend from this day forward.

Regardless of what popped out of the covered basket left at your doorstep, the unexpected arrival will make itself at home and you will become a proud pet parent. Go ahead, take plenty of photos to share with your family and friends.

Cat or dog - they may have their differences, but one thing is clear - they make wonderful companions. If you don't have one yet, visit your local animal shelter or rescue group and check them out. No matter which one you prefer, there's bound to be one that will strike your fancy. And with so many cats and dogs looking for Forever Homes, you will be doing them and yourself a favor by adopting one for your family.