Do cats really love their owners?

[brawnypandora0]

I'm thinking of getting a pet, but I can't decide between a cat and a dog. Has anyone owned both?

[t4thfavor]

4 cats and 2 dogs, and I can tell you that the dogs love you, while the cats use you for food, warmth, and are ready to run out the front door at their earliest convenience.

I would go dog, and get a smart one like a border collie.

Make it a mutt too, pure breeds are far too prone to weird disorders.

[mamamia88]

I love my dog. Does it love me back? I think it does but I have never been inside the head of a dog. My mind tells me that sucking up to humans provided an evolutionary advantage for the dog so now dogs are all super friendly towards their owners. after all who bites the hand that feeds?

[kabloink]

It's hard to suggest a pet without knowing more details. A dog will require either a back yard or regular walking. A cat will be happy with a regularly scooped litter box. An important factor if you live in an apartment of have a irregular schedule making it hard to walk a dog.

They are really two different animals. Throw a stick and a dog will happily fetch it for you. While a cat will wonder if you lost your mind when you throw sticks across the yard.

Then again a cat is easily amused by string and cardboard boxes.

[rotave]

You could compromise and get a "Turkish Van" it's known as the dog in a cat suit.

[Paqman]

Cats will love you for as long as you keep feeding them. Many people happily own cats in (willful) ignorance of this fact.

Either way, don't forget that either a cat or a dog is a 10-15 year commitment.

[uRock]

I own both.

When measuring their worth for home protection, I think of the fact that a cat will sit and watch an intruder, while the dog would bark and bite said intruder in attempt to protect.

Cats are easier to maintain as you don't have to walk them around the block and clean up behind them when they pooh in your neighbor's yard as with the dog.

Often cats are happy with just a little attention and food. My German Shepard requires at least an hour of walk/play time daily.

[NightwishFan]

It depends on the cat. If you have the right sort they really do like you. I have a cat who is hard of hearing. When I come home I sit down and he will sense the motion. Then jump up and lay down beside me. :)

I also find dogs take a lot more maintenance, but they are fun to have.

[inobe]

ever hear the saying "let the cat out"?


they will come back, as to the dog, a greater chance you will never see it again.

that's what i would consider.

edit: as a matter in fact, my cat just came back, it climbed the tree and jumped off onto the second floor bedroom window, i let him in, now he's showing his thanks rubbing against my legs.

if that's not love, i don't know what is.

[HermanAB]

I have many times observed my cat hear my son's car coming, charge down the stairs and then sit down in front of the door, with her back to it, pretending that she doesn't know that he is about to open the door and trip over her.

So, yes, cats do love their owners, but they have a profound sense of humor about it.

[piquat]

I agree with NightWishFan. I have two cats now, but was raised with a dog in the house.

Completely different personalities (the cats) even though they are sisters from the same litter and have been raised together from birth.

One is your typical aloof cat. The other is a big baby that's only really happy when she's sleeping in your lap.

The crappy part is, if you get them from kittens, you never really know what you're going to end up with.

I like the low maintenance of a cat.

[oldsoundguy]

Dogs have owners.
Cats have care givers.

Love them both!!

[wojox]

Definitely. Our three cats are like members of our family. They roll around and show us their belly which my wife says is a sign of love and trust.

They also enjoy rubbing their front paws on our legs. Not scratching, just rubbing. I asked my wife one time why they do that and she said they have scent glands there and they are marking us letting the world know we belong to them.

[jrusso2]

that's what i would consider.

edit: as a matter in fact, my cat just came back, it climbed the tree and jumped off onto the second floor bedroom window, i let him in, now he's showing his thanks rubbing against my legs.

if that's not love, i don't know what is.

I would say that is a pretty smart Cat

[NightwishFan]

I agree with NightWishFan

I approve of this.

[Irihapeti]

Do children really love their parents?

[ronnielsen1]

edit: as a matter in fact, my cat just came back, it climbed the tree and jumped off onto the second floor bedroom window, i let him in, now he's showing his thanks rubbing against my legs.

if that's not love, i don't know what is.

Marking their territory?


Why do cats rub up against your legs?
Cats rub up against you leg to make you smell like a cat. The more you smell like them the more they like being around you. Also, she is letting other cats know that you are her own special friend.
http://www.avodermnatural.com/Cat_Foods/why_do_cats_do_that.htm

We have both, but I prefer the personalities of male cats over female cats and female dogs over male dogs

[Grenage]

If I find a cat in my garden, I'm going to bury it; bear that in mind if you live near me. :)

[spook1980]

i can def say yes, as i have a hemmingway cat she will follow me around the house all day long, as well as one day i left something out and when my dog tried to get into it my cat attacked the dog and then sat down next to what i left out and watched it until i put it up. if thats not love then i don't know what is

[Spice Weasel]

Animals, just like humans, can have completely different personalities.

My two dogs are a great example. One of the dogs would look at you strangely then walk away if you threw a stick. The other would quickly run to it then chew on the stick. One is completely happy if she is well fed and given a daily walk, the other requires constant attention. One makes a lot of noise if it sees someone unfamiliar, but runs away scared as soon as they come close. The other would stand by looking cautious.

[3Miro]

Dogs live in packs, when with humans dogs treat humans as part of their pack. So long as you are the pack leader, you can trust the dog to help you and protect you. From a human standpoint, dogs are higher maintenance, I for one don't want to out in the middle of winter walking a dog; if were to live in a house with a backyard, then I may consider a dog. Small apartments are a torture for a large dog.

Cats mostly don't care about anything or anybody. They want food and they want it now. When they rub on you, it is to mark their territory. When they lay on their back, they are just comfortable (and feel very safe), when she cuddles she want someone warm. The only sign of love that I can think of is when a cat drags in a dead mouse, she want to share food with you. From a human standpoint, cats are low maintenance, it only needs food, a few toys and is perfectly happy to play indoors only; also cats can and often do sleep 22 hours a day.

If you want a dog to guard your house, move to a better neighborhood ... OK kidding, dogs are fine as guards (except chihuahuas), but then they are more trouble to take care of.

[wewantutopia]

We have 4 cats and they all DEFINITELY love us. Their dry food is out all day in self-feeders and they're inside only cats. When they rub on us they're not asking for either, but rather, showing affection. I spend a decent amount of time daily playing with them: throwing mice, letting them chase strings, wrestle (one cat has a stuffed animal friend wrestling buddy) etc. I get woken up maybe a few times a month because one of them is 'cleaning' my beard.

We've had them all since they were kittens and they love us for sure.

I think a fair amount of animal's (or people's) behavior towards you is based on how you regard them and how they've been raised. If you feed them but otherwise show them indifference they will do the same towards you. If you genuinely show love and affection it will be reciprocated. (this could prove false if they're psycho to begin with....)

[Grenage]

We have 4 cats and they all DEFINITELY love us. Their dry food is out all day in self-feeders and they're inside only cats. When they rub on us they're not asking for either, but rather, showing affection. I spend a decent amount of time daily playing with them: throwing mice, letting them chase strings, wrestle (one cat has a stuffed animal friend wrestling buddy) etc. I get woken up maybe a few times a month because one of them is 'cleaning' my beard.

Of course, they'd probably be bored witless otherwise! ;)

[wewantutopia]

Of course, they'd probably be bored witless otherwise! ;)

They also play together most of the day (chasing etc). 3 are siblings.

[coffeecat]

Cats mostly don't care about anything or anybody.

That's a common misconception. They are solitary hunters, but social animals. They need companionship, whether cat or human, and people who keep just one cat and leave it alone for long periods are being unintentionally cruel.

Don't go by the screeching hissy fits you see between cats outside - that's just territorial posturing. Watch domestic cats who live together. There's usually a deep bonding between them. And don't forget that cats regard us as over-sized cats. If one drops a dead mouse at your feet, that's because in that moment it sees you as an incompetent kitten that needs feeding. Later, when it's sitting in your lap purring and kneading its paws, you are "mother".

Do cats love us? That's trying to project human emotions onto an animal - it becomes meaningless. The more important question is: what do you get out of the relationship? Not forgetting that a pet, whether a cat or dog, is a sentient creature deserving of respect and kindness. As someone said earlier, acquiring a cat or dog is a 10-15 year commitment.

Miaow! :wink:

[Quackers]

Even though I look like a duck, I'm actually a dog person.
I know what a dog is thinking just by looking at one. I have no idea what a cat is thinking! Devious beings they are :-)

[coffeecat]

Devious beings they are :-)

Hsssss! :p

[Simian Man]

Like all animals, there is a lot of differentiation amongst cats. Some really don't seem to give a **** about anything but being fed. Most of them, however, do show affection if you are good to them. My cat is one of the best I've met, she waits by the door when she hears me coming up the steps and never tries sneaking out. She also catches and eats bugs which is an AMAZING benefit when you live in Florida :).

I think dogs are more fun, but require much more maintenance. Since I live in an apartment and have a busy schedule, a cat is better for me now.

[Kirboosy]

I have a Border Collie and two cats. The Border Collie is wicked smart. I've never seen such a smart animal before. (If you want a great dog I would recommend a Border Collie)

Now for the cat parts...One cat likes me the best out of everyone. As soon as I walk in the house she jumps up on the couch to come greet me. I generally pet her and then go into my bedroom. She follows me in there and as soon as I sit down she jumps up on my lap. I don't even have to pet her to cause her to purr, I just say her name and she starts purring.

The other cat on the other hand hates my soul. Every time I touch or look at her she goes crazy and hisses. I've never done anything to her to cause her to hate me so but I think its because the other likes me so much. Cats are either good friends or mortal enemies. I think it helps if you get the cats at the same time. The one that likes me is about 5 and the one who hates me is 2. There was a good 3 years before the young one came on the scene.

Whats funny is the older cat doesn't mind the young cat, its quite reverse. The young cat hates the older cat.

Cricket and Simba. :D


~Caboose

[juancarlospaco]

Ferret, the best of both.

[marl30]

Kitties are more cuddly. Dogs are stinky, even after giving them a bath they may still get themselves smelly again. However, dogs tend to be more affectionate than cats. I love them both, but I prefer to cuddle cats.

[Donalt2010]

I prefer dogs over cats personally because I have a dog. Although I do like the ninja skillz of a cat. Their agility is about the only thing I like about them.

[3Miro]

That's a common misconception. They are solitary hunters, but social animals. They need companionship, whether cat or human, and people who keep just one cat and leave it alone for long periods are being unintentionally cruel.

Don't go by the screeching hissy fits you see between cats outside - that's just territorial posturing. Watch domestic cats who live together. There's usually a deep bonding between them. And don't forget that cats regard us as over-sized cats. If one drops a dead mouse at your feet, that's because in that moment it sees you as an incompetent kitten that needs feeding. Later, when it's sitting in your lap purring and kneading its paws, you are "mother".

Do cats love us? That's trying to project human emotions onto an animal - it becomes meaningless. The more important question is: what do you get out of the relationship? Not forgetting that a pet, whether a cat or dog, is a sentient creature deserving of respect and kindness. As someone said earlier, acquiring a cat or dog is a 10-15 year commitment.

Miaow! :wink:

At times, my cat really doesn't seem to care, although she does want to cuddle. I wouldn't call it love, but it is some form of an affection. I think dog's feelings are closet to human devotion, cats are more remote/different.

As for friendliness, cats can play nice together or become bad enemies, it all depends on the cats and the situation. Our cat definitely didn't like it when we had a friend's cat over for some time. In other circumstances, cats can definitely play nice together.

[walt.smith1960]

You could compromise and get a "Turkish Van" it's known as the dog in a cat suit.

If Turkish Van=Turkish Angora having one of those you'll never be bored. The one we have is a permanent kitten. He can have more fun with a twist tie from a bread wrapper:D..... Bring groceries into the house and he immediately has to jump up on the counter and stick his nose as far into the bag as necessary to assure himself as to its contents. We also have a Maine Coon who has more dignity but truly is dog-like. BIG cat--about 17 lbs. (7.7Kg.) but will follow you around, can be taught to retrieve, not standoffish like Persians, purrs at the merest touch. I walk her in a harness when the weather cooperates. Norwegian Forest Cats are very similar to Maine Coons apparently, large with loving personalities.

Cats don't have the hierarchical families that dogs have so they're different socially. A cat may be your friend, it'll never regard itself as your subordinate or servant. I heard it put like this: "Dogs have masters, cats have staff". Pretty accurate. I do think cats are lower maintenance and better in smaller dwellings.

[oldos2er]

I'm thinking of getting a pet, but I can't decide between a cat and a dog. Has anyone owned both?

If you live alone and will be away from home a lot, get a cat (or two). Dogs require more "babysitting" than cats.

[IHeequ5i]

I grew up with 5 dogs and thirteen cats. All were indoor/outdoor pets, though most chose to stay inside.

As others have said, your situation will (should) have a lot to do with what kind of pet you get. Whichever you decide on, dog or cat, will be a long-term commitment. Do consider the financial aspect of pet-ownership; can you afford unexpected vet bills?

Dogs need a regular schedule if you want to avoid them making messes in the house. They need to be exercised daily for at least 30 minutes a day. Some apartment complexes won't allow dogs but will allow cats.

Cats are a better choice if your schedule fluctuates, or if you're unable / unwilling to get outside every day. That's not to say that cats require no maintenance; you should scoop their sandbox daily.

Currently, I am owned by three cats. Do they love me? Probably not - in the sense that humans mean it. But they do show affection for me.

[wilee-nilee]

With a quick search I found this study, in actuality there are a lot of specialised brain studies out there.
http://faculty.uca.edu/rnovy/neural%20basis%20of%20love.htm

Cats have these same brain structures and chemistry as do many other species.

[Rasa1111]

Yes, Cats really love their owners. lol

Here is my kitty, He got tired of hacking so decided to nap... lol
http://ubuntuforums.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=188081&stc=1&d=1301941684
nah, it was a friends laptop that I was fixing up.
and kitters just decided he wanted my lap, laptop in the way or not.. lol <3

Dogs are more like children, in the attention dept.
Cats are more 'independant', and not as needy as dogs
(most of the time) lol

Ive had both cats and dogs..
and i love them both...

But no dog anymore.

One day I'll get another.

Good luck on your new friend! <3

[sydbat]

That's a common misconception. They are solitary hunters, but social animals. They need companionship, whether cat or human, and people who keep just one cat and leave it alone for long periods are being unintentionally cruel.

Don't go by the screeching hissy fits you see between cats outside - that's just territorial posturing. Watch domestic cats who live together. There's usually a deep bonding between them. And don't forget that cats regard us as over-sized cats. If one drops a dead mouse at your feet, that's because in that moment it sees you as an incompetent kitten that needs feeding. Later, when it's sitting in your lap purring and kneading its paws, you are "mother".

Do cats love us? That's trying to project human emotions onto an animal - it becomes meaningless. The more important question is: what do you get out of the relationship? Not forgetting that a pet, whether a cat or dog, is a sentient creature deserving of respect and kindness. As someone said earlier, acquiring a cat or dog is a 10-15 year commitment.

Miaow! :wink:Sage words.

We used to have 2 cats, brother and sister (only 1 now, the sis).

Cat's ARE social animals, hence 'prides', etc, but most people want to see them as solitary creatures of the night that live independently of everything. The myth of this is strong and goes back thousands of years.

Each domesticated animal has it's own qualities, just like humans. We project our own beliefs and biases onto them, and think they are what we want them to be. This explains the amount of cliches in this thread.

Many have stated that it will depend on the OP's situation for what type of pet to get. The OP also has to look at who they are as well to discover how open they might be to owning any pet and treating them with utmost respect and dignity, before thinking that one type of animal "loves" more than another.

[lucazade]

Yes, Cats really love their owners. lol

Here is my kitty, He got tired of hacking so decided to nap... lol
nah, it was a friends laptop that I was fixing up.
and kitters just decided he wanted my lap, laptop in the way or not.. lol <3

Dogs are more like children, in the attention dept.
Cats are more 'independant', and not as needy as dogs
(most of the time) lol

Ive had both cats and dogs..
and i love them both...

But no dog anymore.

One day I'll get another.

Good luck on your new friend! <3

hahaha lovely.. my chartreux cat doesn't like playing with pc..
he prefers to do some gym exercises :D

[Quadunit404]

I think that it depends on the cat and how long it's been a part of your family. My family has one from May 2001 and she always sits in our laps, rubs against us and shows whatever signs of affection she can. Well, of course she does, we're pretty much the only people she's seen for the past nearly 10 years :lol:

[Kirboosy]

Pics of my cats. :)

Simba is the one that hates me...

[inobe]

I prefer dogs over cats personally because I have a dog. Although I do like the ninja skillz of a cat. Their agility is about the only thing I like about them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2HTCFg_ULs&NR=1&feature=fvwp some ninja skills.

they are fun to have and play with.

in a dark room my cat was sitting on the middle of the floor, i rolled a ball at him, he jumped so high, he hit the ceiling :lol:

[Rasa1111]

hahaha lovely.. my chartreux cat doesn't like playing with pc..
he prefers to do some gym exercises :D

haha, thanks!
Beautiful kitty! <3 :)

Caboose, Beautiful kitties there to! :) <3

[Quadunit404]

What about my cats?

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss76/Quadunit404/IMG_0016.jpg

Guess which is the one from 2001 :wink:

[Simian Man]

Here is a picture of my cat since we're posting pictures now :).

[AlphaLexman]

My dog's name is Lex, he's a boy, hence my username! He was a stray I found at work, malnourished and dehydrated, I saved his life. He is so appreciative and loyal. Man's best friend sometimes finds you.

I also have a cat that was born in my backyard. I discovered him as I was moving a pile of lumber. I think he was only a couple of days old, maybe abandoned by his mother. I bottle fed fed him for months. He will not allow me to be in a different room than him. He follows me everywhere, yes, the bathroom too! And scratches at the door if he can't get in.

The truth is, it is how you raise the new pet and how they interact with you. Trust and loyalty are built, not inherent to a breed or species.

[NightwishFan]

Here is my (now deceased :( ) cat Bob. And my deaf cat Sugar (the white one)

[sydbat]

The truth is, it is how you raise the new pet and how they interact with you. Trust and loyalty are built, not inherent to a breed or species.This is what I was trying to say with my post, but you have put it more succinctly and much more eloquently.


Here is my (now deceased :( ) cat Bob. And my deaf cat Sugar (the white one)White cats tend to have a higher than average rate of deafness. When I was a kid, we had a white cat that was deaf. That's where we found out about their genetic predisposition.

[inobe]

my fat cat

[walt.smith1960]

We're doing pictures now :D
188108
Some of us gotta close the notebook and go on break.

188107
Some of us never come off break

They're all rescues. The cat in the first pic was on death row at a shelter that simply didn't have the room or resources to keep animals long term. She was rescued by an organization that gave her a foster home and advertised her on Petfinder.com. The other two both came from the SPCA. They have a strenuous life.

[brawnypandora0]

So if I get a newborn kitten from a shelter, chances are higher that it'll show more affection?

Also, can cats really sleep up to twenty hours a day? Is it because of boredom? Is there any correlation between more sleep and less affection?

[xaegis]

Your cat will eat you. Just hope it waits till after you're already dead.

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1922/will-cats-eat-their-owners

[Simian Man]

So if I get a newborn kitten from a shelter, chances are higher that it'll show more affection?
Generally, yes. Being mistreated by humans will make cats less likely to get close to another one. Also living feral will make cats more skiddish and more serious because they are used to having to support themselves. Then again I've known older rescue cats that have been very grateful for a new home.


Also, can cats really sleep up to twenty hours a day? Is it because of boredom? Is there any correlation between more sleep and less affection?
It depends on the cat. Mine definitely does not sleep that long, maybe 15 at the most. They naturally need more sleep than most other mammals, but boredom probably does make it worse. My cat usually takes a nap after playing :).

[t4thfavor]

We have both, but I prefer the personalities of male cats over female cats and female dogs over male dogs

I will agree with that one for sure.

And since were posting pictures. I have 2 other cats, but they are the type that are rarely seen. Mostly when locked in fierce combat with another cat.

Which can be seen here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUBe5jcN__s

[coffeecat]

Also, can cats really sleep up to twenty hours a day? Is it because of boredom? Is there any correlation between more sleep and less affection?

It's an evolutionary thing. Domestic cats are predatory carnivores. Carnivores eat high-calorie food but it's not guaranteed that they'll find it easily, so it's an evolutionary advantage to save energy by sleeping when not hunting or eating. Most wild cats, large or small, are the same.

Herbivores eat low-calorie food so have to spend more time awake simply eating and digesting. Example: cows.

Yes, cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day, but not necessarily because of boredom. But if your cat is in the habit of suddenly dashing around the house, seemingly deliberately knocking things over, then that could be a sign of stress and boredom. Cats need sleep. They also need activity and company and affection themselves.

[ticopelp]

Cats show plenty of affection, but on their terms. I think some people confuse "indifference" or lack of animal affection with the fact that you can't order a cat around the way you can a dog.

See this handy guide (http://theoatmeal.com/comics/kitty_pet). :)

Different breeds of cats behave differently -- some, like ragdolls, require tons of affection and love being around people all the time. Others are a bit more standoffish and prefer being left alone. I would suggest finding a shelter or humane society where they can match you up with the right breed for you.

And yes, getting a younger cat will definitely have an impact on their later behavior. My wife frequently held our cat on her lap for the first six months of the cat's life, and now every time she sits down in her chair, the cat jumps up, curls into a ball, and goes to sleep. :)

[Grenage]

Cats show plenty of affection, but on their terms. I think some people confuse "indifference" or lack of animal affection with the fact that you can't order a cat around the way you can a dog.

See this handy guide (http://theoatmeal.com/comics/kitty_pet). :)

Lol, I like #4.

[lucazade]

.

See this handy guide (http://theoatmeal.com/comics/kitty_pet). :)


ahah nice!

this is also a masterpiece:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0ffwDYo00Q&feature=relmfu

[MooPi]

Cats show plenty of affection, but on their terms. I think some people confuse "indifference" or lack of animal affection with the fact that you can't order a cat around the way you can a dog.

See this handy guide (http://theoatmeal.com/comics/kitty_pet). :)

Different breeds of cats behave differently -- some, like ragdolls, require tons of affection and love being around people all the time. Others are a bit more standoffish and prefer being left alone. I would suggest finding a shelter or humane society where they can match you up with the right breed for you.

And yes, getting a younger cat will definitely have an impact on their later behavior. My wife frequently held our cat on her lap for the first six months of the cat's life, and now every time she sits down in her chair, the cat jumps up, curls into a ball, and goes to sleep. :)
I'm going to say you can tell a cat what to do. I had a cat in college that would come to my whistle and would listen when I wanted him to get lost or move away. Not as detailed as what a dog will listen to but listen yes. I believe cats are affectionate but in their own way. They can also show a mean spirit if your not taking care of their needs.

[ticopelp]

I'm going to say you can tell a cat what to do. I had a cat in college that would come to my whistle and would listen when I wanted him to get lost or move away. Not as detailed as what a dog will listen to but listen yes. I believe cats are affectionate but in their own way. They can also show a mean spirit if your not taking care of their needs.

True, I should have said that it is possible, just more difficult. There's that guy who trains cats to jump through hoops and walk tightropes and such... of course, he admits the key to his success is finding out what the cat already likes doing and training them to do that :D

[Simian Man]

I'm going to say you can tell a cat what to do. I had a cat in college that would come to my whistle and would listen when I wanted him to get lost or move away. Not as detailed as what a dog will listen to but listen yes. I believe cats are affectionate but in their own way. They can also show a mean spirit if your not taking care of their needs.

My cat will do sit, paw and high five, but she has to know she's getting a treat and be in the right mood. She also knows lie down and roll over, but has refused to do them since she was a kitten :).

[MooPi]

My cat will do sit, paw and high five, but she has to know she's getting a treat and be in the right mood. She also knows lie down and roll over, but has refused to do them since she was a kitten :).

Treat yes the treat :lol:

[IHeequ5i]

Merlin is the smartest cat I've ever known (hence his name). Although he's not a Hemingway cat, he has extremely long toes - almost prehensile. I have seen him use his dewclaws as opposable thumbs to pick things up.

[Grenage]

Merlin is the smartest cat I've ever known (hence his name). Although he's not a Hemingway cat, he has extremely long toes - almost prehensile. I have seen him use his dewclaws as opposable thumbs to pick things up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6CcxJQq1x8

[ebasa]

Love is a human concept and is fickle, unreliable and very subjective. So my answer would be no.

[frrobert]

I have had both cats and dogs and all of them have been very affectionate.

I think the key is getting kittens and not cats. All the cats I had were kittens when I got them. Both dogs and cats have a pack tendency. I think cats develop their loyalties early so if you go cat get them early.

Dogs seem more mailable in their pack behavior so getting them as a puppy or a dog is not as critical.

The other difference I noticed is forgiveness behavior. I am not trying to humanize the animal but one thing I noticed if you go on vacation for example and when you come back the dog is happy to see you and the cat will give you the cold shoulder for awhile.

Dogs are my preference but it is preference.
In terms of breads I have had collies, border collies, German Shepherd/Malinois mix, Golden retriever, and Greyhound.

Every dog has it pluses and minuses.

Pure breeds can be more prone to health problems due to breeding as with mixes many of the recessive genetic problems don't occur with mixes. That doesn't mean they don't occur but at a lower frequency.

If you look at a dog there are three things you want to look at that affects behavior:

1. General Breed behavior traits
2. Energy level
3. Intelligent

Greyhounds for example are quiet gentle dogs that are couch potatoes. So in spite of their size they work well for apartments and small houses. They are quiet like to go for walks be petted, and just hang out. They are better in quieter households with older kids.


Hope this helps.

[ticopelp]

The other difference I noticed is forgiveness behavior. I am not trying to humanize the animal but one thing I noticed if you go on vacation for example and when you come back the dog is happy to see you and the cat will give you the cold shoulder for awhile.

Years ago I had a cat whom we would leave alone in the house over the weekend sometimes... when we came back she would go absolutely berserk, running all over the house, leaping into my arms and rubbing her face all over mine. :D

Our cats now are much less impressed.... "oh, you were gone? We didn't notice."

[cgroza]

Cats don't need you. If you give them food, they take it, if you don't they will go to the next neighbor or chase it.

[coffeecat]

Those who have cats already will enjoy this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKvNqe8cKU4&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[brawnypandora0]

Cats don't need you. If you give them food, they take it, if you don't they will go to the next neighbor or chase it.

Really? How do you know?

[inobe]

it's a living animal, to assume it has no emotions is absurd.

[NightwishFan]

it's a living animal, to assume it has no emotions is absurd.

My uneducated opinion but years of experience as a pet owner will agree with this one.

[barthus]

I'm thinking of getting a pet, but I can't decide between a cat and a dog. Has anyone owned both?

Wrong question! Right question: Dog or cat?

Answer: U have to go outside with the dog such that the dog can **** around etc. A cat is doing it alone (well, from time to time you have to change the toilet). A cat is also not always anoying you and can help herself. A dog needs always attention ... blablabla ...

So, the answer? Take a cat or a bird.

[aG93IGRvIGkgdWJ1bnR1Pw==]

it's a living animal, to assume it has no emotions is absurd.

At their heart, cats are still murderous predators. The reason they aren't clawing your eyes out and eating you is because they're lazy, smart murderous predators - during their ~ten thousand years of their domestic coexistence with humanity, most of them got it into their thick skulls not to bite the hand that feeds you.

[inobe]

At their heart, cats are still murderous predators. The reason they aren't clawing your eyes out and eating you is because they're lazy, smart murderous predators - during their ~ten thousand years of their domestic coexistence with humanity, most of them got it into their thick skulls not to bite the hand that feeds you.

we can say the same for all life on earth.

i don't feel like an argument on specifics, so please come to your own conclusion without question. :)

[brawnypandora0]

Cats smile much less often than dogs.

[coffeecat]

188404 (http://feed4.tinypic.com/rss.php?u=8oVjPCounM%2FAQjgXXRqq%2FA%3D%3D)

[oldsoundguy]

Every animal that has ever shared my home with me has displayed a different "personality". Lumping their behavior into a small compartment is foolish. I have had a cat that dominated a house full of dogs, for instance.
Whatever your choice, remember you are committing yourself to 10-15 years of care for a dog and that cat could be with you for 20 years.
Pets do not just occupy space and are there just when you want them. They get sick, they get hurt, and so on. RESPONSIBILITY is the word! Vet bills are not cheap. (finding a good one when the pet is young is the key. get those exams and shots when needed.)
And have fun with your new friend.

[Irihapeti]

The definition of a cat for computer enthusiasts:

http://catsmeowsite.org/CatsMeowSimple/usermanual.html

[barthus]

At their heart, cats are still murderous predators. The reason they aren't clawing your eyes out and eating you is because they're lazy, smart murderous predators - during their ~ten thousand years of their domestic coexistence with humanity, most of them got it into their thick skulls not to bite the hand that feeds you.

Absolutely right.

Take a cat and you have less things to do for your pet!

The only things you have to do are:

- From time to time clean the toilet and feeding bowl
- Insert new food into the feeding bowl
- Touch the cat once/twice
- Remove the cats' hair

This is all!

[lisati]

Mrs Lisati and I have only ever had cats, mostly strays that have adopted us when we started feeding them, but haven't had any for a while now. The first lot arrived when one produced her litter in our shed: this lot went to the SPCA when one of the kittens got sick and we couldn't afford a vet's. Another produced a litter in the cupboard under the stairs.

One lot who adopted us as caregivers is pictured in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGjIIpuD4nQ
The mother cat later produced more, but I think one of the other local cats got to them. The first I had wind of it was when she brought in an injured kitten that was only a few days old and set up shop in one of the cupboards; sadly it was too late to do anything. She was in the family way again when we were getting ready to move to a place where we weren't allowed pets and had to make other arrangements to look after her.

[barthus]

I'm thinking of getting a pet, but I can't decide between a cat and a dog. Has anyone owned both?

So, what have you chosen at the end? Tell us ... :popcorn:

[d3v1150m471c]

How can one possibly say no to this drooling, snorting creature?

http://verysupercool.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/moses-sunset.jpg

[ratcat]

We live in the NW Rocky Mts with 2 fun cats. One big Main Coon Cat at 20 pounds, he lives off wild food, mice and such. A second small short hair " Tawney Pelt" after the Warriors Books. Both are fun and loving cats. My neighbors have dogs for hunting. The thing about dogs, they lick their butt then lick you! In this mt world a pet running loose is coyote, wolf or lion food. Dogs are in fenced yards, cats hang around. Some people trap coyotes for the fur, a way of life here. The wolves? Beautiful animals, have to see one, the hunting, like I said, a way of life. I do not hunt.