Whether it be a fish, rodent, dog, cat, or something else, the majority of Americans are pet owners. Our lives revolve around the care of our animals, and many consider them to be their own children. The most popular household pets in the United States are the dog and the cat. These two animals create livelihood and endless memories for many people and their families. Though the real question is, does a dog or cat make a better pet?

There are many different breeds of cats. Every breed tends to have its own quirks. One common denominator is that cats are less maintenance than dogs. They’re more independent, and quiet, so they are well suited for those who travel or are short on time. Cats don’t seek attention, though many cats pick up on dog-like attributes. A nice thing about cats is their ability to stay indoors to use the bathroom and they instinctively use the litter box. Delaney Denton commented that “cats are lower maintenance, you can leave for a weekend and just leave out food for them. They’re less in your face and they can be a little more relaxed and affectionate”. One thing to add is cats tend to not want attention regularly and it’s all about how comfortable they are in the situation presented. 

On the other hand, dogs are pack animals so they will want to go wherever you go. They usually enjoy moving around and that does make it hard to leave for extended periods of time. They crave to be close and are attention seekers. Dogs are very protective over their owners because they develop strong bonds of trust. They’re ready to be a follower and become pleased much easier than cats. Establishing boundaries with a dog tends to be done quickly. Dogs have extreme passion and endless love for their families. All breeds of dogs have different personality traits and you can pretty much choose one that suits all your needs. Nick Mercurio stated, “Dogs can be crazy but they are compassionate and some dog breeds are known for their protective behaviors”. One benefit of dogs is their need to be walked or exercised regularly, encouraging the owner to exercise as well.

A common deterrent for both cats and dogs is allergies. The truth is there aren’t any hypoallergenic dogs or cats. The fur of the animal is not what people are allergic to, which contradicts many beliefs. The allergens exist in saliva, dander, or fd1 in cats. True animal lovers won’t let this stop them, for there is a variety of dogs and cats that produce limited to no variants of the allergens and there are medications available to help manage symptoms.

There is no doubt that having any pet requires upkeep and money. Dogs tend to be more expensive than cats. The initial adoption fee of a kitten or cat is sure to be significantly less expensive than a puppy or dog. A cat usually costs up to $200 and a dog can cost up to $600 according to the SPCA. Dog toys are much more expensive than cat toys due to durability and their competitive behavior. The majority of people will train their dogs whether from the puppy stage or a rescue dog. Training sessions usually occur on a regular basis for up to a year, this is not mandatory but a common cost for most dog owners. Cats are proven to have a longer life expectancy and will require care for up to a decade longer than the average dog life expectancy. 

The best pet for you is dependent on your lifestyle. Cats are less maintenance, cost less, and don’t rely as much on you. Dogs boost your overall mood, exercise habits, and social life. Both animals love showing their affection for you but a dog will want to be where you are. Therapy dogs and service dogs are great for those suffering from illnesses. Cats are great for those who are limited on time because they love to ‘do their thing’. All in all, both animals can change your life and the decision to bring them into your life should never be taken lightly.