For years now, there has been an ongoing debate about whether cats or dogs make the best pets. Some people love the independence of cats, while others prefer to have a loyal companion by their side and choose to get a dog. Of course, the debate has no real answer, and the cat vs dog debate is completely subjective to everyone.
There are a lot of factors that determine whether a cat or a dog is the right pet for you, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Owning a cat and a dog are very different experiences, and they require completely different levels of care. If you have been debating between a cat or a dog and you are still unsure which pet to get, then hopefully this article can help you out. In this article, we will go over some points that should help you understand whether a cat or dog is the right pet for you. Keep on reading to find out more!
How Much Spare Time Do You Have
When it comes to choosing the right pet for you, one of the most important things you need to consider is how much spare time you have. Dogs are not low-maintenance pets, so if you are considering adopting a dog, then you will need a lot of spare time to look after them. Of course, there are more low-maintenance dog breeds than others, but ultimately all dogs will require plenty of exercise and playtime in order for them to be healthy.
If you know that your work schedule isn’t too busy, then adopting a dog could be a good idea for you. For someone who works remotely, adopting a dog can be ideal as it means you can still care for them while you are working. However, if you are someone with a super busy schedule, then it may be better to adopt a cat. While cats do of course need attention and care, they are much less needy than dogs, so you can work a busy schedule around owning a cat.
What Is Your Home Like
Another important thing you need to consider when choosing between a cat and a dog is whether your home is suitable. It should go without saying, but if you choose to adopt a dog, you should definitely have a home that has some outside space. If you live in a flat with a balcony, this will also be fine, so long as you also take them on extra-long walks. For someone who lives in a small flat, a dog would not be ideal, and you would be much better off adopting a cat instead.
There is an ongoing debate as to whether all cats should be inside cats, but of course, if you adopt a cat living in a small apartment, then you will need to ensure your cat is kept inside. If you raise the cat from a kitten, then it is much easier to have an inside cat as that is all they are used to. However, if you choose to adopt an adult cat from a shelter, then you must ensure that the cat has been brought up as an inside cat as this will just make things a bit easier for you.
Research Both Animals Well
Before you decide to adopt a cat or not, you must ensure that you spend some time researching both animals. It is no secret that each cat and dog will have different personalities, but there are definitely overarching traits that both species are known for. If you are unsure about whether to adopt a cat or a dog, you should just take some time and research a little bit about the species. Doing your own personal research will help you understand more about the animals and whether they would be right for you.
Researching will also give you an idea of what owning a cat, or a dog will look like. If you have never owned any type of pet before then you may not know much about what pet ownership is like and what sort of paperwork and insurance, you will need. For example, if you decide to adopt a senior cat, then you will need to buy senior cat insurance, as this willjust mean your cat is protected, should something happen. Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, so it is important that you research everything before you go to the adoption centre.
Do You Plan To Have Children
One super important thing you need to factor in when deciding to get a pet is whether you plan to have children or not. If you are currently child-free, but you intend to have children in the future, then this is something you must bear in mind when you adopt a cat or a dog. While some cats and dogs are great with children, others are not, so you must take this into consideration. If you adopt a dog when they are a puppy and then introduce them to a baby later in life, it is impossible to predict how they will react, and the same goes for cats too.
So, if you do plan on having children in the future, then it may be worth adopting an older dog or cat that has had experience being around children. This will just make things easier for you when you eventually have children, as you know that your pet will be okay with the change. You have to remember that having a baby can be very stressful for a dog and a cat, so you must consider their needs and whether they will be able to adapt to having a baby in their environment.
Visit Cats And Dogs In Shelters
When you are going through the process of deciding whether or not to adopt a cat or a dog, you should spend some time visiting cats and dogs in shelters. If you have never owned a cat or a dog before, then you will not be aware of their behaviours or attitudes, so it would be beneficial for you to visit some adoption shelters and meet some of the animals. A lot of adoption centres will allow you to visit even if you are not planning to buy right away, and they may be able to give you some good advice regarding which animal would make the best pet for you.
It is important to remember that owning a cat or a dog is a huge decision, and it isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Before you make the decision to adopt an animal, you should spend some time with them and get to know them a little better. During your visits to the adoption centre, you may find that a particular dog or cat calls out to you. If this is the case, then you should spend just a little extra time with that particular animal and allow them to get used to you and your presence. That way, if you do decide to adopt them, they would have already formed a bond.
