Cats and dogs are the most recognised pets globally. They are renowned for their companionship, loyalty, and playful nature. Several studies have indicated that dog ownership can have many health benefits, such as reduced stress, improved mental health, and increased physical activity (Potter et al., 2019). Cats and dogs have unwavering love and affection for their owners, creating a deep emotional connection that offers comfort and a sense of purpose (Hui Gan et al., 2020). In addition, these mammals are exceptional at giving a feeling of protection and security, which makes them suitable pets for most people with a high sense of security in their homes. Nevertheless, regardless of them being domestic animals, cats and dogs have different features in their outlook, behavior, and cost (care requirements). This essay explores significant similarities and differences between cats and dogs, comprehensively helping potential pet owners better judge which of these mammals suits their preferences and lifestyles.
The first similarity between dogs and cats is that they are both beloved pets famous for their capacity to create strong ties with their owners. These mammals can demonstrate love, offer companionship, and emotionally support their owners (Love, 2021). As a result, most people love them since they are a great source of stress relief and comfort. Everyone who loves dogs and cats feels fulfilled due to the joy and happiness that they give.
Furthermore, cats and dogs need frequent maintenance and grooming for excellent health and happiness. Both cats and dogs must be brushed habitually to do away with loose fur, preserve healthy coats, and avoid matting. In addition, they both need regular washing to keep their skin clean and free from dust and fragments. Brushing and washing cats and dogs prevents them from contracting periodical illnesses, bacteria, parasites, and allergens (Thomas & Feng, 2020). Additionally, frequent bathing removes dead fur from cats’ and dogs’ skin and helps nourish and flourish their skin, which helps them to be less irritated and relaxed.
Ultimately, both cats and dogs can be nurtured to a certain degree. Although cats are known to be independent and have a different level of trainability than dogs, they can be trained in basic behaviors and rules. Cats can be trained in simple things such as coming when called or doing tricks like rolling over. They have a positive response to clicker training because there is a reward associated with each behavior. “Cat Operant Conditioning” is a notable investigation that shows how cats can be trained. The experiment was performed by Dr Karen Pryor using reinforcement approaches, particularly clicker training (Bosch et al., 2022). Some common training activities for cats and dogs are sitting, coming, and eating. These pieces of training help their owners to get them to become obedient and behave a certain way.
The primary difference between cats and dogs is in their behaviors. Cats have a solitary and self-reliant nature. Unlike dogs, they tend to be more self-dependent and can be isolated for a long time (Vitale et al., 2019). On the contrary, dogs are pack pets and survive on owner interrelations. They need frequent playtime, exercise, and interaction with their owner to prevent boredom. Moreover, unlike cats, dogs need to be close to humans for better physical and mental health.
Another dissimilarity between cats and dogs is in their outlook or appearance. Usually, cats have small body sizes, with pointy ears, slim bodies, and graceful motions. They also have retractable hooks, which serve as self-grooming, protection, and hunting tools. Contra-wise, dogs have a variety of sizes and shapes. There are some dogs with small body sizes while others are big. While dogs also have hooks or claws, these claws are not retractable as in cats (Ocklenburg et al., 2019). The purpose of claws in dogs is for running and digging.
Finally, cats and dogs have different costs of maintenance. The cost of maintaining cats and dogs differs due to factors such as health and dietary requirements. For instance, cats are obligate carnivores implying that their bodies need specific nutrients that can solely be acquired from animal-based sources. Cats require a diet that is rich in fat and protein. On the contrary, dogs are omnivores and can survive on various foods, including plant and animal-based diets. Dogs, unlike cats, require a balanced diet comprising carbohydrates, protein, and fat to satisfy their dietary requirements.
In summary, while cats and dogs have many things in common, like their ability to offer emotional support, love, affection, and companionship to their owners, they also have a variety of dissimilarities in their appearance, traits, and nutritional requirements. Cats are more likely to be self-reliant and have unique physical structures such as retractable hooks. However, dogs are social mammals with a comprehensive band of body shapes and sizes. All these similarities and differences can assist a potential pet owner in better choices on which to keep between a cat and a dog. The distinguishing features between cats and dogs help potential owners to choose based on their preferences, lifestyles, and ability to meet their unique requirements, such as diet.
References
Bosch, G., Gilbert, M., & Beerda, B. (2022). Properties of Foods That Impact Appetite Regulation in Cats. Frontiers in Animal Science, 3, 33. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fanim.2022.873924/full
Hui Gan, G. Z., Hill, A. M., Yeung, P., Keesing, S., & Netto, J. A. (2020). Pet ownership and its influence on mental health in older adults. Aging & mental health, 24(10), 1605-1612. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13607863.2019.1633620
Love, H. A. (2021). Best friends come in all breeds: The role of pets in suicidality. Anthrozoös, 34(2), 175-186. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08927936.2021.1885144
Ocklenburg, S., Isparta, S., Peterburs, J., & Papadatou-Pastou, M. (2019). Paw preferences in cats and dogs: Meta-analysis. Laterality: Asymmetries of Body, Brain and Cognition, 24(6), 647-677. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1357650X.2019.1578228
Potter, K., Teng, J. E., Masteller, B., Rajala, C., & Balzer, L. B. (2019). Examining how dog ‘acquisition’affects physical activity and psychosocial well-being: findings from the buddystudy pilot trial. Animals, 9(9), 666. https://www.mdpi.com/530340
Thomas, M., & Feng, Y. (2020). Risk of foodborne illness from pet food: assessing pet owners’ knowledge, behavior, and risk perception. Journal of Food Protection, 83(11), 1998-2007. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22107702
Vitale, K. R., Behnke, A. C., & Udell, M. A. (2019). Attachment bonds between domestic cats and humans. Current Biology, 29(18), R864-R865. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982219310863
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