When asking the question: “Who is better, cats or dogs,” you should always be prepared for a long discussion, especially if both “dog people” and “cat people” are present in the conversation.
These are two camps, between which there is no enmity, but friendship will never happen. It is even believed that all people, in principle, are divided into two types, and even those who have both animals at home one way or another take one of the sides. Obvious pros and cons of cats and dogs exist regardless of breed, but still, when choosing a specific animal, you need to take into account the characteristics of each individual individual.
Do not forget that a Chihuahua is as far from a mastiff as a Maine Coon is from a Munchkin, although the question of who is better still remains. That is why we invite you to look at a number of aspects of interaction with cats and dogs in order to clarify the question of who is better.
No need for trays
Dogs are walked without being taught to relieve themselves in a house or apartment. The exception is considered to be small breeds of dogs, but even those use the tray in exceptional cases. Disadvantages of dog litter boxes:
- massive – it’s difficult to find a place for comfortable placement;
- smell - depends on the hygiene of the pet and the work of the owner, the presence of aromas spoils the mood;
- dust, dirt - dogs bury feces, feces scatter around.
The advantages of not having a potty at home are obvious. Train your pet to relieve itself according to a schedule. When walking or walking, use disposable bags and a scoop to clean up your dog's poop. Elements of hygiene are important in private areas and in urban realities.
Upbringing
The dogs are highly trainable. Watch videos of dog agility or dancing competitions on the Internet - it’s simply incredible what kind of interaction and mutual understanding can be achieved with a dog without resorting to verbal explanations. And the point here is not only in pack hunting of dogs, which requires constant coordination of actions between members of the pack. Man domesticated the dog many millennia before the cat, and its experience of communicating with us is enormous.
The dog is open to you, receptive, really trying to understand what you want from it, and really wants to do what you ask. However, the whole problem is that dogs are not self-learning, they need to be taught, they need to be dealt with from an early age, and even if you are not going to shine at exhibitions or competitions.
An untrained dog is much more of a nuisance than any cat. Uncontrollable both in the house and on the street, guided only by its own instincts, far from the rules of human society, it is a big problem and even a threat to both its owners and those around them.
A cat, locked within four walls, and not even striving to communicate, will show aggression or inappropriate behavior only if you come into contact with it against its will. Of course, it will be difficult for you to wash the animal or carry out any medical manipulations with it, but in general you can coexist quite peacefully with each other, without attempting to raise a pet.
Easily adapt to life
When moving, dogs easily adapt to a new place. You can calmly decide to move, take your animal with you on vacation or on a business trip. Adaptation concerns the following points:
- cardinal change - city or village, metropolis or province, apartment or house;
- the appearance of a child - dogs feel responsible for babies;
- new animal – puppy, kitten, turtle.
It has been noticed that the dogs become friends and adapt to their new owners. Applies to mentally balanced animals. In case of aggression, it is recommended to abandon the pet or send it to a dog handler. A professional dog handler will help strengthen your authority in the dog’s eyes, making the new family member a real favorite.
They love to play with people
It is difficult to attract cats to play, but dogs love games and call the owner to join, frolicking with a ball and rubber toys. Activity is the main component of the life of a four-legged pet with a barking voice. Priority for dogs:
- ropes are a clear chance to show strength and improve physical potential;
- balls – small, large, rubber, dense, squeaking;
- plates - the animal will happily bring a plastic disc after the command “fetch”;
- squeaker toys - emit sound signals when grabbed by the mouth;
- bones - safe, purchased at a pet store, are considered an element of the game.
Mr. Cat recommends: who is smarter - a dog or a cat?
You can argue about who is smarter. But only with a specific task in mind. And although both are predators, their hunting methods are different.
Representatives of the canine family prefer to starve out their prey, attacking it after a grueling chase. This method developed their ability to cooperate and social intelligence.
Domestic cats prefer to hunt alone, attacking from ambush, investing their energy in an accurate and swift throw. To succeed here you need to have excellent control of your body. It is impossible to do without developed sensorimotor intelligence.
Scientist neuroscientist Alexey Piskunov believes that cats cope with the tasks assigned in the laboratory no worse than dogs. But they are more difficult to motivate. Moreover, the number of neurons in a cat’s brain is almost twice that of a dog.
In a dispute about who is smarter, cats or dogs, each side will find more and more new arguments. The question relates rather to the psychology of a particular person.
Controlled and managed
It is impossible to control a cat! Dogs are intelligent, submissive and obedient. The Internet is filled with pictures demonstrating the behavior of animals in the house:
- cats consider themselves kings, considering people as subjects called to care;
- Dogs perceive humans as masters, serve, value, and protect the family.
Large animals misbehave and damage furniture when the breeder is not at home. Upon returning, the owner realizes the mistakes. They know the word “no” and obey commands. This type of control does not work with cats. Owners complain: cats shit on the bed when they see human discontent. The only goal is to hide away after a prohibited action.
Serve for good
There are known cases of cats being trained to massage, use the toilet, help, but nothing more. Dogs are created to serve humans, to act for the benefit of the family, team, and society. Companion animals are used in the police, search services, and medicine. Cats are found in places where food is easily obtained - near sanatoriums, shops, apartment buildings.
Cats lose interest in training immediately after receiving what they want - food. While cats are hungry, they are technically trainable. They understand what a person wants without trying to do what is required. The dog always strives to follow the command. They sincerely want to please the owner, they do not cheat, although they often expect treats and encouragement.
Expenses
The volume of upcoming expenses must be taken into account when choosing a pet. A dog typically costs more than a cat when you factor in the costs of food, toys, training classes, day care, and veterinary bills. Because cats are more independent by nature, they are adept at taking care of themselves and tend to rely on their owner only for food. Even stimulation of play can be simple and economical: for example, a flashlight or a feather on a stick will be enough.
Easy to train
Comparing a dog and a cat, it becomes clear: cats are completely stupid creatures. Not wanting to learn and follow commands, cats expect offerings from humans. The training technique is similar to that of a dog, but the result remains negative. Rare specimens amaze and delight owners, guests, and relatives.
We train dogs of any category. Training is sometimes lengthy and complex, but realistic – it will lead to the desired result. The resulting result is a smart pet that follows commands. A well-mannered animal learns to control the situation, act wisely and help its owner.
Education
- This is a serious issue that receives a lot of attention. Dogs are highly trainable, they master even the most complex acrobatic tricks, go to exhibitions and receive prizes for obedience. For a reward the little animal will do anything, just give him a piece of cheese or another delicacy.
- As for the furry representatives of the cat family, however, it is difficult with them. They are very wayward, proud, and disobedient. It is almost impossible to train a cat. All she requires from a person is food, shelter and water. Therefore, it is not possible to force an animal to stick.
- Dogs sense their owner's mood. They intuitively understand from above what they want from them. From the opposite side, and the owner will understand what the dog needs at the moment. If we consider a cat as a family pet, then such an animal is difficult to understand. Even if it stops purring, it will not always be possible to find out what exactly is small: illiterate like that.
- To sum up this point, we can conclude that without the skills of a psychologist with cats, it is more difficult to find a common tinkling sound. Now about the negative side. If the dog does not obey the training, it will not be a problem. Especially if the chick is large and is classified as a fighting dog.
Protect the individual and family
Categories of guards include pinschers, schnauzers, and hounds. Representatives not recognized by the classification are also noted:
- American Bandog;
- Moscow watchdog.
Any dog that has completed canine training will not leave its owner and family in trouble. The Yorkie will stop seeming cute and playful, considering the situation around him dangerous. Small breeds are capable of getting scared, running away, hiding, or they can rush at the offender, grabbing onto an element of clothing, trying to bite through the flesh. Barking is a well-known deterrent that seems insignificant, but in reality it will help scare away a thief.
Different sizes
Are you planning to get a puppy, but are unsure about which breed to choose? The range and variety is huge! I'm glad to have the chance to choose the dimensions of my future pet. Puppies often grow into large animals. Breeds are classified:
- large - from 60 cm in height, weighing more than 25 kg. Representatives are the Black Russian Terrier, Caucasian Shepherd, St. Bernard, Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Bull and English Mastiff.
- medium - up to 60 cm tall, weighing up to 25 kg. Representatives: poodle, beagle, cocker spaniel. The group is widespread and includes hunting, medium-sized decorative, and service breeds.
- small – up to 28 cm tall, weighing less than 12 kg. Representatives: Russian Toy Terrier, Pomeranian Spitz, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Japanese Chin.
Friends of Man
A dog, by right, confirmed over the years, is considered a friend of man. The pet does not betray, serves faithfully for years, and is ready to give his life for his family. If you are looking for a true friend, choose a dog over a cat! Trusted four-legged friends are called the category of companions. Groups included here:
- terriers,
- retrievers,
- indoor and decorative.
Representatives of unaffected groups will be able to join the friendly atmosphere at home. This will be helped by competent upbringing and training of your pet. Parenting lessons include socialization, communication with people, children. A tamed animal will get used to its owner, fall in love, and become a friend.
Requires an active lifestyle
Getting a dog means dooming your family to an active lifestyle. There are no lazy pets. Animals require attention, support in games, daily walking for two hours, training lessons, etc. These elements require a considerable amount of time, effort, and energy. It is difficult to remain a large and unathletic person with such an active creature in the house.
You'll have to forget about weekends, sleeping until lunch, lazy vacations. Life will change from the first day a puppy arrives in the family. You will have to walk even in the bitter cold, go out in the pouring rain, the strongest heat. The described weather is not a reason to refuse a walk - only the walking time is reduced.
Disputes between cat and dog owners are ongoing. Dog lovers prove that their pets are smarter and more useful, and cat lovers are confident in the advantage of mustachioed pets. You can’t say that certain animals are better. We love everyone at once. It’s just that some people manage to select a specific pet, and people get this particular representative of the animal world.
They are killing machines
Before you judge a cat's sleeping habits, know that these long hours are less due to laziness and more due to evolutionary code. Cats are natural predators; Unlike other mammals that may have searched for food, cats had to hunt, which meant spending more time sleeping, saving energy for hunting.
For the same reason, most of this period of 12-16 hours is spent in light sleep. Before they became domesticated, felines had to sleep lightly in case prey - or a more dangerous predator - entered their territory.
Moreover, this centuries-old history of hunting has passed into modern times. According to a University of Georgia study, domestic cats are responsible for the death of 2.9 billion rodents and birds every year. That's all that needs to be said: your cat is a biological Terminator, and we would be drowning in rats if not for the cats' valiant efforts.
- Forget tigers and lions - the deadliest predators live in your home
