Nowadays, a house is not complete without pets. Dogs and cats are the most common choice because of their ability to interact with and show affection. Having dogs and cats around the house is similar to having a baby that one can care for and turn to for moral and emotional support. Choosing the right pet depends on the owner’s personality. Thus, it is important to consider the basic differences of dogs and cats, aside from their physical appearance, in order to determine which one is the best choice.
Level of Intelligence
Some tend to believe that dogs are more intelligent than cats because they are able to follow instructions more quickly compared to cats. However, this cannot be mainly attributed to intelligence. B nature, dogs are used to living in groups, or packs, with a leader to follow. Because of this, a dog is more likely to wait for instructions from his owner and respond positively when taught what to do. Cats, on the other hand, are used to living independently; they do not have an innate nature to follow orders from another cat, or a human being.
Response to Training and Other Stimuli
While both dogs and cats can be trained to do certain tasks or tricks, the difference lies on how the owner will stimulate them to do so. Dogs, for instance, can be easily trained by giving them food for a completed task. Cats, on the other hand, are more receptive when they are given something they can use for entertainment. Most dogs have a keen sense of hearing while most cats excel in terms of vision. This is also an important factor to consider when training dogs and cats.
Kind of Attention Required
Dogs require more attention and caring especially when they are still young. A dog may develop disruptive behavior when left alone for a very long time. Cats, on the other hand, are only dependent when they are still nursing. After a few days, however, they are able to live independently and take care of themselves, without requiring much attention from their owners. Thus, if one has a lot of free time in his hands, dogs are the best option. However, for those who just want to enjoy the company of having pets around but do not have much time to spare, cats should be preferred.
The level of attention required by dogs and cats are similar to the level of protection they can provide to their owners. While dogs require a lot of care and attention, they also have the ability to guard their owner’s house and property. Cats, on the other hand, are usually not relied upon to guard the house or protect their owners from unwanted intruders or visitors.
While cats and dogs have a lot of difference, they have one thing in common–the ability to bring joy to the lives of their owners. For years, dogs and cats have been loyal companions of man in doing certain tasks and responsibilities. Dogs and cats have provided comfort and hope and have changed the lives of millions all over the world who are looking for company or an extra hand around the house.
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