Are cats better than dogs?

One of the best ways to start a lively debate is to drop the comment “cats are better than dogs” (or vice versa) into a crowd. Here’s a *factual* look at the age-old argument.

1. You need to be pushed to exercise.

Winner: Dogs.

While walking your feline friend is a good conversation starter, dogs generally require daily exercise and are a good way to ensure even the laziest human gets regular exercise – the only thing harder than setting out in the rain (or on a lazy day), is to try and ignore a dog ready for their walkies.

READ MORE: Pets need exercise too

2. You like to get out and meet people.

Winner: Dogs.

One of the world’s best icebreakers, going to a local dog park or dog friendly café with your pooch is an excellent way to meet people and enter into chats with strangers if you’re feeling a bit isolated. Puppy classes and dog clubs are another great way to meet like-minded people. Or course, if you did put your cat on a leash and go for a walk, you’d be almost guaranteed a conversation or two!

READ MORE: Why pets are good for your health 

3. You lead a busy life.

Winner: Cats.

Dogs are messy, messy, creatures. Cats, on the other hand, tend to self-groom and bury their own leavings (not to mention make a lot less of them). Dogs are also generally needier creatures, while their feline counterparts can go through the day without sitting on some part of your body for attention. Dogs that are left alone for too large a stretch also may become destructive and bored – which means noise complaints about barking, a dug up back yard, and chewed up furniture.  

4. You prefer your pet related bills on the smaller side.

Winner: Cats.

The average spend on vet care is lower for cats than dogs -  a study commissioned by the Australian Companion Animal Council found the average cost of owning a dog per annum is $1,056 (just over $20 per week), and cats around $602 per annum (just over $11 per week). It makes sense – cats don’t require training or socialisation classes, expensive grooming and washing treatments, and their food bill, on average, is lower than it is for your average sized pooch.

5. You’d like a little extra security.

Winner: Dogs.

Even the smallest dog is capable of making a loud noise to ward off intruders or alert you to their presence. A much larger dog can be even more helpful, and a good companion for walks after dark.

The winner?

Whilst we’ve got a three to one showing here, it’s fair to say it comes down to personal choice and what fits your lifestyle (and no doubt there a hundred more points you could make for Team Fido OR Team Kitty.) A recent study has also shown it might come down to personality - people who identified as dog lovers tended to be more lively, while those that preferred cats erred towards being introverted, more open-minded and more sensitive than dog lovers.