Many families today have a pet to complete their family. There are many animals to choose from, but the most popular ones tend to be cats or dogs. These are the most common domesticated animals, so they are the natural choice. Both animals have a lot of favorable qualities about them that make them stand out, and the animal of choice will depend on the family and their needs. Though quite different, both serve the same purpose when it comes to their humans.
Dogs are smart animals that tend to be easy to train. They want to please their master so listening to them just comes naturally. Dogs often express themselves by barking, growling, and whining; each of these have their own unique meaning and is the dog’s way of letting you know his thoughts and concerns. Dogs have often been called a man’s best friend, as they can read your feelings, and mirror their mood to match their companion. They tend to know your needs and are eager to oblige. If you are looking for an exercise buddy a dog may be a good choice for you, especially if you prefer the daytime hours to the nighttime hours. Dogs enjoy things such as fetch and will gladly take a walk, or even a jog with you. They are at their most active point during the daylight hours and like sleeping at night, often close to their master. Dogs are pack animals and will usually follow the ‘pack leader’. They hunt in packs, in the wild and are earthbound animals, causing their intractable claws to be dull. Their nose is what makes them a great hunter. Dogs will generally eat larger meals.
Cats, however, are so different in so many ways. Training a cat is not an easy task. Some people feel like you cannot train a cat; they can be trained, but it must be done in short sessions, as they are independent and get bored with it quick. They do not require as much companionship and will let you know when they are ready for attention. To try and do it when they are not ready is usually not successful. They have several sounds to express themselves, such as meowing, which sounds like they are trying to talk to you, and they purr, which is generally a sign that they are content. And if they are scared or feel the need to defend themselves, they will hiss at you, as a warning. Cats are more nocturnal so therefore most of their playtime is at night. They enjoy things such as chasing feet under the cover and hiding behind doors and attacking you when you walk past. Cats tend to think they are in charge, and you should cater to them. In the wild they are solitary hunters and have sharp retractable claws that are used against their prey, and to climb trees. Due to a sensitive digestive system they need to eat smaller, more frequent meals, as opposed to bigger meals.
As many differences as there may between the two, there are several similarities also. In the wild both animals are hunters and scavengers. Even a domestic cat/dog will have instincts to survive in the wild. Though, originated in the wild, as did all animals, these animals have both crossed over into the domestic world and have adjusted quite nicely. Both are affectionate, fun-loving animals that bond well with their owners. Another thing they have in common is their need to protect their own. They are very territorial and will die defending their own. Both have their own distinctive way of communicating their needs with their humans.
In comparison both animals are different in so many ways, but also share a lot of similar traits. Certain characteristics of each animal may make them more suitable for families: dog may be more suitable for an active family, who has more time to care for a pet while a cat may be more suitable for a family who stays on the go more, and not have as much time to spend on the care of a pet.