It’s an embittered war that will likely see no end in our generation: which animal is superior? Cats or dogs
Chances are, if you’re on this website reading this particular article then you already know the correct answer ? a lucky few of us have been blessed with the knowledge. It’s our duty to pass it on to the masses.
Without further ado: 10 reasons why cats are so much better than dogs!
Cats have more self-respect
You know the scenario well; you bring home a date, or a new friend (or even well-known friends) and your cat couldn’t care less. This doesn’t impact his or her world in any shape or form, so it’s not worth looking into. Off the kitty walks, into another room to spend its night in privacy.
A dog, though? Different story. Barking, leaping, slobbering, running around in an excited frenzy in order to say hello to the new arrival. Cute the first time, maybe, but tiring every time after that.
Cats are huge stress relievers
It’s not all fun and games. There is a serious aspect to this argument. It’s no secret that having a loving pet around the home can be a fantastic aide for depression and loneliness, which can relieve stress and anxiety for those living alone.
Who doesn’t feel that much better having a warm, fuzzy, loving pet to console them on miserable days
A recent study carried out by the Minnesota Stroke Research Center found that, interestingly, cat owners were around 40% less likely to suffer a heart attack and 30% less likely to succumb to cardiovascular disease.
Now, admittedly, this is one study and it’s early days for future cat-orientated research; but it’s a good sign that cats may be the better, more beneficial pet for those with stress and anxiety ? perhaps because they’re much more independent than dogs.
Speaking of independence
Cats aren’t always clamoring for attention. Sure, when they want attention, you’ll know all about it, but the common kitty tends to respect its own boundaries and, by extension, your boundaries too.
With a cat, there’s plenty of time to yourself without a needy pet slobbering and demanding your time? Can we really say the same for dogs
Early morning walks? I think not
Just the thought of having to drag yourself out of bed on a cold, dark, wintry morning to take the dog for a walk around the local park is enough to send shivers down the spine.
On the flipside, ever had to take your cat out for a walk? (Although, interestingly, there is an increase in cat-owners buying leashes and attempting this same pattern – want in? Find out how to walk your cat on a leash.)
Cats can boost your kids’ immune systems
The secret to a strong immune system is exposure, in small doses, to the ailments it fights. So, for example, when it comes to household pets and their fur (which gets everywhere, let’s not pretend otherwise); an early exposure for children can help to immunize them against things such as asthma, animal allergies or skin conditions.
Now, this isn’t to say having a furry cat around the house is some cure-all or a great protective barrier; all of these conditions may still arise anyway. But the chances may be that much lower if a cat is already part of the home’s ecosystem to begin with.
Cats smell better
One of the greatest feline benefits is their obsessive self-grooming. If they aren’t sleeping or pestering you for food or attention, then it’s likely that your cats are spread-eagled on the living room floor, giving themselves a thorough licking.
Unfortunately, dogs seem to lack this same self-respect which often leaves them with that unmistakable dog smell which somehow manages to permeate the entire house in no time at all.
Busy? Cats are purrfect for you
Given that cats are inherently much more self-sufficient than dogs, they can make for ideal pets for a busy professional who works long hours and can’t be at home to monitor their beloved fur ball’s every move.
Providing you leave them with food and water (and maybe enough cardboard boxes to content themselves) they’ll generally have no quandaries about being left alone. Dogs tend to much more sociable and needy, hating to be left alone for too long.
Cats are quieter
Alright, admittedly, most cat owners have had the experience of being awoken with an ungodly feline squeal in the middle of the night; but it’s usually quite a rare occurrence. Generally speaking, cats don’t make much noise beyond the odd meow or rumbling purr.
Dogs, on the other hand
Cats tend to be cheaper
Although dogs come in all shapes and sizes, cats tend to be a more general, manageable size. Of course, a tiny little pug will likely cost around the same as a cat when it comes to food supplies, but most dog owners opt for something a little bigger and hungrier.
Whereas cats are fairly compact, lithe creatures which tend not to rack up anywhere near the same monthly bill on food and treats.
Now if you’re a crazy cat lady who loves to show it…that’s a whole ‘nother story!
That all important purr
Now, a cat’s purr isn’t just adorable and strangely comforting; recent scientific research is leading us to believe that purring might actually have a whole range of healing abilities.
Cat purrs which vibrate within the range of 20-140Hz are thought to be very therapeutic for a range of mental and behavioral issues, which isn’t too surprising. The really interesting theory is that purrs within the 18-35Hz range might actually have a positive effect on broken/damaged bones, helping to speed up recovery and repair.
For those interested in the science behind this frequency/vibration research, check out the German paper here!
Next time you stave a thumb or sprain an ankle, you have a great excuse to cuddle up to the resident feline, whether it likes it or not.
Bonus: the internet is filled to the rafters with funny, endearing cat videos ? dogs are only just starting to catch up.
Checkmate dog lovers.
