10 reasons why cats are better than dogs
There are so many reasons why cats are better than dogs. If you’ve ever owned a cat, then you don’t need me to tell you that in so many ways, they’re softer, sweeter and smarter than our canine companions, not to mention quieter and cleaner.
Cats are the ultimate four-pawed pal. Happy with a bowl of cat food, a few toys and a cozy and sunny space to nap the day away, our feline friends can clean themselves, take up little space and don’t require daily walks and constant attention. They’re also cheaper to own and won’t cause you to regret pet ownership by making excessive noise every time the doorbell rings.
- Cat’s are independent
According to a 2017 study published in the journal of Behavioral Processes, cats prefer human interaction to all other stimuli, including both food and toys. Our feline friends appreciate and practice independence, but they also deeply value time with their people.
- They don’t need daily walks
Cats are more than happy to spend most of their day napping and when they’re not asleep, an indoor play session with the best cat toys, some time with you and a tasty meal is all it takes for them to feel like they’re living their best life.
- Cat’s don’t take up much space
With the average cat weighing around 10 lbs, our feline friends are so petite that you’d hardly know they were in the house. In fact, sometimes they’re such geniuses at tucking themselves away into little nooks and crannies, that you inadvertently find yourself spending ages in a game of hide and seek!.
- Owning a cat is more affordable
Over the course of their lives, cats tend to cost less than dogs. In fact, in their 2022 , Rover put the upfront costs of owning a cat between $695 – $3,100 vs dogs who cost somewhere in the vicinity of $1,050 and $4,480. Similarly, when it comes to annual essentials, cat owners spend a maximum of $1,450 vs dog owners who are forced to shell out as much as $3,470 – that’s quite a difference!
- Cat’s are happy indoors
Cats are not only much safer being kept indoors, but they’re generally very content to sit in a sunny spot near the window and watch all the bird activity going on outside.
- They make nowhere near as much noise
Let’s face it – most dogs aren’t exactly quiet. They bark when the doorbell goes, when their favorite toy is stuck under the couch, when they want feeding, when they’re excited to see you – the list goes on. All that noise can be pretty annoying and although cats will meow, chirp and purr, the sounds our feline friends make tend to be both cute and far less excessive.
- Cat’s clean themselves
If you have a cat, the occasions when they come in covered in something they shouldn’t will be very rare indeed. Our feline friends are meticulous about their grooming habits and while they’ll certainly appreciate a helping hand from time to time in the form of a pamper session with the best cat brush, they’re essentially self-cleaning machines who take great pride in their personal hygiene.
- They understand the concept of personal space
Cats don’t require frequent attention, energy or affection. They understand the importance of space and independence in a relationship and are more than happy to quietly curl up beside you or to go off and do their own thing.
- Owning a cat might just make you more intelligent
Research has shown that cat owners tend to be more intelligent than dog owners – regardless of how intelligent their actual pet is. In a study conducted by Carroll University in Wisconsin, researchers looked for personality traits in 600 students that coincided with choices in pet ownership. They found that dog lovers tended to be more lively, outgoing, energetic and rule-abiding, but cat owners came out on top when it came to sensitivity, open-mindedness, non-conformity and intelligence.
- They’re not as smelly as dogs
Our feline friends would rather die than waltz around the house dirty or smelly, and it’s that distinct lack of bodily aroma that makes us love them all the more.