Dogs or Cats?

[TotallyOz]

I grew up around dogs. We always had then growing up. Most of my family still has them.

Do you prefer dogs or cats? Would you rather be around dogs, which tend to be loving and loyal, or cats, which tend to be independent?

[Guest zipperzone]

Definitely dogs.

Cat's are too damn independent and their litter box stinks no matter how often you empty it. And I don't enjoy them using my upholstered furniture as a scratching post.

[BiBottomBoy]

Cats.

I like that you have to earn their love and respect.

[Guest Conway]

Dogs. If cats were bigger than you, they would eat you.

[BiBottomBoy]

Dogs. If cats were bigger than you, they would eat you.

That's the challenge.

[caeron]

I think cats not being loyal and affectionate is a myth that dog lovers like to tell.

We have cats, and we can't keep them off us. They follow us around the house, they're always very loving and affectionate.

Cats. Because they're as good as a dog and you don't have to take them for walks.

[TampaYankee]

I had a dog and lived with cats. They both have advantages and disadvantages. Over all, I'll take a houseboy after he has been housebroken.

[Guest lurkerspeaks]

Growing up, we almost always had a small to medium sized dog.. Never had cats at all. After getting out on my own, I started off with small dogs of my own..I had two, Meggie (a dachshound/Lhaso Apso mix) and Toni (a maltese mix) together for about 12 years, until they both grew old and had to be put to sleep. After that I realized that my work schedule was not conducive to getting another dog. I work very long hours usually and indoor dogs need attention every few hours. So, I got a cat. I have now had "kitty" for about 8-9 years. She is a very friendly cat who comes to her name. She is very talkative and affectionate, in a cat-like way.. She is not allowed outside at all. After destroying several pieces of furniture with her clawing, I took her to the vet and got her front claws removed. So now, there are just two negatives associated with her--1) the litter box..and 2) she sheds.. But I believe that the positives outweigh the negatives.

Would I get a dog again??? yes and no.. I am recently out of work and so, have been home a lot more than usual. I seriously thought about getting another dog, but decided that once I start working again, it just wouldnt be fair to leave it alone for 12 hours a day. Plus (and this was the deciding factor) was when I plan my next vacation, I would have to come up with a plan on someone to watch over the dog. With "kitty", I can leave her with a clean litter box, plenty of food and water, and when I return a week later, she is fine--with the exception of being a little more "clingy" than usual.

So, what some people see as a bad feature for cats (the independance) is the thing that makes them desirable to me.

[Guest tomcal]

I love all animals and grew up with dogs, plus the usual kid assortment of tropical fish, lizards, rabbits,etc. When I got out of college and got my first house, my first purchase was a cairn terrier puppy. I continued to have only terriers as I liked their personalities until 4 years ago when I got a French Bulldog, now I have two Frenchies plus one 12 yr. old scottie. I don't know what life would be like without dogs, they add so much enjoyment to our lives. Probably the only reason I never got a cat was I could not do the litter box thing! I don't like walking dogs either, i have always had a big yard and a "doggie" door, which has made it very easy to take care of the dogs. If I had to walk a dog rain or shine hot or cold several times a day like condo/apt owners have to do, I would probably rethink having one.

[TotallyOz]

I guess I am a dog guy too. I love little puppies. I have only had one cat for a few years and while I enjoyed it a great deal, it just wasn't the same for me. While a kitten it was very fun but the older she got, the less playful she became.

[Guest CharliePS]

I have had 3 cats and 7 dogs over the course of my long lifetime. If I had to choose which I prefer, I would probably say dogs give me more emotional satisfaction, but cats are easier to live with. Some dogs are like escorts--very affectionate when with you, but quite happy to go off and schmooze with someone else, too--whereas others are totally loyal to you alone. Some cats are so aloof that they seem to have no personality, whereas others are fascinating characters who are very entertaining. I like the fact that cats require little more than regular food, a clean litter box, and some casual conversation to keep from becoming psychotic, while most dogs require supervised exercise and constant bonding to stay physically and mentally healthy. On the other hand, when I want a warm body to cuddle with and reassure me, a dog is much more reliable. Unlike dogs, cats don't like to roll around in smelly stuff, and are fastidious about grooming themselves, but they are hell to deal with if they need you to groom them or give them medication; most dogs need to be groomed often, but they are more obedient when you do it. Dogs are easier to train, though cats can be trained if you do it subtly and make them think it was their own idea in the first place.

All dogs and cats grow old eventually. I have found it is just as hard to let go of one as the other.

[seattlebottom]

Cats definitely. Dogs are too needy for my tastes, besides my dad's grandma told him that cats ward off evil spirits and bring good luck!