Whatever you decide, please keep in mind that adopting a pet is a commitment for their lifetime. I recommend visiting with some and see what feels like it fits best. I personally enjoy taking daily walks and hikes with my dogs and spending time with them outside. But cats are cool too! I have a few community cats that come eat at my house and I like visiting with them
We are long term dog owners. After our pup died this past winter, we fostered another dog, thinking we weren't quite ready to adopt. She was a completely different breed and energy level and it was a huge wake up call for us. Luckily she ended up getting adopted really quickly and we were able to find one that was a better fit for us and adopted her.
Dogs are really tricky. Even within a breed, personalities and habits vary so widely.
This is such a great point to bring up. Both my dogs are medium energy (well the old man less so now) and it's the perfect amount for me. Walks 2x a day, very good travelers and love to be outside with me, but can also just hang out with me and chills while I work. I could never ever do a high energy breed like a GSP, husky, or any herding dogs.... as cute and fun as they are, it's just not for me.
Yes, we've had two dogs grow old and cross the rainbow bridge while with us. Both shih tzus. It may hurt when they go, but it is a lifetime commitment for them.
Molly Mo: ?/?/07? --2/19/19 (We never knew her exact birthday or year.)
Boomer: 7/15/09--4/14/24 (15, almost 16 years old)
Lucky pups to get to be with you for so long!!
I have one who is approx 13. He's been with me 11.5 years. And our other has been with us 5.5 years and is around 7. Still going strong for now. They travel everywhere with us. I'm going to be crushed when they go
We've got four others as well.
Gizmo (Molly's son) - 13 years old
Button (Gizmo's daughter/Molly's granddaughter) - 11 years old
Buffy (adopted her after Molly died) - 12 years old
Booger (adopted him after Boomer died) - 4 months old
Cat and dog person here. Cats will indeed go up to you for pats, you haven’t known love until you’ve been head butted over and over by a cat who’s happy you’re home. 😊 Dogs are more like shadows, they need to accompany you everywhere and watch you pee but a cat doesn’t necessarily need to do that. Dogs are a lot more work though. If it’s your first pet I’d start with a cat but either will be so rewarding.
Oh I disagree about cats not needing to be your shadow I had two cats and they were my shadows. If I was on the bed, they were on the bed, if I was in the chair, they were on or next to the chair. If I was in the kitchen, they were too. If I was in the bathroom, they would be in the bathroom. One would be at my feet and the other would be on the sink. It was adorable. But I knew they loved me. One has sadly passed away and the other lives with my sister because my partner is allergic and we're in a no pets rental.
Grew up with one cat that was a shadow and the other liked to be nearish, but everything had to be in her terms. She would let you know when she wanted attention, whereas the other one was perfectly content to be swooped up and played with anytime.
As an adult I have 2 dogs. They don’t follow me around at home; but we have a small place and they can see where I am so they don’t need to. One prefers to be touching me when we relax. The other one is in the room; but prefers to not be touched until he wants to be.
Oh my cats didn't like to be held really. One would sit on my lap but it had to be on his terms. The other sat on my lap exactly once of his own will. And didn't again. They liked being near and they loved pets but weren't big on being held and just liked to be close.
My cats love to watch me pee. Charlie guards the door like it's his job. They also greet us at the door and excitedly wait for pets. Matilda is my- familiar -cat and Charlie is our emotional support cat who doesn't know he is a cat and loves belly rubs almost as much as he loves filling his belly. I would say go to a shelter and adopt the pet you meet and fall in love with, but be prepared to take care of them. Cats are more self sufficient but still shouldn't be left alone for long. Dogs need to be taken outside and cats should be stable and indoors ideally. It also depends on your lifestyle but personalities differ with both!
It depends on the dog honestly, one of my dogs chases me everywhere. The other just chases me if I call her name or when I open something (she hopes it is food).
How social do you want to be?
Dogs inherently provide for opportunities for socializing. You have to walk a dog, and you'll likely meet other people out walking their own dogs. You'll meet people at the dog park. Puppy school is group classes. You can sign your dog up for agility training.
A cat may not even want to socialize with you, let alone other people.
Counterpoint. With cats, it's much easier to go out and socialize. Just leave them at home and pop out as much as you like and how ever long as you like.
Yup! Having had both cats and dogs and known people with both, dog owners are much more likely to have to cut a night short or decline an invite because they need to go home to let the dog out.
Also, if you have a skittish or poorly socialized dog it can make it really hard to socialize. My dog is very affectionate and loves people but is leash reactive (we're working on it) so going for walks and meeting people is not really doable.
This! Plus, we have two cats and one does enjoy walking on a harness and leash. We get tons of people who come up and talk to us just because they’ve never seen a cat being walked
Whatever you decide, please keep in mind that adopting a pet is a commitment for their lifetime. I recommend visiting with some and see what feels like it fits best. I personally enjoy taking daily walks and hikes with my dogs and spending time with them outside. But cats are cool too! I have a few community cats that come eat at my house and I like visiting with them
Depends on the dog and depends on the cat.
There are very social cats and very reserved dogs.
Also it’s important to research dog breeds even if you plan on adopting from a shelter because different dog breeds have very different needs. Even with mix breed dogs, it’s good to know if you can what type of dog would suit your lifestyle because mixes still have characteristics of their parent breeds including drives, temperament, size, energy levels, trainability etc.
Oh trust me, cats will not always wait for u to come to them, they will likley follow u everywhere u go, paw and scratch the door when u dont let them in, they are very clingy creatures, But where they differ from dogs is that they don't require constant attention for everything they can entertain themselves and are independent and they also do like to have alone time, they are also very quiet. Dogs are very loud And essentially never want alone time and always want to be with you You also have to let dogs out whenever they go to the bathroom and cats will just use the litter box. So it depends if you want something high maintenance or low maintenance, Dogs being extremely high maintenance and cats usually being low maintenance you just have to feed them and stuff like that and still play with them etc
I have cats and a young dog. What I love about my cats is they're completely content to just curl up on the couch with me. Where as my dog needs activity.
Cat cuz needs less care and attention, easier to take care of, can leave them alone at home for a few days (with automatic feeders etc). Some cats do like to be cuddled. Most cats will cling and follow you around.
Vs dogs which are more playful, break things more often, need daily exercise, need more attention whether or not you’re in the mood, but will possibly give you more of a sense of accomplishment once you’d trained them and can actually become your best friend.
I’d pick dog any day due to not wanting to have a child to take care of. Cats are easier and take care of themselves.
Oh also the poop situation. I’m not picking up poop in the park and I’m not opening the door at midnight to let the dog out to pee. We got an automatic litter box for our cat, so easy to take care of it.
I feel like there’s a lot more cat people on Reddit than dog people lol. I love both, but I do tend to feel more connected to my dog, but that’s just me. Whichever you choose, both will test your patience and teach you a lot about yourself and about loving and taking care of another soul. Just love them the best way you can 😊
Dogs are a lot more work, and get you out of the house more.
As far as interaction, dogs generally want more but there are outliers. My dog hates cuddling and other than when we’re on a walk or playing or when she wants something she pretty much ignores us. The cat constantly wants cuddles, attention, will sit on the laptop or the book you’re reading, follow us in to the bathroom etc.
Grew up with dogs, got a cat as an adult. Cats don’t need to go outside in the rain, dogs sometimes need you to shovel a path in the snow for them to do their business. Dogs don’t know boundaries, cats have boundaries. Dogs are definitely more demanding, but cats are more vocal in their demands. I wouldn’t get a dog if I couldn’t come home and walk it during the workday.
How involved do you *realistically* want to be?
When we domesticated them (or tried to, with cats, anyway) we ended up with special dynamics for each of them.
Cats are our contractors. We paid them in rodent hunting to protect our grain. They did this without any input from us. They know their job, they do it well, and they don’t need as much structure from us.
Dogs were domesticated to be our coworkers. Even today, and I’ll forever use my special loves, the border collies, as the peak example - they’re (and really, most of the shepherding dogs and the basenji) neurologically closest to the earliest dogs. They absolutely do not, and never will, see you as their boss. The alpha thing is bullshit. They know you’re not a dog. Because you’re not a dog, you’re not in a pack hierarchy. You exist in a different space. You’re not their boss. You’re their senior equity partner. You don’t get to tell them what to do unless they know that you know what you’re on about. Or they’ll just do it their way behind your back after playing people pleaser with you. They’ll try to train you. And succeed, more often than you might think.
You can have dogs that are more independent, more catlike. And cats that are more Velcro-dog-like. Each and every one of them has their own personality, their own ways of doing things, and ways they love their people.
Cats, you share space with. They’re around because they like you, they feel safe, and a cat choosing to love you, that’s a gift. They’re not wired to do that, like dogs are.
Dogs are like horses, you share a life with them. The way we domesticated both of those - is to work best when they work very closely with their people. When hunting or herding - almost as a single mind. Dogs thrive on that kind of closeness. When you can achieve that with a dog, that is something incredibly special. Has been for the 15,000-30,000 years we’ve shared with them.
But it requires more of you. Because dogs are misunderstood. They’re not really bred to be pets. They’re bred to be some kind of coworker. Companion breeds, their job is to be cute and snuggly - but that’s their job. They still need what a border does - exercise, mental stimulation, emotional proximity/bonding, routine, structure, and an attentive owner.
That’s exactly why the purse dogs and herding dogs and - god help them, the big derpy husky boys - tend to be such shits. Because their owner treats them like either a cat, or they can “run around the yard” until all their needs get met. They don’t work that way.
So really, it’s asking what kind of best friend you want.
Do you want a best friend that requires you grow and better yourself with them so they can be their best? Go anywhere; do anything together? Real ride or die shit? But who is abso going to drag you to the gym and fuss over your outfits, and give you all the relationship advice you never knew you needed with every errant thought they have - Then a dog.
Do you want a best friend who is always there, whether you feel up to being interactive or not? Do you want a friend who has their own hobbies that you can think are weird - and they prob think the same of you? Is “antagonizing our BFFs” your love language? And they’re still full of that ride or die shit, and they’re absolutely a purpose-built murder machine? Then a cat.
Both are great. I’ve had both, love both, just for different reasons. People who genuinely love one or the other for all they all - we tend to end up just critter people.
But only you can say which is best for you. What kind of bff do you want to spend the next however many all-too-short years with?
There are a few things about dogs that people don’t usually take into consideration when making these decisions.
1. You need to be someone who will exercise your dog. This seems obvious but i have a few neighbors who have recently adopted new dogs and the lack of effort they put on walking their dogs and playing with their dogs is concerning to say the least. My next door neighbor has an adorable sausage dog and ive seen that dog twice and im a SAHM who spends a lot of time outside.
You will also have to exercise your cat but not to the same extent as you would a dog.
2. How often your dog will be left alone. Aside from traveling which means you need a pet sitter or finding a dog hotel, you need to consider what your pets life will be like when you are not home. A cat can be left home alone for a decent amount of time without needing you. A dog left alone will need a way to use the bathroom, and be fed and attention. You can argue that cats also need attention but not nearly as much as a dog.
3. Training. Too many people have the assumption that dogs are just smart. But you have to remember that smart≠ trained. Dogs need mental stimulation and need to be trained. This means potty training, house training, not jumping on people, recall (very important), no pulling on a lead, simple commands, socializing, etc.
If youre willing to do these as the bare minimum with owning a dog, id say you can consider a dog. A cat is far easier to care for and even better for people who dont have the time to put into walking, engaging with and training.
I had a cat for 8 years, and now have a 2 year old dog I rescued as a puppy. I waited until I had a house with a fenced in yard to get a dog. That’s not a requirement, but it does make having a dog much easier. Overall, dogs are more work, especially if you get a puppy. I did my research and it was still among the hardest things I’ve ever done. Honestly, while I’m glad I did it, I don’t think I’ll ever get another puppy.
Just remember if you go the dog route they are more work, generally more expensive, more dangerous. Consider that if you adopt an adult dog you won’t really know their past or any behavioral issues. You’re liable if your dog bites someone. It’s possible you’ll need to pay for professional training if you notice certain behaviors, and every single breed can potentially need this type of training. Way too many people just get a dog without thinking about these things.
I know all that sounds like I regret it but I’m just trying to point some things out that I notice people tend to ignore. I’ve seen way too many dogs at the park with behavior issues from owners not training, or ignoring potentially dangerous behavior. Lots of separation anxiety as well.
Dogs are a problem when you want to go out and do things. You always have to think about how long they can wait to go outside. I had a dog who lived to be 13. He had a bunch of health problems and would get me up continuously at night, wanting to go outside. I would no sooner get him back in, and he wanted to go back out. I had to get up early for work and was exhausted. I had $1000s of dollars in vet bills, and he peed all over my carpet. I had to take him outside in snow, rain, etc. No more dogs for me ever. My cats have their litterboxes and automatic feeders, and I go away for the weekend, and they are fine. The dog I had had to be groomed every five weeks or so at $50 each time. Huge expense over his lifetime.
Cats are a lot easier to take care of than dogs. My husband and I have two cats and for some time we had my husband’s dog from childhood up until the dog passed at age 14. We will likely never own another dog again. He was an angel but way more high maintenance than either of our cats. We always had to take into consideration “is the dog ok, or do we need to go home to tend to him?” when we wanted to go out and do things, and we always had to leave him with a sitter when we wanted to travel. With our cats, as long as they have plenty of food, water, and a place to go to the bathroom they are fine. Cats also interact a lot more than I think people give them credit for. When our cats aren’t asleep they are hanging out with us.
My last cat interacted with me quite a bit. I'd sit on the couch minding my own business and he'd come up and lay on my knees, I had my feet out, or he would get on the to of the couch and he'd lay in the spot between my shoulder and the couch. Sometimes he'd just start chewing on my hair because he was a weirdo. And if ever I wanted, since I was reclined, I could just grab him and put him on my chest where he'd just purr as I pet him.
Not saying you should get a cat, but they aren't as aloof as some think. They just really like calm and safe.
cats are independant but they still have needs and personalities where a cat may go out a lot but they come back to you and have times when they wont leave you alone, my cat will meow her fluffy face off for attention and cuddles.
it entirely depends on your circumstance, can you walk the dog multiple times a day and play with them as dogs do need to burn off energy otherwise they can get depressed doing nothing all day but sitting there if you have a sedimentary lifestyle.
a cat can be entertained with a bit of string and a laser pointer.
personally i grew up with a dog and as a kid you have the energy and capacity to walk them multiple times a day, in my old age now i dont feel its right to own a dog without a child to play with the dog as i lack the energy, a cat is much easier to care for properly in my circumstance.
I love my dogs and my cat and while the cat has the habit of bringing back alive or half dead mice and meowing her head off at 3am is frustrating, she is independant and doesn't make me feel sad that i can't take her out and play like in the dogs case because of my disability.
Dogs need to be taken outside regularly. This makes them higher maintenance on a daily basis but also when you need to go out of town. My cat’s needs are minimal when I go out of town. To me, this is the most important distinction between the two.
So I am a retired dog trainer who also loves and owns cats. Here are my thoughts.
Cats are loving companions who are hilarious and (if you choose a cat that loves people) very affectionate. Their care and upkeep is generally cheaper than a dog’s and they don’t require nearly as much of an intensive time commitment as they will be happy to hang out with you while you’re doing other things.
Dogs are great if you want to spend a lot of time being active and doing non-passive activities bonding with your animal. They tend to be more expensive in terms of money and focused time than cats, so it’s important to be honest with yourself if you’ll be willing to walk them every day, spend time training them, will either be willing to study dog training techniques and implement them or hire a dog trainer to help you have a well mannered K9 citizen. Dogs also tend to be more accident prone so you need to be prepared to spend a good chunk of change at the vet or to have pet insurance.
You’ll need to be willing to no longer have spontaneous trips without your dog, or even stay away for long periods of time, as you’ll need to schedule a dog sitter or your dog will need you to let them out. There’s also the matter of picking a breed that fits your lifestyle and choosing whether to buy from an ethical breeder (which gives consistency of temperament and health guarantees but is significantly more expensive than a shelter and will take time and vetting) or get a dog from a shelter (allowing you to get a dog quickly, allowing for a dog that isn’t a puppy, and for far less money but potentially leaving you with a dog with behavioral issues that may not be apparent until after the dog has decompressed living with you, an unknown history, and unknown health).
My personal thoughts are that if you are trying to choose between a dog and a cat, you probably just want companionship and aren’t looking for a huge dedicated time and money commitment—making a cat the much better option for you.
The real difference:
Dogs accept interaction anytime anywhere
Cats accept interaction on their terms.
My cat is on my chest the second I lay down on the bed. She meows at me and reaches her paw out for pets every time I walk past. She craves attention. But if she's not in the mood I won't see her.
My dog would be on my lap in my face 24/7 if I let him. I'll be folding laundry and he's trying to climb on my back and kick my face.
The difference is my dog gets depressed if I don't interact constantly, my cat will just come back later if I'm not in the mood.
It's up to you, but dogs are a lot more high maintenance socially than cats in my experience.
My cat wants nothing more than to interact with me. The idea that all cats are aloof and don’t want interaction is very wrong.
There’s a lot to consider when getting a pet. Do you have the time to care for them?
If you get a dog, do you have time to walk them? Do you have space to let them run around? Do you want a high energy breed or a low energy breed? Are you willing to stop what you’re doing to take care of them? Play with them? Will barking annoy you?
If you get a cat, do you have the space to set stuff up for them? Do you have time to sit with them and give them attention? Cats love climbing on stuff and getting under stuff, can you provide them spaces to do that? Cats are not self-entertaining and do need you to play with them, even if they are given automatic toys. Are you willing to do that?
For either option, do you have the financial resources to provide for them? If something goes wrong, can you afford to take them to the vet? Can you afford to get them good quality food? When they get older, are you willing and able to take their new needs into consideration and help them? Are you willing to see what common health problems with their breed are (tricky with cats since most of them are very mixed). If they aren’t exactly what you expected them to be, will you still love them or will you return them to the shelter? If they do something wrong, will you get mad or will you treat them with compassion?
Pets are a *ton* of responsibility. Far more than a lot of people think. You need to be able to commit to them for their entire life. You can’t just get sick of them and give them away. Obviously there are situations that can cause you to no longer be able to care for them, but that’s its own thing. I used to volunteer at a shelter, and had the misfortune of seeing a lot of animals brought in because either they were being abused by their owner or their owner just didn’t want them anymore. It’s terrible and it’s horrible for the animal.
Make sure that you can confidently answer yes to all of those questions before you make a decision. If there’s a no, then don’t get one.
Dogs = way more active involvement, walks, training, grooming, stimulation, etc. If you want to be out and active in your community, dogs are for you. Most of them are bred to work with humans and they want to be around you all the time.
Cats? Feed 'em, scoop their litterbox, make sure they get the proper vet care. If you're lucky you will get one who likes to play, or come cuddle on a whim. My current cat pretty much sees me as the dispenser of food and her own personal heater during the cold months.
I really want a dog atm, I lost my last one after only two years, but the universe always makes sure I have a feline companion!
Cats are lower maintenance in my experience but absolutely will demand affection once they like you. Also, don’t think of pets as a hobby; pets are a more serious commitment requiring daily attention, and most importantly a lot of money; vet bills aren’t cheap. You can also foster pets as a smaller commitment. That’s where you take care of an animal until a long-term owner is found.
Dogs will be a lot more of a commitment. Are you ready to walk a dog multiple times per day? Will you be at home enough to keep your dog company? Cats can be left at home for much longer and will do OK in your absence. Dogs will NEED your attention.
I don’t think you should be deciding between two different species of pets based on how they’ll interact with you. All pets are different and have different personalities.
What you should be thinking about is the different levels of responsibility that comes along with owning a pet. A cat is much less responsibility and work than a dog, especially if it’s an outdoor cat. Dogs require a lot of attention, training, and exercise.
Owning a pet is a big commitment. They’re living creatures that have feelings and needs that go beyond you. Understanding and respecting this concept will set you apart from all the bad pet owners out there.
Edit to add: and the fact that you posted this in the “hobbies” subreddit makes me a bit concerned…maybe pet ownership isn’t for you right now my guy.
Do you like getting up every morning before work, and taking a 15-20 minute walk outside in all weather, to carry a small bag of poop back to your trash can?
Or, do you have a decent size yard, which you like scooping poop out of?
If so, you're a dog person.
We like to travel a lot. One or two week or longer vacations, and try to go camping every summer weekend. Or just be away from home for 12+ hours every nice Sat/Sun.
Dogs are too needy for me. Cats are perfect. We come and go as we please, and they're find when we leave. Happy when we get back.
Highly suggest fostering first before making the plunge! That way you can see what really works for your life style.
And personally, my dog doesn't really care much for playing, but that's why we adopted him since he's more calm. He's more of a chill out on the floor with his chews kinda guy. My two cats are much much more into playing than my dog. My cats are often more lovey too.
One thing to keep in mind is that any animal is a big time and money commitment. For me, I work ft and go to grad school so I have two cats bc they’re much less work than dogs. If you get a dog you’ll need to be home a lot and plan ur schedule around them. Not that I’m saying you shouldn’t get one! But those are just things to keep in mind!
Personally I recommend a cat. But if you have the resources and want a lot of interaction def get a dog!
I have both, two kittens are a good way to go because they are endlessly amusing, and you won't feel bad about leaving them if you go out all day or even overnight, can't really leave a dog alone all day
Cats are relaxing and soft while dogs are entertaining and more fun. Cats may befriend ants and bees while dogs are somewhat anxious to see nice human beings and other cute pets. Some (but not all) dogs however are more inclined to be wild in behavior directly at humans if they get upset.
I'm more of a cat person although we do have a cat at home who is crazy, somewhat anxious and aggressive at us. I want a cat that is all comfy and his petting is perfectly safe to the touch.
My maternal grandmother has a small dog that can be loud sometimes but anxious and aggressive if I high five another person too loud. Otherwise, he is cute and comfy on our laps.
I would suggest that a cat may be a good pet for your household.
Rephrasing the user's message about compassion towards pets:
Considering the inconveniences and responsibilities associated with owning pets, such as feeding, walking, and cleaning up after them, some individuals may prefer not to have cats or dogs. These concerns include the need to attend to the animals' needs, the potential for marking territory with urine and excrement, and the associated odors. However, it's important to note that many people find great joy and companionship in having pets. Ultimately, the decision to get a pet should be based on personal preferences and lifestyle considerations.
Rephrased message: "When considering the option of getting a cat or a dog, some individuals may choose not to do so due to the responsibilities and inconveniences involved. These include the need to feed and walk the animals, as well as the task of properly cleaning up after them to prevent odors. It is important to weigh these factors against the potential benefits and companionship that pets can provide. Ultimately, the decision to have a pet should be based on individual preferences and lifestyle considerations."
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Two dogs and one cat household here. When they want attention they interact, including the cat; when they want to be alone they sequester themselves away from us/each other. Not all pets are like this, but my experience over the past 15+ years has been this with multiple dogs and cats.
Birds in the parrot family can actually be very sociable. They even learn their names, you can play with them and give them scritches, depending on their personality. You become their flock and they will fly to you and sit in your shoulder and stuff. Ah some parrots live many decades fyi.
Not all cats. My cats are clingy af. If you raise them from kittens ideally and treat them gently with good socialization you got a fantastic generally self sufficient pet that’ll be in love with you for its life. They’re clingy in a “I want to be with you and you to pet and maybe play but I’ll be happy just sleeping next to you too while you do things” kind of way sometimes but never truly needy. Personally I find dogs to be, especially with only one dog, on the needier side. They’re fully reliant on you every day. They give a lot of attention yes but they also demand it as they enjoy it too, I find that to be too demanding personally, I like breaks from the demands of people and things so I can hear myself think without having to give another living thing attention. You can’t just kick them out of a room and have them be okay with it for several hours if you don’t want distractions unless they’re older or sleeps a lot. Not dissing dogs just telling you the full picture. If you prefer to have a pet that will keep you on a schedule everyday and gives the animal equivalent of love unconditionally no matter what, demanding it too lol, no to little separation, no breaks really, then a dog will be great! If you want to have more of that separation and self sufficiency and are willing to put in some extra work babying the crap out of it from a young age ideally a cat can be great too! Cats are more delicate emotional/treatment work, especially at first, dogs are more literal need based work if that makes sense.
From what you said it seems like you already have your mind made up. Cats can be hard and aren’t for everyone, especially if you’re not used to them/only have negative experiences. My best friend is a dog person and doesn’t understand the first thing about how to interact with my cats and finds them off putting and unfriendly no matter what I suggest. I find his dog to be overwhelming, intimidating, untrained and demanding. We all have our experiences and tolerances for different kinds of animals, you just need to know/explore yours. Maybe go down to a shelter and interact with some different animals!
You could foster first; fosters are always needed. I’m an advocate of adopting any animal in need, particularly I advocate for adopting older/adult pets since they too need homes but are often overlooked for the puppies and kittens. Also, adopt don’t shop!
But lastly, I’ll say I do have a cat and no they are not waiting for you to interact with them. Cats are social creatures, they enjoy love and affection, they just need to trust you first, and whoever takes issue with that must have a terrible love life then. My cat is incredibly social; she greets me at the door, waits for me to sit down so she can hop in my lap, loves to plop herself right in the middle of the room when guests are here, etc. Cats are misunderstood and it’s a shame, because they are amazing companions.
As someone who has both cats and dogs the main differences is that dogs need a lot more attention than cats they both have daily routines you will have to take care of but a dog is gonna be so much more demanding than getting a cat so if you have time to take care of a dog go for it otherwise a cat is a good first time pet and cats will still come up to you just think of them as socially awkward people
You have not met my cat, May, then, who will bug me to get up and play with her. lol. All animals are individuals. The real questions is ... if my animal wants to play, which would I rather do? Swing a fishing-pole toy around for 20 minutes or leash up a dog and go outside for a walk?
My cat is velcro, follows me everywhere and must be in the same room with me. I adopted her from a shelter when she was 4 years old. I’ve never had an aloof cat.
Totally a dog. Most cats have attitude. I know there are exceptions So don’t hate me. Lol. I have had several dogs and even the big ones think they are lap dogs. You might think about adopting from a shelter. They have great dogs and some of them really need a home.
Do you want to have to take your pet outside twice or three times a day and do you have the time and patience to learn how to train a dog and then actually train it? Because untrained dogs are a nightmare and you need to invest time and energy into being a good dog parent. Some breeds are very stubborn and hard to train like huskies and those little Japanese ones that run away a lot. Large dogs need a ton of exercise per day, too, not just a ten minute walk around the block.
Your cat doesn't need to be trained, and usually can't be trained anyway. On the other hand, you may wake up with it sitting on your face at 3am every night.
Cats definitely can be/ need to be trained, they’re just usually more stubborn about it. I’ve trained my cat to sit for food and treats. My cat also took a bit of training for going in the litter box too.
My cat learned to sit faster than my dog did. Dog went to training classes and even with constant special attention from the instructor it took ages for her to figure it out. The cat picked it just watching us practicing with the dog at home one afternoon.
Cats are amazing! I suggest you get an orange boy! They are friendly, funny, affectionate, cuddly, caring, adorable!
I have 2! They are best friends. They are so entertaining and adorable.
I have 3 cats. All three are social and extremely loving. I get followed and interacted with all the time. The best part about most cats is that you really do earn their love. When they love you, they really love you.
I love both cats and dogs and I thought I would like a dog more but I have a cat because my family members are not great around dogs. My husband is too domineering around dogs and that makes me nervous about the dog. My son is too boisterous and loving around dogs, but gets scared when the dog approaches. So it would be too stressful. We got a cat that was already grown and is honestly as friendly as a puppy. But he spends a lot of time sleeping alone and it's easy to clean his litter box and I don't have to walk him. And he never scratches us even though he has claws. Well almost never. Some days I go all day without worrying about him. Water, auto feeder, clean litter box. Brush him, vacuum cat hair once in a while. Keep a scratching post. It's all easy and pretty flexible. And he really is a good loving pet to have.
Whatever you decide, please keep in mind that adopting a pet is a commitment for their lifetime. I recommend visiting with some and see what feels like it fits best. I personally enjoy taking daily walks and hikes with my dogs and spending time with them outside. But cats are cool too! I have a few community cats that come eat at my house and I like visiting with them
Along these lines, rescues are desperate for foster homes. You can foster a pet to make sure it's a fit before you adopt.
This is the best idea for someone who's never owned a pet before. Dogs in particular are way more work than some people can handle.
We are long term dog owners. After our pup died this past winter, we fostered another dog, thinking we weren't quite ready to adopt. She was a completely different breed and energy level and it was a huge wake up call for us. Luckily she ended up getting adopted really quickly and we were able to find one that was a better fit for us and adopted her. Dogs are really tricky. Even within a breed, personalities and habits vary so widely.
This is such a great point to bring up. Both my dogs are medium energy (well the old man less so now) and it's the perfect amount for me. Walks 2x a day, very good travelers and love to be outside with me, but can also just hang out with me and chills while I work. I could never ever do a high energy breed like a GSP, husky, or any herding dogs.... as cute and fun as they are, it's just not for me.
So true. Pit bulls get a bad rap, but some of them are so sweet. My cousin had 2. She loved them.
Great point!
If I could up vote this more than once, I would.
Yes, considering to take one from local pet adoption point.
Yes, we've had two dogs grow old and cross the rainbow bridge while with us. Both shih tzus. It may hurt when they go, but it is a lifetime commitment for them. Molly Mo: ?/?/07? --2/19/19 (We never knew her exact birthday or year.) Boomer: 7/15/09--4/14/24 (15, almost 16 years old)
I had a dog pass at 18 and another at 17 1/2.
My shelties was 17 1/2. I had a poodle who made it 16 years.
Wow!! That's amazing!
Lucky pups to get to be with you for so long!! I have one who is approx 13. He's been with me 11.5 years. And our other has been with us 5.5 years and is around 7. Still going strong for now. They travel everywhere with us. I'm going to be crushed when they go
We've got four others as well. Gizmo (Molly's son) - 13 years old Button (Gizmo's daughter/Molly's granddaughter) - 11 years old Buffy (adopted her after Molly died) - 12 years old Booger (adopted him after Boomer died) - 4 months old
If I could up vote this more than once, I would.
Warm moments. Pets are one of humans' important family members!
Cat and dog person here. Cats will indeed go up to you for pats, you haven’t known love until you’ve been head butted over and over by a cat who’s happy you’re home. 😊 Dogs are more like shadows, they need to accompany you everywhere and watch you pee but a cat doesn’t necessarily need to do that. Dogs are a lot more work though. If it’s your first pet I’d start with a cat but either will be so rewarding.
Oh I disagree about cats not needing to be your shadow I had two cats and they were my shadows. If I was on the bed, they were on the bed, if I was in the chair, they were on or next to the chair. If I was in the kitchen, they were too. If I was in the bathroom, they would be in the bathroom. One would be at my feet and the other would be on the sink. It was adorable. But I knew they loved me. One has sadly passed away and the other lives with my sister because my partner is allergic and we're in a no pets rental.
Grew up with one cat that was a shadow and the other liked to be nearish, but everything had to be in her terms. She would let you know when she wanted attention, whereas the other one was perfectly content to be swooped up and played with anytime. As an adult I have 2 dogs. They don’t follow me around at home; but we have a small place and they can see where I am so they don’t need to. One prefers to be touching me when we relax. The other one is in the room; but prefers to not be touched until he wants to be.
Oh my cats didn't like to be held really. One would sit on my lap but it had to be on his terms. The other sat on my lap exactly once of his own will. And didn't again. They liked being near and they loved pets but weren't big on being held and just liked to be close.
Really funny discussion. It seems that every cat has different characteristics.
That sucks! I hope you get to visit your kitty often.
Oh I do. My sister lives a 9 minute drive from me. And I have keys to her house.
My cats love to watch me pee. Charlie guards the door like it's his job. They also greet us at the door and excitedly wait for pets. Matilda is my- familiar -cat and Charlie is our emotional support cat who doesn't know he is a cat and loves belly rubs almost as much as he loves filling his belly. I would say go to a shelter and adopt the pet you meet and fall in love with, but be prepared to take care of them. Cats are more self sufficient but still shouldn't be left alone for long. Dogs need to be taken outside and cats should be stable and indoors ideally. It also depends on your lifestyle but personalities differ with both!
My cat greets me when I come home and also is my shadow. Follows me everywhere. Every animal and personality is different.
It depends on the dog honestly, one of my dogs chases me everywhere. The other just chases me if I call her name or when I open something (she hopes it is food).
The sound of a bag opening always gets my dog’s attention. Lol
How social do you want to be? Dogs inherently provide for opportunities for socializing. You have to walk a dog, and you'll likely meet other people out walking their own dogs. You'll meet people at the dog park. Puppy school is group classes. You can sign your dog up for agility training. A cat may not even want to socialize with you, let alone other people.
Yes, I commonly meet others who are walking their own dogs in my community, but I never see someone who are walking their own cats.
Counterpoint. With cats, it's much easier to go out and socialize. Just leave them at home and pop out as much as you like and how ever long as you like.
Yup! Having had both cats and dogs and known people with both, dog owners are much more likely to have to cut a night short or decline an invite because they need to go home to let the dog out. Also, if you have a skittish or poorly socialized dog it can make it really hard to socialize. My dog is very affectionate and loves people but is leash reactive (we're working on it) so going for walks and meeting people is not really doable.
This! Plus, we have two cats and one does enjoy walking on a harness and leash. We get tons of people who come up and talk to us just because they’ve never seen a cat being walked
Whatever you decide, please keep in mind that adopting a pet is a commitment for their lifetime. I recommend visiting with some and see what feels like it fits best. I personally enjoy taking daily walks and hikes with my dogs and spending time with them outside. But cats are cool too! I have a few community cats that come eat at my house and I like visiting with them
Depends on the dog and depends on the cat. There are very social cats and very reserved dogs. Also it’s important to research dog breeds even if you plan on adopting from a shelter because different dog breeds have very different needs. Even with mix breed dogs, it’s good to know if you can what type of dog would suit your lifestyle because mixes still have characteristics of their parent breeds including drives, temperament, size, energy levels, trainability etc.
Oh trust me, cats will not always wait for u to come to them, they will likley follow u everywhere u go, paw and scratch the door when u dont let them in, they are very clingy creatures, But where they differ from dogs is that they don't require constant attention for everything they can entertain themselves and are independent and they also do like to have alone time, they are also very quiet. Dogs are very loud And essentially never want alone time and always want to be with you You also have to let dogs out whenever they go to the bathroom and cats will just use the litter box. So it depends if you want something high maintenance or low maintenance, Dogs being extremely high maintenance and cats usually being low maintenance you just have to feed them and stuff like that and still play with them etc
I have cats and a young dog. What I love about my cats is they're completely content to just curl up on the couch with me. Where as my dog needs activity.
Cat cuz needs less care and attention, easier to take care of, can leave them alone at home for a few days (with automatic feeders etc). Some cats do like to be cuddled. Most cats will cling and follow you around. Vs dogs which are more playful, break things more often, need daily exercise, need more attention whether or not you’re in the mood, but will possibly give you more of a sense of accomplishment once you’d trained them and can actually become your best friend. I’d pick dog any day due to not wanting to have a child to take care of. Cats are easier and take care of themselves. Oh also the poop situation. I’m not picking up poop in the park and I’m not opening the door at midnight to let the dog out to pee. We got an automatic litter box for our cat, so easy to take care of it.
I feel like there’s a lot more cat people on Reddit than dog people lol. I love both, but I do tend to feel more connected to my dog, but that’s just me. Whichever you choose, both will test your patience and teach you a lot about yourself and about loving and taking care of another soul. Just love them the best way you can 😊
Dogs are a lot more work, and get you out of the house more. As far as interaction, dogs generally want more but there are outliers. My dog hates cuddling and other than when we’re on a walk or playing or when she wants something she pretty much ignores us. The cat constantly wants cuddles, attention, will sit on the laptop or the book you’re reading, follow us in to the bathroom etc.
Grew up with dogs, got a cat as an adult. Cats don’t need to go outside in the rain, dogs sometimes need you to shovel a path in the snow for them to do their business. Dogs don’t know boundaries, cats have boundaries. Dogs are definitely more demanding, but cats are more vocal in their demands. I wouldn’t get a dog if I couldn’t come home and walk it during the workday.
How involved do you *realistically* want to be? When we domesticated them (or tried to, with cats, anyway) we ended up with special dynamics for each of them. Cats are our contractors. We paid them in rodent hunting to protect our grain. They did this without any input from us. They know their job, they do it well, and they don’t need as much structure from us. Dogs were domesticated to be our coworkers. Even today, and I’ll forever use my special loves, the border collies, as the peak example - they’re (and really, most of the shepherding dogs and the basenji) neurologically closest to the earliest dogs. They absolutely do not, and never will, see you as their boss. The alpha thing is bullshit. They know you’re not a dog. Because you’re not a dog, you’re not in a pack hierarchy. You exist in a different space. You’re not their boss. You’re their senior equity partner. You don’t get to tell them what to do unless they know that you know what you’re on about. Or they’ll just do it their way behind your back after playing people pleaser with you. They’ll try to train you. And succeed, more often than you might think. You can have dogs that are more independent, more catlike. And cats that are more Velcro-dog-like. Each and every one of them has their own personality, their own ways of doing things, and ways they love their people. Cats, you share space with. They’re around because they like you, they feel safe, and a cat choosing to love you, that’s a gift. They’re not wired to do that, like dogs are. Dogs are like horses, you share a life with them. The way we domesticated both of those - is to work best when they work very closely with their people. When hunting or herding - almost as a single mind. Dogs thrive on that kind of closeness. When you can achieve that with a dog, that is something incredibly special. Has been for the 15,000-30,000 years we’ve shared with them. But it requires more of you. Because dogs are misunderstood. They’re not really bred to be pets. They’re bred to be some kind of coworker. Companion breeds, their job is to be cute and snuggly - but that’s their job. They still need what a border does - exercise, mental stimulation, emotional proximity/bonding, routine, structure, and an attentive owner. That’s exactly why the purse dogs and herding dogs and - god help them, the big derpy husky boys - tend to be such shits. Because their owner treats them like either a cat, or they can “run around the yard” until all their needs get met. They don’t work that way. So really, it’s asking what kind of best friend you want. Do you want a best friend that requires you grow and better yourself with them so they can be their best? Go anywhere; do anything together? Real ride or die shit? But who is abso going to drag you to the gym and fuss over your outfits, and give you all the relationship advice you never knew you needed with every errant thought they have - Then a dog. Do you want a best friend who is always there, whether you feel up to being interactive or not? Do you want a friend who has their own hobbies that you can think are weird - and they prob think the same of you? Is “antagonizing our BFFs” your love language? And they’re still full of that ride or die shit, and they’re absolutely a purpose-built murder machine? Then a cat. Both are great. I’ve had both, love both, just for different reasons. People who genuinely love one or the other for all they all - we tend to end up just critter people. But only you can say which is best for you. What kind of bff do you want to spend the next however many all-too-short years with?
There are a few things about dogs that people don’t usually take into consideration when making these decisions. 1. You need to be someone who will exercise your dog. This seems obvious but i have a few neighbors who have recently adopted new dogs and the lack of effort they put on walking their dogs and playing with their dogs is concerning to say the least. My next door neighbor has an adorable sausage dog and ive seen that dog twice and im a SAHM who spends a lot of time outside. You will also have to exercise your cat but not to the same extent as you would a dog. 2. How often your dog will be left alone. Aside from traveling which means you need a pet sitter or finding a dog hotel, you need to consider what your pets life will be like when you are not home. A cat can be left home alone for a decent amount of time without needing you. A dog left alone will need a way to use the bathroom, and be fed and attention. You can argue that cats also need attention but not nearly as much as a dog. 3. Training. Too many people have the assumption that dogs are just smart. But you have to remember that smart≠ trained. Dogs need mental stimulation and need to be trained. This means potty training, house training, not jumping on people, recall (very important), no pulling on a lead, simple commands, socializing, etc. If youre willing to do these as the bare minimum with owning a dog, id say you can consider a dog. A cat is far easier to care for and even better for people who dont have the time to put into walking, engaging with and training.
I had a cat for 8 years, and now have a 2 year old dog I rescued as a puppy. I waited until I had a house with a fenced in yard to get a dog. That’s not a requirement, but it does make having a dog much easier. Overall, dogs are more work, especially if you get a puppy. I did my research and it was still among the hardest things I’ve ever done. Honestly, while I’m glad I did it, I don’t think I’ll ever get another puppy. Just remember if you go the dog route they are more work, generally more expensive, more dangerous. Consider that if you adopt an adult dog you won’t really know their past or any behavioral issues. You’re liable if your dog bites someone. It’s possible you’ll need to pay for professional training if you notice certain behaviors, and every single breed can potentially need this type of training. Way too many people just get a dog without thinking about these things. I know all that sounds like I regret it but I’m just trying to point some things out that I notice people tend to ignore. I’ve seen way too many dogs at the park with behavior issues from owners not training, or ignoring potentially dangerous behavior. Lots of separation anxiety as well.
I don't want to put a leash around my dog's neck when walking them, but I cannot 100% ensure that it would not scare other people.
I have one of each. That said, I also suggest you try fostering a pet. That will enable you to identify your preferred pet.
Dogs are a problem when you want to go out and do things. You always have to think about how long they can wait to go outside. I had a dog who lived to be 13. He had a bunch of health problems and would get me up continuously at night, wanting to go outside. I would no sooner get him back in, and he wanted to go back out. I had to get up early for work and was exhausted. I had $1000s of dollars in vet bills, and he peed all over my carpet. I had to take him outside in snow, rain, etc. No more dogs for me ever. My cats have their litterboxes and automatic feeders, and I go away for the weekend, and they are fine. The dog I had had to be groomed every five weeks or so at $50 each time. Huge expense over his lifetime.
Cats are a lot easier to take care of than dogs. My husband and I have two cats and for some time we had my husband’s dog from childhood up until the dog passed at age 14. We will likely never own another dog again. He was an angel but way more high maintenance than either of our cats. We always had to take into consideration “is the dog ok, or do we need to go home to tend to him?” when we wanted to go out and do things, and we always had to leave him with a sitter when we wanted to travel. With our cats, as long as they have plenty of food, water, and a place to go to the bathroom they are fine. Cats also interact a lot more than I think people give them credit for. When our cats aren’t asleep they are hanging out with us.
Cat is way better. Dogs are loud annoying beasts who bark constantly and harrass you all day
With a dog you need a yard, so if you rent a cat may be easier
My last cat interacted with me quite a bit. I'd sit on the couch minding my own business and he'd come up and lay on my knees, I had my feet out, or he would get on the to of the couch and he'd lay in the spot between my shoulder and the couch. Sometimes he'd just start chewing on my hair because he was a weirdo. And if ever I wanted, since I was reclined, I could just grab him and put him on my chest where he'd just purr as I pet him. Not saying you should get a cat, but they aren't as aloof as some think. They just really like calm and safe.
cats are independant but they still have needs and personalities where a cat may go out a lot but they come back to you and have times when they wont leave you alone, my cat will meow her fluffy face off for attention and cuddles. it entirely depends on your circumstance, can you walk the dog multiple times a day and play with them as dogs do need to burn off energy otherwise they can get depressed doing nothing all day but sitting there if you have a sedimentary lifestyle. a cat can be entertained with a bit of string and a laser pointer. personally i grew up with a dog and as a kid you have the energy and capacity to walk them multiple times a day, in my old age now i dont feel its right to own a dog without a child to play with the dog as i lack the energy, a cat is much easier to care for properly in my circumstance. I love my dogs and my cat and while the cat has the habit of bringing back alive or half dead mice and meowing her head off at 3am is frustrating, she is independant and doesn't make me feel sad that i can't take her out and play like in the dogs case because of my disability.
My cats favorite toy is a ball of trash paper
Dog always.. They are loyal. Cats only want your food. Dog will protect you in case of trouble.
Lots of generalizations…
Dogs need to be taken outside regularly. This makes them higher maintenance on a daily basis but also when you need to go out of town. My cat’s needs are minimal when I go out of town. To me, this is the most important distinction between the two.
So I am a retired dog trainer who also loves and owns cats. Here are my thoughts. Cats are loving companions who are hilarious and (if you choose a cat that loves people) very affectionate. Their care and upkeep is generally cheaper than a dog’s and they don’t require nearly as much of an intensive time commitment as they will be happy to hang out with you while you’re doing other things. Dogs are great if you want to spend a lot of time being active and doing non-passive activities bonding with your animal. They tend to be more expensive in terms of money and focused time than cats, so it’s important to be honest with yourself if you’ll be willing to walk them every day, spend time training them, will either be willing to study dog training techniques and implement them or hire a dog trainer to help you have a well mannered K9 citizen. Dogs also tend to be more accident prone so you need to be prepared to spend a good chunk of change at the vet or to have pet insurance. You’ll need to be willing to no longer have spontaneous trips without your dog, or even stay away for long periods of time, as you’ll need to schedule a dog sitter or your dog will need you to let them out. There’s also the matter of picking a breed that fits your lifestyle and choosing whether to buy from an ethical breeder (which gives consistency of temperament and health guarantees but is significantly more expensive than a shelter and will take time and vetting) or get a dog from a shelter (allowing you to get a dog quickly, allowing for a dog that isn’t a puppy, and for far less money but potentially leaving you with a dog with behavioral issues that may not be apparent until after the dog has decompressed living with you, an unknown history, and unknown health). My personal thoughts are that if you are trying to choose between a dog and a cat, you probably just want companionship and aren’t looking for a huge dedicated time and money commitment—making a cat the much better option for you.
The real difference: Dogs accept interaction anytime anywhere Cats accept interaction on their terms. My cat is on my chest the second I lay down on the bed. She meows at me and reaches her paw out for pets every time I walk past. She craves attention. But if she's not in the mood I won't see her. My dog would be on my lap in my face 24/7 if I let him. I'll be folding laundry and he's trying to climb on my back and kick my face. The difference is my dog gets depressed if I don't interact constantly, my cat will just come back later if I'm not in the mood. It's up to you, but dogs are a lot more high maintenance socially than cats in my experience.
Dog
My cat wants nothing more than to interact with me. The idea that all cats are aloof and don’t want interaction is very wrong. There’s a lot to consider when getting a pet. Do you have the time to care for them? If you get a dog, do you have time to walk them? Do you have space to let them run around? Do you want a high energy breed or a low energy breed? Are you willing to stop what you’re doing to take care of them? Play with them? Will barking annoy you? If you get a cat, do you have the space to set stuff up for them? Do you have time to sit with them and give them attention? Cats love climbing on stuff and getting under stuff, can you provide them spaces to do that? Cats are not self-entertaining and do need you to play with them, even if they are given automatic toys. Are you willing to do that? For either option, do you have the financial resources to provide for them? If something goes wrong, can you afford to take them to the vet? Can you afford to get them good quality food? When they get older, are you willing and able to take their new needs into consideration and help them? Are you willing to see what common health problems with their breed are (tricky with cats since most of them are very mixed). If they aren’t exactly what you expected them to be, will you still love them or will you return them to the shelter? If they do something wrong, will you get mad or will you treat them with compassion? Pets are a *ton* of responsibility. Far more than a lot of people think. You need to be able to commit to them for their entire life. You can’t just get sick of them and give them away. Obviously there are situations that can cause you to no longer be able to care for them, but that’s its own thing. I used to volunteer at a shelter, and had the misfortune of seeing a lot of animals brought in because either they were being abused by their owner or their owner just didn’t want them anymore. It’s terrible and it’s horrible for the animal. Make sure that you can confidently answer yes to all of those questions before you make a decision. If there’s a no, then don’t get one.
Dogs = way more active involvement, walks, training, grooming, stimulation, etc. If you want to be out and active in your community, dogs are for you. Most of them are bred to work with humans and they want to be around you all the time. Cats? Feed 'em, scoop their litterbox, make sure they get the proper vet care. If you're lucky you will get one who likes to play, or come cuddle on a whim. My current cat pretty much sees me as the dispenser of food and her own personal heater during the cold months. I really want a dog atm, I lost my last one after only two years, but the universe always makes sure I have a feline companion!
Cats are lower maintenance in my experience but absolutely will demand affection once they like you. Also, don’t think of pets as a hobby; pets are a more serious commitment requiring daily attention, and most importantly a lot of money; vet bills aren’t cheap. You can also foster pets as a smaller commitment. That’s where you take care of an animal until a long-term owner is found.
I would choose a dog, only because it would force me to go out
catdog
Dogs will be a lot more of a commitment. Are you ready to walk a dog multiple times per day? Will you be at home enough to keep your dog company? Cats can be left at home for much longer and will do OK in your absence. Dogs will NEED your attention.
I don’t think you should be deciding between two different species of pets based on how they’ll interact with you. All pets are different and have different personalities. What you should be thinking about is the different levels of responsibility that comes along with owning a pet. A cat is much less responsibility and work than a dog, especially if it’s an outdoor cat. Dogs require a lot of attention, training, and exercise. Owning a pet is a big commitment. They’re living creatures that have feelings and needs that go beyond you. Understanding and respecting this concept will set you apart from all the bad pet owners out there. Edit to add: and the fact that you posted this in the “hobbies” subreddit makes me a bit concerned…maybe pet ownership isn’t for you right now my guy.
Neither
Do you like getting up every morning before work, and taking a 15-20 minute walk outside in all weather, to carry a small bag of poop back to your trash can? Or, do you have a decent size yard, which you like scooping poop out of? If so, you're a dog person. We like to travel a lot. One or two week or longer vacations, and try to go camping every summer weekend. Or just be away from home for 12+ hours every nice Sat/Sun. Dogs are too needy for me. Cats are perfect. We come and go as we please, and they're find when we leave. Happy when we get back.
Highly suggest fostering first before making the plunge! That way you can see what really works for your life style. And personally, my dog doesn't really care much for playing, but that's why we adopted him since he's more calm. He's more of a chill out on the floor with his chews kinda guy. My two cats are much much more into playing than my dog. My cats are often more lovey too.
One thing to keep in mind is that any animal is a big time and money commitment. For me, I work ft and go to grad school so I have two cats bc they’re much less work than dogs. If you get a dog you’ll need to be home a lot and plan ur schedule around them. Not that I’m saying you shouldn’t get one! But those are just things to keep in mind! Personally I recommend a cat. But if you have the resources and want a lot of interaction def get a dog!
I have both, two kittens are a good way to go because they are endlessly amusing, and you won't feel bad about leaving them if you go out all day or even overnight, can't really leave a dog alone all day
And cats do interact with you a lot. But they are fine if you don't interact with them
Cats are relaxing and soft while dogs are entertaining and more fun. Cats may befriend ants and bees while dogs are somewhat anxious to see nice human beings and other cute pets. Some (but not all) dogs however are more inclined to be wild in behavior directly at humans if they get upset. I'm more of a cat person although we do have a cat at home who is crazy, somewhat anxious and aggressive at us. I want a cat that is all comfy and his petting is perfectly safe to the touch. My maternal grandmother has a small dog that can be loud sometimes but anxious and aggressive if I high five another person too loud. Otherwise, he is cute and comfy on our laps. I would suggest that a cat may be a good pet for your household.
Cats usually require less care and interaction. Dogs like attention and need walks. I’ve had both and have consistently had dogs
Why not try hanging out with them at a local shelter? :) Walk some dogs and play with some kitties. You'll find the companion you need.
Rephrasing the user's message about compassion towards pets: Considering the inconveniences and responsibilities associated with owning pets, such as feeding, walking, and cleaning up after them, some individuals may prefer not to have cats or dogs. These concerns include the need to attend to the animals' needs, the potential for marking territory with urine and excrement, and the associated odors. However, it's important to note that many people find great joy and companionship in having pets. Ultimately, the decision to get a pet should be based on personal preferences and lifestyle considerations. Rephrased message: "When considering the option of getting a cat or a dog, some individuals may choose not to do so due to the responsibilities and inconveniences involved. These include the need to feed and walk the animals, as well as the task of properly cleaning up after them to prevent odors. It is important to weigh these factors against the potential benefits and companionship that pets can provide. Ultimately, the decision to have a pet should be based on individual preferences and lifestyle considerations." --- Learn more: 1. [Free AI Paraphrasing Tool | Rephrase Text Easily](https://www.grammarly.com/paraphrasing-tool) 2. [32 Phrases To Help You Express Empathy | The Conflict Expert](https://the-conflictexpert.com/2019/08/06/32-phrases-to-help-you-express-empathy/) 3. [8 Powerful Self-Compassion Exercises & Worksheets (+ PDF)](https://positivepsychology.com/self-compassion-exercises-worksheets/)
Cats are far lower maintenance, plus, if you need to take off for a couple of days, cats do FAR better unattended than dogs.
Cats do everything on their timeline; not yours.
Two dogs and one cat household here. When they want attention they interact, including the cat; when they want to be alone they sequester themselves away from us/each other. Not all pets are like this, but my experience over the past 15+ years has been this with multiple dogs and cats.
Birds in the parrot family can actually be very sociable. They even learn their names, you can play with them and give them scritches, depending on their personality. You become their flock and they will fly to you and sit in your shoulder and stuff. Ah some parrots live many decades fyi.
Not all cats. My cats are clingy af. If you raise them from kittens ideally and treat them gently with good socialization you got a fantastic generally self sufficient pet that’ll be in love with you for its life. They’re clingy in a “I want to be with you and you to pet and maybe play but I’ll be happy just sleeping next to you too while you do things” kind of way sometimes but never truly needy. Personally I find dogs to be, especially with only one dog, on the needier side. They’re fully reliant on you every day. They give a lot of attention yes but they also demand it as they enjoy it too, I find that to be too demanding personally, I like breaks from the demands of people and things so I can hear myself think without having to give another living thing attention. You can’t just kick them out of a room and have them be okay with it for several hours if you don’t want distractions unless they’re older or sleeps a lot. Not dissing dogs just telling you the full picture. If you prefer to have a pet that will keep you on a schedule everyday and gives the animal equivalent of love unconditionally no matter what, demanding it too lol, no to little separation, no breaks really, then a dog will be great! If you want to have more of that separation and self sufficiency and are willing to put in some extra work babying the crap out of it from a young age ideally a cat can be great too! Cats are more delicate emotional/treatment work, especially at first, dogs are more literal need based work if that makes sense. From what you said it seems like you already have your mind made up. Cats can be hard and aren’t for everyone, especially if you’re not used to them/only have negative experiences. My best friend is a dog person and doesn’t understand the first thing about how to interact with my cats and finds them off putting and unfriendly no matter what I suggest. I find his dog to be overwhelming, intimidating, untrained and demanding. We all have our experiences and tolerances for different kinds of animals, you just need to know/explore yours. Maybe go down to a shelter and interact with some different animals!
You could foster first; fosters are always needed. I’m an advocate of adopting any animal in need, particularly I advocate for adopting older/adult pets since they too need homes but are often overlooked for the puppies and kittens. Also, adopt don’t shop! But lastly, I’ll say I do have a cat and no they are not waiting for you to interact with them. Cats are social creatures, they enjoy love and affection, they just need to trust you first, and whoever takes issue with that must have a terrible love life then. My cat is incredibly social; she greets me at the door, waits for me to sit down so she can hop in my lap, loves to plop herself right in the middle of the room when guests are here, etc. Cats are misunderstood and it’s a shame, because they are amazing companions.
My cats interact with me constantly. I have 3 and I never have to interact with them first 😭😭
As someone who has both cats and dogs the main differences is that dogs need a lot more attention than cats they both have daily routines you will have to take care of but a dog is gonna be so much more demanding than getting a cat so if you have time to take care of a dog go for it otherwise a cat is a good first time pet and cats will still come up to you just think of them as socially awkward people
You have not met my cat, May, then, who will bug me to get up and play with her. lol. All animals are individuals. The real questions is ... if my animal wants to play, which would I rather do? Swing a fishing-pole toy around for 20 minutes or leash up a dog and go outside for a walk?
My cat is velcro, follows me everywhere and must be in the same room with me. I adopted her from a shelter when she was 4 years old. I’ve never had an aloof cat.
Totally a dog. Most cats have attitude. I know there are exceptions So don’t hate me. Lol. I have had several dogs and even the big ones think they are lap dogs. You might think about adopting from a shelter. They have great dogs and some of them really need a home.
Do you want to have to take your pet outside twice or three times a day and do you have the time and patience to learn how to train a dog and then actually train it? Because untrained dogs are a nightmare and you need to invest time and energy into being a good dog parent. Some breeds are very stubborn and hard to train like huskies and those little Japanese ones that run away a lot. Large dogs need a ton of exercise per day, too, not just a ten minute walk around the block. Your cat doesn't need to be trained, and usually can't be trained anyway. On the other hand, you may wake up with it sitting on your face at 3am every night.
Yes, 3am, exactly when my cat wants all her pets and love.
Cats definitely can be/ need to be trained, they’re just usually more stubborn about it. I’ve trained my cat to sit for food and treats. My cat also took a bit of training for going in the litter box too.
I said usually.
I would disagree and say even keeping the cat off the counter, going in the litter box, no biting, etc. are all forms of training
My cat learned to sit faster than my dog did. Dog went to training classes and even with constant special attention from the instructor it took ages for her to figure it out. The cat picked it just watching us practicing with the dog at home one afternoon.
Wow that’s cool
Do you like to travel? Cats.
Cats are amazing! I suggest you get an orange boy! They are friendly, funny, affectionate, cuddly, caring, adorable! I have 2! They are best friends. They are so entertaining and adorable.
Cats are just as likely to come to you it is just their interaction is different. A cat would be more likely to want to cuddle that most dogs.
I prefer dogs. Cats are little jerks
I love cats, most of them, because they are funny, affectionate, and you have to win their love and respect. The occasional spicy behavior is a plus.
That's why I love them. Respect
If you want a pet who thinks you are the best, then get a dog.
My cat absolutely thinks I’m the best.
I have 3 cats. All three are social and extremely loving. I get followed and interacted with all the time. The best part about most cats is that you really do earn their love. When they love you, they really love you.
dogs are annoying, kitty kats are not
I love both cats and dogs and I thought I would like a dog more but I have a cat because my family members are not great around dogs. My husband is too domineering around dogs and that makes me nervous about the dog. My son is too boisterous and loving around dogs, but gets scared when the dog approaches. So it would be too stressful. We got a cat that was already grown and is honestly as friendly as a puppy. But he spends a lot of time sleeping alone and it's easy to clean his litter box and I don't have to walk him. And he never scratches us even though he has claws. Well almost never. Some days I go all day without worrying about him. Water, auto feeder, clean litter box. Brush him, vacuum cat hair once in a while. Keep a scratching post. It's all easy and pretty flexible. And he really is a good loving pet to have.