Are You a Dog or Cat Person?
Mary Bly was once quoted as saying, “Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later.” Some find dogs to be lazy, while others find them loyal. Some find cats to be independent, while others find them aloof. Whatever your perspective, there seems to be a consistent theme in the differences between dogs and cats, as well as in dog people and cat people. While it is possible to love both (I do!), most people seem to be either a dog or a cat person. So why is that? What makes us more drawn to a cat over a dog or a dog over a cat? The answer is simple; you find the animal that best suits YOU!
Research has shown people gravitate toward their childhood pet as inspiration for what animal they have as pets into adulthood. The bond built with a childhood pet is an important one and could greatly impact whether you will rather have dogs or cats. However, circumstances such as living space can become an issue and change plans. For example, if you attempt to take your family’s Great Dane from a big home with a large yard into a small apartment, you will find out very quickly it is an uncomfortable situation for everyone involved. Pet owners may find themselves branching out from what animals they are accustomed to so that they can provide proper care to their pet’s lifestyle needs. So, your small new apartment might need a kitten! It is a great opportunity to find out if you really prefer dogs or cats!
A major study in 2012 at the University of Texas concluded that “dog people” are extroverted, outgoing, industrious individuals, while “cat people” are found to be less traditional, more creative, and expressive types. This is not to say a quiet and more introverted person could not own a dog and a cat owner could not take hikes. However, the personalities of individuals are more likely to align with their pets than not. This is good for animals too; it is a lot less stressful for the owner and pet to live in harmony. Conflicting personalities or a less than ideal environment might create unnecessary struggle between yourself and a pet. Be sure to take the time to get to know your expectations of the pet and what the pet will expect from you.
While personality has a major effect on your pet’s relationship with you, so does your daily routine. For example, if you are an adventurous type that enjoys outdoor activities, you might prefer dogs so that you have a companion on your travels. If you are more laid back and enjoy spending your time indoors relaxing, you might prefer a cat to keep you company. Work can dictate whether you have time to care for a dog or a cat. If you work long hours, it could be difficult to ensure your dog is taken out to for bathroom breaks, while cats use litter boxes that require only once daily clean up. Cats can be left indoors alone for up to 10 hours while dogs need to be let out around every 4 hours. There are pros and cons to each, but it is up to you as a pet owner to decide which you can best care for.
Both dogs and cats make wonderful pets, there is no doubt about that, but like humans we cannot put animals in stereotypes. People are ever changing and growing as are our pets. Take the chance to spend time with different animals, you might surprise yourself! When it comes to cats and dogs there are all sorts of types. There are nervous dogs, playful cats, lively dogs, and skittish cats. Have an open mind. Whether you are a cat or a dog person now all it takes is one puppy or one kitten to change everything.
