The cats vs. dogs debate is a timeless battle but it's time to settle this once and for all.
It's an age-old debate: cats vs dogs, cat people vs dog people, cat lovers vs dog lovers, you name it. While both cats and dogs are two of America's most popular pets, when it comes down to which one is the better furry friend, cat owners and dog owners will always be on opposite sides.
So, which team are you on? For the purposes of this article, we're going to argue in favor of dogs, but know that cats have their merits too. For starters, dogs are loyal, sweet, affectionate, and always visibly happy to see you. Cats can be a little less visually friendly, though their loyalty is weirdly (according to many studies) as strong as dogs. Unfortunately, too many episodes of My Cat From Hell with Jackson Galaxy might have taught you that cats are just tiny little predators that see every human as their personal scratching post. So, pet owners, if you'd like to stay on Team Dog, let's look at some of the reasons dogs are famously known as man's best friend. Let the showdown begin!
10 Reasons Dogs Are Better Than Cats
1. There are more dog breeds than cat breeds.
There are 42 different breeds of cats and 190 different dog breeds to be exact, so you can be sure that there's something for everyone, even if you adopt from an animal shelter.
2. Dogs will follow you everywhere.
Dog owners will be the first to tell you that their pooch is affectionate, sweet, and loving towards their human(s). They'll often follow you from room to room and have lots of love to give. They won't be shy about letting you know just how much they love you. Just be ready for lots of cuddles and slobbery kisses!
3. Dogs are up for anything, as long as it's with you.
Some dogs will even ride skateboards or learn to surf, if that's what their human is into. They're much more likely to go with the flow than cats are, even if you don't start them young. For cats to be into this kind of thing, you need to start early and get them used to different types of activities. With dogs, you can take them along for your favorite hobby pretty much whenever you feel like it. Pack animals by nature, they'll put up with the silly things you like to do to them as long as they're with you.
4. Dogs keep you active.
While both animals should live an active lifestyle, dogs are a little easier to please in the activity department. Dogs love going on daily walks or playing fetch with you in the park, which are both simple activities to pick up. Dogs are also known to be great hiking partners. While house cats should be kept active as well (particularly with rising obesity levels in our feline friends), their predator nature means that they won't quite pounce or run after objects as easily as their canine counterparts.
5. Dogs can easily be trained to do pawsome tricks.
While cats can be trained, training a dog is much easier. Their eagerness to please makes them much more receptive to traditional training methods. Dogs are just easier to train. Cats can be trained as well, but it can be difficult and take long hours unless you're a cat behavior expert, or your kitty is just seriously food motivated.
6. Dogs take their business outside.
Dogs can be potty-trained to do their bathroom duties outside, and more importantly, not in your home. This is great news for people who don't want to deal with litter boxes. There's a bit of a stereotype that litter boxes smell terrible all the time, but that can be avoided with regular cleaning. Think about it, would you use the restroom and never flush or clean your toilet? We didn't think so. That being said, it's hard to avoid kitty litter getting tracked all over the house or having to bend over to clean the boxes regularly. Cleaning poop is never fun, but the dog's way is definitely the lesser of two evils. If you've got a tiny yard, though, you might be scooping poop no matter how you slice it.
7. Dogs are goofy and love making you laugh.
Dogs are funny little lovebugs that dedicate their lives to make their humans happy. They are loyal and always manage to make you laugh! Though cats can produce those same laughs, their brand of humor is a little different. In this situation, it's probably best to know your own taste.
8. Dogs have those puppy eyes.
Just one look at those sweet & gorgeous puppy dog eyes, and you'll melt. We guarantee it. Catt purrs can be just as effective, of course.
9. Dogs are great protectors.
While cats are more likely to run-and-hide when faced with anything unfamiliar, most dogs are at least a little territorial. Some dogs will do it more naturally, like a Great Dane, due to their sheer size, but most will likely bark enough to scare off any potential intruders. If your dog is large enough and properly trained you might legitimately feel better alone in the house at night. While cats can hardly protect their owners, it's nice to have someone to blame weird noises in the night on.
10. Dogs are man's best friend.
When it comes down to it, dogs are loyal, expressive, and lovable, making them the perfect family pet.
There's a lot to love about dogs, of course, but as the saying goes, the more the merrier. Many households have both. Cats have their own charm too, and we could probably make a list just as long about them. In the battle between cats and dogs, there's never a clear winner.
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