Which Pet Should I Get? - Dog Or a Cat

If you are here, you meet at least one or all three of the reasons –

So, we have established that we are indeed pet lovers - and at a juncture of whether we should get home a cat or a dog. While both of them are equally loving, caring, and cooperative companions, there are of course some differences that you must be aware of before you make your decision.

Let's have a look at some factors that you can help determine the right kind of pet for you!

1. How Much Independence Do You Value?

• Cats are independent animals, liking their own pace, actions, and boundaries. They are more self-sufficient and you can see that they will do things according to their mood. They indeed play and cuddle with you - but only when they like it.
• Dogs are more dependent and like to be fed not only with food and water but with utmost love and attention. Most dogs like to cuddle and spend most of their time with their owners, barring which they tend to become sad and upset.

So, if you are self-driven, independent, and seek similar characteristics then a cat would be the right choice for you, but if you enjoy getting and giving love and cuddles all day, then you surely have a dog parent personality.

2. What Kind of a Lifestyle Do You Enjoy?

Getting a pet keeping in mind the kind of lifestyle and housing that you have is important not only because it helps you analyze the space that you can give, but also because animals have their own sets of needs which if not fulfilled can hamper their development.

• Dog owners who have open spaces, live in rural or open urban regions, or have easy access to parks and open spaces are best equipped to provide their dogs with the stimulation, fresh air, and regular walks they need.
• Cats are more solitary animals - they don’t require frequent outings and not much socialization either. If you’re a busy working individual with a compact house amidst urban living, a cat is a better choice for you.

Thus, it is important to determine the kind of lifestyle that you entail and get a pet that is easily accustomed and suited to it.

3. What Kind of Personality Do You Have?

You attract people based on your personality. It’s similar for pets as well. You will attract the kind of pet that has a similar personality to you that a one that’s extremely opposite.

• Generally, people who are outgoing, gregarious, vivacious, "adventurous" sort who enjoy being active choose a dog as it matches their needs and qualities too.
• On the other hand, a busy, independent, less enthusiastic, and selectively social type of person, tend to choose a cat as it matches their lifestyle.

Thus, it is important to determine the personality that you hold and get a pet that is along similar lines for easily adjusting and compatibility.

4. What about the people who live with you?

While deciding which and what kind of pet to get home, it is also important to consider the people that live with you - their preferences, personalities, apprehensions, choices, and availability. Some questions that you can think of before deciding include-

1. Can the people around handle an active and energetic dog?
2. Are the comfortable having a cat around all day?
3. Will they be able to cater to the needs of the dog when I am not home?
4. Where will I be most of the time? In or out?

Depending on these questions – you can come up with an idea of which pet will be better suited according to everyone in your house.

5. How much can you financially invest in your pet?

A pet is a significant financial commitment. Both cats and dogs have different requirements for contentment. For example, cats require a litter box, a cat scratching post, and toys, while dogs also require a bed, toys, plenty of food, and treats.

Both demand grooming, immunizations, and check-ups that must be provided separately. Petting a dog typically costs between ₹3,000 and ₹4,000 a month, whereas maintaining a cat typically costs ₹2500.

To avoid depriving your pet of their necessities while simultaneously shelling out a significant sum of money, it is a good idea to calculate how much you can spend each month on your pet before choosing which one to purchase.

We hope that this blog post has helped you consider, evaluate and come to a conclusion of which pet will be better suited - keeping in my mind all aspects of your life. 

Whichever pet you decide to bring home, we hope that you have an amazing bond and lot of cuddles ahead with them! 

Happy Pet Parenting to You!