Cats Vs. Dogs: Why Cats Are Better Pets

While having a puppy or kitten requires a lot of dedication and energy, kittens require significantly less time. Once weaned from their mothers, kittens can safely be left home alone, and by then, they'll already be on good terms with the litter box. On the other hand, puppies require ongoing training, including potty training, for months after kittens are good to go.

Owning a pet is no small feat and the price increases over time. For cat owners, however, it's significantly cheaper. Cats are more affordable than dogs over the course of their lifetimes, from lower adoption and shelter fees to everyday expenses. Dogs destroy toys often, and since their toys are more expensive, those frequent replacements add up. Cat toys are not only cheaper, but they're easy to make at home too. Time is also costly, and those twice-daily trips outdoors with the pup start adding up quickly. Cats, on the other hand, don't require daily exercise, walks, or pee trips.

The only noise you'll hear from your cat is purring and meowing. On the other hand, dogs won't stop barking at the latest passerby. They'll bark when they can't find their toys and moan when you arrive late from work. Barking can get irritating, especially when your breed is more prone to it. Cats, however, tend to stay quiet, calm, and to themselves.

You have to take dogs out late at night and in the early am, scrambling to your feet in the cold as you let Fido do his business. Then, you've got to scoop it up, put it in a bag, and dispose of it. Not to mention the long walks. Cats, on the other hand, are naturally clean. They instinctively bury their waste to hide it from predators, who would follow that scent fresh directly to them. This instinct is to your advantage, as you can easily scoop it out of the litter box much less frequently and on your own schedule.

Dogs are all over the place from the moment you walk through the door, but cats know how to give you your space. Sometimes, all you want to do is sit back, relax, and spend time to yourself, not have your pet follow you around wanting to play fetch. Cats appreciate personal space, so they let you have plenty of it. They know you couldn't possibly spend 24/7 with them, so they don't require constant attention either. With a cat, you have plenty of space to spread out, relax, and just live.

Simply put, cats are space savers. Your Great Dane would completely take over your bed, for instance, but Puffy knows her place. Not only are cats smaller than most dog breeds to begin with, but they won't stretch out, jump all over you, or completely take over your space. Dogs also require significant room in the home to play, and dog beds, crates, and toys require room. Cats are just as happy lounging or sleeping as they are exploring your studio-sized pad, so they're easy to please. All they need is the essentials and a litterbox, and they're free to thrive.

Imagine a dog spending 24/7 inside the home; it's simply not going to happen. They require extensive exercise, walking, and outdoor time to be happy, so this is always required. Cats, on the other hand, enjoy their safe spaces on the windowsill or sinking into that perfect spot on the bed. Open the window so they have some fresh air, and they can spend countless hours watching birds fly by. Cats not only enjoy the indoors; they thrive in them. If you have a small space, don't have a yard, or have limited mobility, they might just be an excellent fit.

Rats and mice beware—kitty is coming for you. Cats do more than just lounge around the house. Their intuition tells them to hunt and pounce on prey, and they follow through, whether that's a mouse or a remote. From small insects to rodents, cats help keep your place pest-free; their scent alone can scare them away.

While there are many benefits to owning any pet, cats are a special example. Their purring is known to have healing properties, so it has a therapeutic effect on muscles and bones, especially after an injury. How so? Vibrations. The frequency level correlates with positive effects on joint mobility, making cats a must-have companion for those living active lifestyles.

Dogs will drag just about anything indoors and onto your good floors, from plants to poop. Not only that, but they'll roll in just about anything, and there's never been a fence they couldn't get through or a trail they couldn't explore. This makes regular bathing and grooming an expensive and time-consuming necessity. Many breeds require routine trims to keep their fur in check, which means more work. Cats, however, clean themselves throughout the day, so they stay clean with no requirement for professional grooming.