Cats vs. Dogs? Which is easier for you to have as a pet?
- Thread starter Doberluv
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Your dogs are just undermotivated. Meg jumped onto a 4' high hutch in the dining room, ate 6.5 of the 7 cupcakes on it (apparently she got full), and didn't knock over a single picture frame on it.
Or we had a burglar who got distracted by the chocolate and peanut butter cupcakes. That's Meg's story.
As for the topic - I think cats are far easier. Having said that, we've never had an indoor-only cat, and I think that is probably a part of the reason. Rocky was awesome. He was good with us (I have pictures of him somewhere tucked in my doll's bed), but he clearly had a 'life' away from us. If we did nothing but let him in and out and make sure he had food for a few days, he didn't care in the least. He'd be out hunting, providing himself with his own entertainment and exercise.
I've yet to meet an indoor only cat that I really like. Maybe it is because people don't provide them with enough attention to make them into cool cats. I don't know. I do know the only cats I've been really enamored by are either barn cats or indoor/outdoor cats. Since it is such a negative to have one of those now, I doubt I will ever own a cat again.
Litter boxes. Bleh. My one hard and fast pet rule is no pets that go to the bathroom in the house. No cages, no litter boxes.
Or we had a burglar who got distracted by the chocolate and peanut butter cupcakes. That's Meg's story.
As for the topic - I think cats are far easier. Having said that, we've never had an indoor-only cat, and I think that is probably a part of the reason. Rocky was awesome. He was good with us (I have pictures of him somewhere tucked in my doll's bed), but he clearly had a 'life' away from us. If we did nothing but let him in and out and make sure he had food for a few days, he didn't care in the least. He'd be out hunting, providing himself with his own entertainment and exercise.
I've yet to meet an indoor only cat that I really like. Maybe it is because people don't provide them with enough attention to make them into cool cats. I don't know. I do know the only cats I've been really enamored by are either barn cats or indoor/outdoor cats. Since it is such a negative to have one of those now, I doubt I will ever own a cat again.
Litter boxes. Bleh. My one hard and fast pet rule is no pets that go to the bathroom in the house. No cages, no litter boxes.
Well I find the cats much easier. The main reason is that unlike Tucker they don't have any behavioral problems, or at least not as bad. Neko will beg for his food, which can be annoying but he's usually on time. Willie steals meat, which is more bothersome but my mom would still rather loose a hunk of leftover meat than a pair of shoes, or listening to Tucker have a tantrum because a dog is walking by. Exercise needs can be met without leaving the house and if you don't exercise them it usually has no affect. You don't need to be home by a certain time to avoid an accident. If my cats are scared of guests they go hide, when Tucker is scared of guests he tries to eat them.
But, both Tucker and the cat demand equal amounts of attention, though they all use different methods...Neko just climbs on you and lays against you, Willie screams and gets in your face and begs to be held and eventually just jumps into your arms whether you like it or not (and I wouldn't have it any other way), and Tucker sits next to you and paws at you or brings you a toy. my cats follow me from room to room (when they are awake) just like Tucker does. Both the dog and the cats become unhappy when we go on vacation. When we go on vacation both require sitters to come over multiple times a day because the cats don't get kibble.
The cats are easier because once they can scratch a scratching post and not the furniture you don't need to train them anymore (usually). They don't need to learn to behave in public. They don't need you to be there for them to go potty.
Obviously this applies to my cats and my dog, some people have cats that get into everything and dogs who don't. Some people have aloof dogs and low energy, non playful dogs and cats who cause chaos when not well stimulated. But in my house the cats are easier for the above reasons.
But, both Tucker and the cat demand equal amounts of attention, though they all use different methods...Neko just climbs on you and lays against you, Willie screams and gets in your face and begs to be held and eventually just jumps into your arms whether you like it or not (and I wouldn't have it any other way), and Tucker sits next to you and paws at you or brings you a toy. my cats follow me from room to room (when they are awake) just like Tucker does. Both the dog and the cats become unhappy when we go on vacation. When we go on vacation both require sitters to come over multiple times a day because the cats don't get kibble.
The cats are easier because once they can scratch a scratching post and not the furniture you don't need to train them anymore (usually). They don't need to learn to behave in public. They don't need you to be there for them to go potty.
Obviously this applies to my cats and my dog, some people have cats that get into everything and dogs who don't. Some people have aloof dogs and low energy, non playful dogs and cats who cause chaos when not well stimulated. But in my house the cats are easier for the above reasons.
I find cats easier, in general. Though when you deal with things like eating issues, improper elimination issues, etc then dogs are easier, lol.
As for my current (if temporary) crew, Whiskey is SO SO SO much easier than Frodo. Whiskey is pretty much perfect for me in every way for a cat (and I can only hope to find another like him when he goes back to Amber) and Frodo is...well, Frodo.
As for my current (if temporary) crew, Whiskey is SO SO SO much easier than Frodo. Whiskey is pretty much perfect for me in every way for a cat (and I can only hope to find another like him when he goes back to Amber) and Frodo is...well, Frodo.
I find dogs easier than cats because I enjoy everything about having dogs. Dogs have a high "return on investment", where as I find I put a lot of effort into caring for cats but get little enjoyment in return. I just don't understand cats very well. They always seem happy and purry and want to be petted and then wham! They bite and lock in to me with their evil claws! I also hate litter boxes.
Reading the other thread (which prompted this one, LOL) and seeing why some of you think cats are more work than dogs.........it's confusing me!
Cats race through the house all night keeping you awake.
If your dog was doing that, would it be allowed? How would you deal with it? Why do you allow the cat to continue?
Cats must be 'wrangled' into a crate to visit the vet. Why wouldn't you teach your cat the crate is a good thing........he's obviously going to need it for doctor visits, vacations, boarding, whatever.
My point is, so many of these things you claim makes a cat more work than a dog was just owner error, lack of training, or whatever you want to call it, LOL People come here with dogs out of control and we don't tell them to live with it..........we tell them how to work on the problem. And we ALL know if you allow it today, it's going to be expected tomorrow........so don't allow things you don't like from day one no matter the species.
Cats race through the house all night keeping you awake.
If your dog was doing that, would it be allowed? How would you deal with it? Why do you allow the cat to continue?Cats must be 'wrangled' into a crate to visit the vet. Why wouldn't you teach your cat the crate is a good thing........he's obviously going to need it for doctor visits, vacations, boarding, whatever.
My point is, so many of these things you claim makes a cat more work than a dog was just owner error, lack of training, or whatever you want to call it, LOL People come here with dogs out of control and we don't tell them to live with it..........we tell them how to work on the problem. And we ALL know if you allow it today, it's going to be expected tomorrow........so don't allow things you don't like from day one no matter the species.
On a day to day, doin' stuff with young healthy pets basis, cats are less immediate work.
But... in terms of health I think cats need a LOT more vigilance. You really need to be alert and pay attention to cats' habits and subtle changes, they do few things better than hiding signs of illness until they are terrible bad sick. And when they do get sick, they sometimes get sick very mysteriously and even when things are more straightforward they tend to need more... more diagnostics, more interventions, more ongoing home care. Old cats or cats with a chronic illness can be a LOT of work, beyond any work any dog has ever been for me.
So they're really not for someone who wants a low maintenance pet IMO. They are just a different kind and less physically active kind of maintenance.
But... in terms of health I think cats need a LOT more vigilance. You really need to be alert and pay attention to cats' habits and subtle changes, they do few things better than hiding signs of illness until they are terrible bad sick. And when they do get sick, they sometimes get sick very mysteriously and even when things are more straightforward they tend to need more... more diagnostics, more interventions, more ongoing home care. Old cats or cats with a chronic illness can be a LOT of work, beyond any work any dog has ever been for me.
So they're really not for someone who wants a low maintenance pet IMO. They are just a different kind and less physically active kind of maintenance.
Cats race through the house all night keeping you awake. If your dog was doing that, would it be allowed? How would you deal with it? Why do you allow the cat to continue?
If your dog was doing that, would it be allowed? How would you deal with it? Why do you allow the cat to continue?
But, my cats are by far easier to care for than my dogs. Like others have said, I don't sit and worry about them if I'm gone X amount of hours like I do with my dogs. They're the type of cats that sleep almost all day, come downstairs around 4:30pm (I feed everyone at 5:30) and want some attention, get fed, and go back to sleep til we go to sleep then it's party time. They're affectionate and friendly, but I don't feel like they *need* me like my dogs do. A lot of that is probably because I have 2 cats, so they play with each other, sleep together, etc.
Litter box isn't a big deal to me, I clean it twice a day, after breakfast and after dinner. Takes all of 5min. total daily.
They have cost me more in vet bills than my dogs though.. stupid male cats with UTI issues
Honestly, for that reason, I will probably stick to dogs after these two go. Would just be easier for me in the long run, not having to worry about "OMG what if this dog doesn't like cats?" etc.
I've grown up with both multiple dogs and cats...and they both have their pros and cons.
Kittens are easier than puppies, hands down. Kittens have to be taught how to play with humans properly (much easier if you have multiple kittens/they were kept with the mom until at least 12 weeks) and taught to not scratch on furniture (get a cat tree) and to not jump up onto the kitchen table/counters (get a squirt bottle). They come housetrained.
Puppies...well, you all know the work puppies need. LOL Potty breaks, socialization, training, house manners, exercise, stimulation, etc.
The adult cats get fed, watered, let out to potty/litterbox cleaned (Apollo asks to go outside like a dog, so mom only has to clean a litterbox every two weeks or so), and cuddled/played with when they ask.
The adult dogs get fed, watered, let out to potty, and cuddled played with when they ask.
They both shed, although the dogs shed a lot more. The dogs can't be left alone for more than 8 hours at a time. We would have no issues leaving the cats alone for a weekend with food/water left out. Cats don't need baths, nor their nails trimmed (they keep them in pristine shape themselves, although I do trim Apollo's on occasion). We do have to brush and groom the long haired kitties just like the dogs.
I've met some cats that are as high maintenance as an adult dog. I've met some dogs that are as "low maintenance" as an average cat. All just depends on the animal, I suppose.
Kittens are easier than puppies, hands down. Kittens have to be taught how to play with humans properly (much easier if you have multiple kittens/they were kept with the mom until at least 12 weeks) and taught to not scratch on furniture (get a cat tree) and to not jump up onto the kitchen table/counters (get a squirt bottle). They come housetrained.
Puppies...well, you all know the work puppies need. LOL Potty breaks, socialization, training, house manners, exercise, stimulation, etc.
The adult cats get fed, watered, let out to potty/litterbox cleaned (Apollo asks to go outside like a dog, so mom only has to clean a litterbox every two weeks or so), and cuddled/played with when they ask.
The adult dogs get fed, watered, let out to potty, and cuddled played with when they ask.
They both shed, although the dogs shed a lot more. The dogs can't be left alone for more than 8 hours at a time. We would have no issues leaving the cats alone for a weekend with food/water left out. Cats don't need baths, nor their nails trimmed (they keep them in pristine shape themselves, although I do trim Apollo's on occasion). We do have to brush and groom the long haired kitties just like the dogs.
I've met some cats that are as high maintenance as an adult dog. I've met some dogs that are as "low maintenance" as an average cat. All just depends on the animal, I suppose.
I loved my cats for what they were. I've had 5 during my life and they were all very sociable and part of the family. I find them very interesting to watch. I see the wild side of them which is different from what I see in dogs. I found them easier in the way that they could be left alone for longer periods of time, even over a week end as long as they had plenty of food and water and a couple litter boxes. I usually had more than one at a time and they all got along great.
Priscilla, my mama cat would follow me like a dog to my neighbors where we use to live when I went for a cup of coffee and a chat. She'd sit on their porch and watch me through the window, waiting for me. Then she'd follow me back home, up our long driveway.
My cats were all very sociable and never did that sudden biting or scratching things some do. They were just lovely. There was one exception to that loveliness and that was that they began peeing in the house...in closets and such. I can't tolerate that so I will not ever take a risk by getting another cat. It's just the worst thing as it ruins a house. Unless it's a really big house where the litter box can be far away from the living area, no thanks...no more cats. Cat excrement is really the most odoriferous, revolting thing ever. I think they're more territorial than dogs and as we added cats, that's when it started. Their litter boxes were cleaned every day more than once. They loved affection and sitting on laps. But they were also content to be left alone and just hang out on a window sill or sleep on a couch.
Dogs....no, my dogs could not be left alone for as long as I could my cats. They're much more dependent and need more involvement from their people. I think it all boils down to the fact that humans and dogs had a convergent evolution. We're attached at the hip as far as our development. Dogs understand many of human social cues. Phenomenally, we are both really designed to live with one another through evolution.
Some say cats are still in the process actually, of becoming domesticated. If they are already domesticated, then it hasn't been nearly as long as dogs have been. Most felines are solitary (not lions) and dogs are not. So, dogs train up easier imo, being so linked to the niche provided by humans.
I guess in some ways, cats are easier than dogs but in other ways, cats can be harder. I guess it depends on the beholder as to what chores or living style one considers to be easier or more difficult. lol. For me, cats are more independent and less time consuming. But the litter box business! Yuck. They both can cause some destruction to a house or belongings. But puppies usually grow out of that. Not sure about cats. My cats weren't too bad regarding that sort of thing. They just weren't mischief makers in too big of a way. But cats aren't as easy to train imo. They're independent compared to most dogs...more of a solitary animal. Dogs are by design use to working with humans.
Okay, enough rambling.
Priscilla, my mama cat would follow me like a dog to my neighbors where we use to live when I went for a cup of coffee and a chat. She'd sit on their porch and watch me through the window, waiting for me. Then she'd follow me back home, up our long driveway.
My cats were all very sociable and never did that sudden biting or scratching things some do. They were just lovely. There was one exception to that loveliness and that was that they began peeing in the house...in closets and such. I can't tolerate that so I will not ever take a risk by getting another cat. It's just the worst thing as it ruins a house. Unless it's a really big house where the litter box can be far away from the living area, no thanks...no more cats. Cat excrement is really the most odoriferous, revolting thing ever.
I think they're more territorial than dogs and as we added cats, that's when it started. Their litter boxes were cleaned every day more than once. They loved affection and sitting on laps. But they were also content to be left alone and just hang out on a window sill or sleep on a couch.Dogs....no, my dogs could not be left alone for as long as I could my cats. They're much more dependent and need more involvement from their people. I think it all boils down to the fact that humans and dogs had a convergent evolution. We're attached at the hip as far as our development. Dogs understand many of human social cues. Phenomenally, we are both really designed to live with one another through evolution.
Some say cats are still in the process actually, of becoming domesticated. If they are already domesticated, then it hasn't been nearly as long as dogs have been. Most felines are solitary (not lions) and dogs are not. So, dogs train up easier imo, being so linked to the niche provided by humans.
I guess in some ways, cats are easier than dogs but in other ways, cats can be harder. I guess it depends on the beholder as to what chores or living style one considers to be easier or more difficult. lol. For me, cats are more independent and less time consuming. But the litter box business! Yuck. They both can cause some destruction to a house or belongings. But puppies usually grow out of that. Not sure about cats. My cats weren't too bad regarding that sort of thing. They just weren't mischief makers in too big of a way. But cats aren't as easy to train imo. They're independent compared to most dogs...more of a solitary animal. Dogs are by design use to working with humans.
Okay, enough rambling.
It also depends on the person I think..my old neighbor used to leave his cats alone for as long as 6 days with an automatic water/food dish with a timer and an automatic litter box.
Other then me checking in once in a while to make sure the stuff is all in working order..the cats didn't mind at all. Lol they barely gave me a second glance when I walked in the door to check on them.
So I think the "bare minimum" of care for cats (while they are still healthy, fed, watered, indoors) is pretty low compared to the bare minimum of indoor dogs (which require going out, can be destructive, behavioral issues that arrise from never going outside/lack of human contact etc..)
but of cours there are owners on both sides that go above and beyond the minimum..but I believe in general the minimum care requirement for cats is a lot easier.
Other then me checking in once in a while to make sure the stuff is all in working order..the cats didn't mind at all. Lol they barely gave me a second glance when I walked in the door to check on them.
So I think the "bare minimum" of care for cats (while they are still healthy, fed, watered, indoors) is pretty low compared to the bare minimum of indoor dogs (which require going out, can be destructive, behavioral issues that arrise from never going outside/lack of human contact etc..)
but of cours there are owners on both sides that go above and beyond the minimum..but I believe in general the minimum care requirement for cats is a lot easier.
I grew up with cats, LOL, I know how crazy they can be. And really, if the all night parties cats tend to enjoy doesn't bother you (general you) then who cares? But if it's a bone of contention, something you find hard to live with.........IMO, you should do something about it was the point I was making.
Crate them when the party starts. Give them the basement for parties, or perhaps a 'bedtime' room. There are ways to deal with it just like you would a dog if "knock it off" didn't cut it (and some dogs that works on, some it does NOT! LOL)
All the things I saw mentioned that made 'cats harder to deal with than dogs' were all things that could be dealt with or trained.
It's not like I can train my dog to NOT need exercise or be let out for potty breaks, *imagines Orson using indoor dog pads* LOL, you know what I mean?
Crate them when the party starts. Give them the basement for parties, or perhaps a 'bedtime' room. There are ways to deal with it just like you would a dog if "knock it off" didn't cut it (and some dogs that works on, some it does NOT! LOL)
All the things I saw mentioned that made 'cats harder to deal with than dogs' were all things that could be dealt with or trained.
It's not like I can train my dog to NOT need exercise or be let out for potty breaks, *imagines Orson using indoor dog pads*
LOL, you know what I mean?