Dog Or Cat: Which Is Right For You?

Are you thinking about bringing a dog or cat home to live with you? If you’re stuck on which one will be the best choice, then we have some key points that you should consider. 

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Independence

First, you should think about the levels of independence for each animal. Dogs are highly sociable and only a few breeds like a high level of independence. As such, you can expect a dog to follow you around your home even as they get older. Depending on the habits they develop as a puppy, they may also want to sleep next to you. Cats are far more independent and most will do their own thing for the majority of the day. Particularly, if you are allowing your cat to roam. If you are keeping your cat indoors, then it might be worth getting two. Particularly, if you are going to be out for most of the day. 

Feeding 

Next, you should consider feeding. Both animals obviously require feeding and both can either have wet or dry pet food. Regardless of whether you have a dog or cat, you should always spend a little time researching the best food. Some provide more quality ingredients compared with others. Some dogs and cats can require specific food depending on their diet requirements. This will usually be due to a health issue that develops overtime. This is something that you should keep in mind if you are worried about the cost of the pet. That brings us neatly to the next factor that you need to consider. 

Cost 

In the vast majority of cases, it is going to be more expensive to have a dog than a cat. However, this is not a given. It is possible that a cat can develop a rare illness or condition that they will need treatment for. If that’s the case, then you will need to claim on the insurance or pay the cost outright. For general costs, you’ll find that a cat is cheaper because they don’t need as much in terms of care and support. Although you will need things like flea treatment medication for both animals. 

Toilet Routines

Finally, you should think about the toilet routines for both animals. In most cases, a cat will use a litterbox. On the plus side, this means that you don’t have to worry about taking them out to do their business. However, you will need to make sure that you are emptying their litter box regularly if you want to avoid it causing a smell around your home. Cats can also be trained to go outside but this is more difficult, particularly if you want to ensure that the animal remains safe. It takes about the same amount of effort to toilet train a dog as it does a cat and you will have at least a few mishaps along the way. 

Ultimately, it’s your choice whether you bring a cat or dog home to live with you. However, keeping these factors in mind will help ensure that you are making an informed decision which makes the most sense with your lifestyle.