It’s an aged old conundrum – should you get a cat or a dog? The fact is you could actually have both, because in spite of what many people think, these two pets can live together quite amicably. That being said, having two pets might not be an option, so we’re back to whether a dog or a cat is the right pet for you.
Both offer unconditional love, affection, and friendship as well as many therapeutic benefits such as improving your general health and well being. This makes choosing between the two quite a tough decision and often it boils down to the amount of attention they both need. Cats are very independent creatures whereas dogs require more attention. Apart from this difference, there are a number of other ways you can tell which pet is right for you.
The Doggy Lifestyle
Dog owners tend to be energetic and outdoorsy types. If you enjoy keeping active, a dog could be the right pet for you. They are a pet best suited to people who have a garden, easy access to parks and open spaces or those who live in the countryside because they need regular walks, stimulation and lots of fresh air.
It’s possible to take your dog with you anywhere, as long as it’s been well-trained. Dogs aren’t solitary creatures, so you shouldn’t have one if you’re away from home for long periods of the day. There is, however, an option for those who work long hours and that’s a local dog daycare center.
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes and there’s also a huge range with regards temperament and hairiness. When you’re thinking about getting a dog, you have to take all these differences into account.
The Feline Lifestyle
As has already been mentioned, cats are very independent pets to have. They’re also a good choice if space indoors is limited. It’s possible to leave a cat to its own devices and they’re generally happy left alone to sleep and entertain themselves most of the day. If you’re not a very active person a cat is the obvious choice. They don’t need a human to exercise them because they do it all by themselves. That doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate some interaction with their human carer. Most cats loved being stroked and played with.
If a cat has easy access to an outdoor space they don’t require lots of indoor space, and certainly not as much as a dog. Many people have a cat and don’t actually let them outside at all, often because they’re worried about them getting injured on the busy road. Cats seem to be OK with this approach as long as they get fed, have access to a litter box, and are given toys and scratching posts so they can keep themselves entertained throughout the day.
As you can see it really boils down to your lifestyle and where you live. Whichever furry friend you bring into your life, you can be certain of receiving unconditional love in huge amounts.
Join the discussion on this topic with Society Bride by visiting our contact page.
Leave a Reply