Some people say the world is split into dog people and cat people… And we think they’re right. No matter how big of an animal lover you are, you’re likely to have a preference one way or the other. But which is the best team to be on?

Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of owning both dogs and cats and see if we can pick a winner.

Pros of owning a dog

  • Dogs are loyal and affectionate. They are committed to and protective of their owners, and they love getting attention from people.
  • The majority of dogs like to be wherever their owner is, so they make great company, especially for lonely people.
  • Most dogs are very active and playful, making them great exercise buddies and playmates for families with children.
  • There’s a wide range of breeds to suit everyone – from small indoor dogs for elderly people too large, energetic outdoor dogs for families.

Cons of owning a dog

  • Dogs can be quite messy. Whether it’s shedding hair or doing their business wherever they want (and leaving you to pick it up), you’ll be cleaning up after your dog quite a bit.
  • Owning a dog is generally fairly expensive. They eat more than cats do, and they incur more expenses for things like vet check-ups and grooming.
  • Whenever you go away, even if it’s just for a night or two, you’ll need to board your dog at a kennel or arrange someone to check in on them.
  • The average life expectancy of a dog is between 10 and 13 years. It can be hard to have a beloved pet that you’ll have to say goodbye to sooner rather than later.

Something to remember: While it’s not really a pro or a con, you should keep in mind that dogs need a lot more attention and invested effort than cats. You’ll need to train them, as well as walking, playing or interacting with them every day.

Pros of owning a cat

  • Cats are very self-sufficient. They don’t require as much cleaning up after, and they don’t need attention from you anywhere near as much as dogs do.
  • Most cats like to snuggle up with their owners, so they make for calm, comforting and quiet company.
  • Cats can live indoors, outdoors or both, making them an ideal pet if you live in a city or an apartment block with no yard space.
  • The average life span of a cat is around 15 years. This means your companion will likely be with you for a bit longer.

Cons of owning a cat

  • Cats are nowhere near as affectionate as dogs. They can be rather distant, only coming to you when they want food or a short period of attention.
  • Cats sleep a lot and are often more active at night than during the day.
  • Most cats will claw anything and everything in sight, including your furniture, your belongings, and even you. They need to be actively deterred from this.
  • All cats shed fur, and a lot of it will end up around your home and on your clothes.

Something to remember: Given their independent nature and unwillingness to remain confined, cats will often wander off – for hours or even days at a time. This could be a pro or a con for you, depending on your situation and what you’re looking for in a pet.

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So there you have it! A balanced picture of what it’s like to own a dog or a cat – both the good and bad aspects. Which team are you on?