Choose your own animal adventure with this showdown of the species.
It’s the cutest matchup of the century, as we pit cat against dog in a battle of the beasts. When it comes to pet selection, who will reign supreme?
ROUND 1
TRAINING
Forget the old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Dogs are social and reward-motivated, so it’s never too late to train your dog using treats, a clicker, and patience. Cats, on the other hand, are often much less interested. While cats can be quick to learn party-pleasing tricks like high-five, they don’t feel the need to work as hard to please their master for a reward as their canine counterparts. Perhaps it’s due to dogs’ larger brain size, which, according to a study by Oxford University, is necessary in more social creatures and allows them to be better at solving problems and engaging with people.
ROUND 2
HOUSE-TRAINING
Anyone who has ever had the joy—and the accompanying frustration—of bringing home a puppy knows that potty training requires patience, strategically placed pee pads, sleepless nights, and vigilant supervision. When puppies have to go, they have to go—whether it’s on your couch, your carpet, or your new pair of shoes. Cats, on the other hand, are instinctively clean animals and will naturally take to the process of covering their messes. “Cats are also not as mark intense as dogs,” says
Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society.” Initial training usually involves confining your kitten to a small space where he has everything he needs, including the litter box, which he’ll often get the hang of using after just a few tries.
ROUND 3
HEALTH
Responsible pet ownership means caring for the routine wellness needs of your animal. Cat or dog, a pet requires routine vaccinations, checkups, and even dental cleanings. Providing proper care is a lifetime commitment—that means an average of 13 years for a canine, and 13 to 17 years for an indoor cat. While there’s no clear winner when it comes to the animal’s health, there is when it comes to the health of the animal’s owner. Dog owners reap the benefits of “forced” exercise from having to walk their pet regularly, leading to lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease. While both dog and cat owners experience the stress relief of petting their furry friends, the fur—and skin and saliva—can work against the feline. Studies have shown that children exposed to dogs in infancy have boosted immune systems and lower likelihood of developing allergic conditions. Cat allergies are twice as common as dog allergies in the 10 percent of the population with pet allergies.
ROUND 4
HABITAT
Breed restrictions, weight limitations, and straight-out “No dogs allowed” policies often make finding canine-friendly accommodations downright difficult. Because dogs also require a lot more exercise and exploration than cats, a yard is often desirable, yet not so easily attainable in urban environments. Cats, on the other hand, are stimulated by perches that can fit in even the smallest apartment corners, and simply require a small, quiet place for their litter box. For cats interested in exploring the great outdoors safely, trendy catios—or cat patio enclosures—can be added to backyards or even as window boxes, similar to a stand-alone air-conditioner unit.
THE DECISION
A TIE
Ask a dog person what the best animal is and the answer is clear: a dog. Ask a cat person the same question and the answer is clear: a cat. The only true winner in the showdown of the species is the one that lives in your home, whether he runs to greet you at the door ready to play fetch or snuggles by your side purring contently. No contest.
