When I logged into WordPress and saw this prompt, my first reaction was to groan, for this is impossible to answer.
I must admit, I’ve never actually had a dog or a cat, much to my dismay. I rather wish I did, especially these days – a companion dog to keep me company and give me those cute puppy eyes, or a cheeky little cat that’ll keep me on my toes – but sadly, living in rented houses and having allergies to some furs meant that it just wasn’t on the cards. Sure, I could get a poodle, or a poodle cross, but that doesn’t quite solve the rental issue. Nor would it solve the fact that I don’t really have the funds to properly care for an animal, to properly feed it or get medical attention if – God forbid – it got ill or injured.
I always find it interesting when people ask questions such as these, like it would give some insight into one’s personality. I once knew someone who claimed that anyone who liked cats over dogs must be insane because cats are “psychotic.” Interesting train of thought, and one that simply made me shake my head for it doesn’t follow logic. Someone else I once worked with asked me this question, once, and I simply replied “both”. They replied, quite firmly, with “nope! You must choose!”
Why, though?
Why must we choose?
That’s what I think of when I see – or get asked – this question. As stated above, both dogs and cats have their merits. Dogs are known to be loving and fiercely loyal, and some believe that’s what makes them superior. Others claim that because cats are more independent while still being affectionate, they are the superior species.
But that doesn’t make one better than the other. Both cats and dogs are creatures capable of love, of affection. Both can be hilariously goofy and unbelievably cute and sweet. I will concede that cats may suit some better than dogs, and vice versa. A person who works long hours, such as shift work, may find a cat easier to handle as they generally are more independent. Others may prefer a dog for security reasons.
If I could choose, at this point in time, I’d say what I always say – “both”. Any animal, any pet, has the ability to make our lives so much richer, whether that be a ‘traditional’ pet such as dog or cat, or a non-traditional, such as a snake or rat. So let’s forget about this “which is better” nonsense and just say that they’re all amazing and beautiful in their own right..
…except perhaps spiders!
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