How Cats Are Better Than Dogs?
Many people are divided on whether cats or dogs make better companions, but there are clear reasons why cats might be the better choice. Unlike dogs, cats require less exercise and are more quiet, making them easier to care for in a busy household. They are also generally more affordable to maintain, needing less frequent grooming. For those who prefer a domesticated pet that’s both independent and loving, cats offer great benefits in terms of owning a pet. Here are 15 reasons why cats are better than dogs.
1.Cats are Quiet and Peaceful
For dog lovers, the incessant barking of dogs can be annoying, especially when it’s directed at every passerby or animal nearby. While dogs might be active and louder, cats are naturally more quiet. Unlike dogs, who may keep running around and knocking on surfaces, cats are known for their calm demeanor, often only making soft meows or purrs.
These sounds are generally subtle and cute, not demanding attention unless they’re hungry or want a cuddle. In comparison, dogs are much insistent with their barking, which can disrupt the peace at night. Cats are the quietest of pets, easily adjusting to their living situation and keeping noise levels low. If you prefer a more peaceful environment, cats will recognize when it’s time to be silent, making them a better choice for quiet homes.
2.Cats’ Adult Size Is More Predictable
When it comes to adopting a new pet, cats are often easier to plan for than dogs. A kitten’s adult size is more predictable, with most growing to a typical weight of 7 to 12 pounds once fully grown. In contrast, dog parents may find it harder to predict the size of a puppy, which can surprise them as the dog matures. A healthy cat usually falls within a consistent weight range, making it simpler to estimate their needs. While there are always exceptions, the size of a rescued or adopted cat is generally more straightforward to carry.
3.Cats Don’t Take Much Space
Cats need far less space than most dogs. A golden retriever or even a tiny dog may require large areas to play and exercise, but a kitty can comfortably stretch out in a small corner. They don’t need a huge room filled with dog toys, a dog bed, or extra stuff. Just the basics litter boxes, food, and water dishes are enough for a cat to thrive. This makes it easy for them to fit into any home and still lead a happy, healthy life with little effort on your part.
4.Cats are easy to house train
When you bring them home, kittens are often a breeze to house-train. Unlike puppies, who can be a real challenge for dog owners, cats instinctively use a litter box without much effort. The process is quick and smooth, as cats seem to just know what to do, allowing owners to avoid the long hours spent training puppies. Even with a new home, they adapt quickly and naturally overcome any early obstacles, making them the easier pet to care for.
5.Cat Is More Affordable
Adopting cats is often a much more affordable choice compared to dogs. Kittens from shelters typically come with lower adoption fees, unlike the expensive process of adopting puppies, especially if you’re looking for a specific breed.
Many shelters offer two-for-one deals during major seasons, making it even easier to adopt at a reduced cost. Some shelters even waive fees for cats, helping you save money for a lifetime companion without spending as much as you would on buying a dog. From personal experience, I’ve found that cats are a budget-friendly choice for anyone looking to add a pet to their home.
6.Cats are low Maintenance
If you’re looking for a low maintenance pet, cats are the way to go. Unlike dogs, they don’t need to be taken out multiple times a day for walks. Most importantly, they are self-cleaning, so they don’t need constant grooming like long-haired dogs or even long-haired cats. They don’t require formal training and can be left to their own devices, needing only basic care. In comparison to dogs, cats demand much less time and effort, making them an ideal choice for busy pet owners.
7.Cats Are Happy to Stay Indoor
Cats are naturally more suited for an indoors-only lifestyle. While dogs often require walks and regular trips to the yard or parks for their exercise, cats are completely content staying indoors, living their happy and healthy lives.
They are often seen lounging in a sunny spot by the window, watching birds and bugs from their cat window perch or resting peacefully on the couch. Unlike dogs, cats do not face the same challenge of needing frequent outdoor trips, which can be tiring for owners.
Being safer indoors, cats remain content, enjoying the fresh air from the window without the risk of an escape. They simply don’t need the time outdoors to stay satisfied and active. This makes them a perfect companion for those with limited mobility or people who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle.
8.Cats Contribute to Your Health
Having a cat comes with incredible health benefits. A 10-year study showed that cat owners are 30% less likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke compared to non-cat owners. The purring of a cat has a calming effect that not only helps reduce stress, but also lowers blood pressure and can aid in falling asleep.
The soothing action of petting a cat promotes therapeutic healing and has positive effects on your human muscles and bones, improving joint mobility and recovery after an injury. The frequency and vibrations from purring are powerful, helping you live longer and be less likely to die from heart-related problems.
9.Cats Clean Themselves
Cats are natural self-cleaning machines, unlike dogs who often roll in garbage, enjoy dead animals, or need constant bathing and grooming. They groom themselves using their nails and tongues, so there’s no need for expensive dog groomer visits or regular brushing and clipping. From my experience, it’s a relief to have a pet that stays clean without extra effort, while dogs can sometimes smell bad after getting dirty from playing in the poop or animals.
10.Cats cost less to care for
When caring for cats, the overall cost is much lower than for dogs. Unlike medium dogs or large dogs, cats need less food and require fewer toys, which significantly reduces pet expenses. Additionally, grooming costs for cats are typically lower since they don’t require the expensive materials and frequent care that larger breeds often do, which are replaced often.
Cats are more independent, needing less exercise and no dog walker, saving you the $15 to $20 for a 20-minute walk. Instead, cats are content with lounging, napping, and playing on their own, often enjoying simple cat toys or a cat tree or cat house. Even if you have two kitties, they can keep each other entertained while you’re at work or home alone, making them a cheap and easy choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance pet.
11.Cats are Perfect for Apartments
If you’re living in a compact apartment, cats make an excellent pet choice. They are suited for spaces with less space and can easily navigate small square footage by utilizing vertical space. Unlike dogs, cats don’t need to be taken outside multiple times a day, which can be time-consuming. They feel comfortable at ease in these areas and are satisfied with their litter boxes.
This gives them a significant advantage, especially for people living in large apartment buildings where outdoor access may be limited. Overall, cats are a much better fit for apartments, as they make use of every vertical level and don’t require as much space.
12.Kittens Require Less Work Than Puppies
When you bring a kitty into your new home, you quickly realize they require far less time, energy, and attention compared to a puppy. Unlike a pup, who needs constant training and potty training, a kitten is often already weaned and familiar with the basics, like using the litter box. This makes them much easier to care for.
Kittens are content to be left unsupervised in a safe space, such as a room, and rarely get into any mischief. Their smaller size makes them easy to keep contained, and they generally don’t cause any major damage around the house. While a puppy might be constantly sleep-deprived due to ongoing training and need constant supervision throughout the day, a kitty is happy finding a comfortable spot and resting. For busy people, this makes kittens a much simpler choice than a puppy.
13.Cats Help Control Pests
Cats, being natural-born hunters, have a hunting instinct hardwired into their DNA, making them skilled at stalking, hunting, and pouncing on any prey. This makes them excellent at keeping rodents like mice and other unwanted pests away from your home. Owning kitties comes with the benefits of having a natural rodent repellent and pest control expert at your disposal.
The presence of a cat is a great deterrent that prevents bugs and rodents from trying to enter your house. Their sharp hunting skill and prey drive make them excellent at catching anything that doesn’t belong, whether it’s a mouse or a bug. They don’t even need to eat their prey just their scent and the fact that they’re always watching keeps the house safe. It’s like having a built-in hunter that ensures your home remains pest-free and protected.
14.Cleaning the Litter Box Is Easier
Cleaning the litter box is much easier than cleaning up after a dog. While dogs need walks even late at night or during scorching summer days and freezing cold, house cats take care of their business indoors. Cats, being naturally clean creatures, rely on their instincts to bury their pee and poop, keeping the waste covered and neat.
The waste is usually hides, which makes it much easier for humans to clean. You don’t need to touch the waste with your hand or worry about using a plastic bag to handle dog poop, as cats instinctively maintain their territory clean. This makes the whole process so much more convenient and pleasant for everyone involved.
15.Cats have a long lifespan
As a pet owner, one of the best things about having cats is their long life expectancy. While most house pets have an average life span of around 12 years, cats can live into their high teens or even early twenties. This means you get more time with your furry friend, reducing the pain of losing a pet, which can be a truly heartbreaking experience. From my own experience, having a cat as a companion for so many years makes the bond even stronger, and the memories last longer.
