All over the world, people adopt or purchase animals to serve as pets. People own pets for a variety of reasons, and there are many different animals that can serve as pets. However, two of the most commonly found pets are dogs and cats. Both animals can serve as excellent pets, but depending on the customer, a dog might make a better pet than a cat, or a cat might make a better pet than a dog. In order for a future pet owner to make a choice between investing in a dog or cat, it all comes down to the cost, time, and attention revolving around the two different animals.
When investing in a dog or a cat, the customer has to understand that both animals cost money to own. In general, dogs are a more expensive investment. Even in the initial adoption or purchase, a dog usually costs more than a cat. A dog owner has to buy food for their dog to eat twice a day; and the quantity of each meal varies between big dogs and small dogs. In addition, dog vaccinations cost money, as well as different supplies like shampoo to keep dogs clean, and toys to keep dogs happy. If a pet dog gets sick, the owner has to pay money to take the dog to a vet and buy medicine for the animal to get better. If a dog owner goes out of town, he or she usually has to pay money for someone to take care of their dog. Which can end up being expensive because of the amount of time behind taking care of a dog. Just like dog owners, cat owners have to spend money on food for the animal. Cats do not normally eat as much as dogs but still need to be fed two times a day. Cat owners have to buy shots for their cats to keep them healthy as well as purchase different supplies a cat needs to function. Cat owners have to buy a litter box and litter for their cats to use the bathroom. Pet cats and pet dogs both cost money to support, and the cost of investment is different depending on the animal.
Along with cost, owning a pet dog or cat requires time out of the owner’s schedule. Both animals need their owner to feed them two times a day and need their owner to make sure they have water. A dog requires a lot of time from their owner in order to be happy. Dogs need to be let outside or taken on walks a few times everyday in order to use the bathroom. In addition, dog owners must have time to play with their dogs and give their dogs attention. A dog cannot be locked alone inside a house all day, everyday. Dogs also cannot bathe themselves, so whenever they get dirty, dog owners must have time to wash them or they will be living in their own filth.
Cats need time from their owners as well; but cats are more independent so do not take as much time out of their owners’ schedule. Cats are fine on their own for long periods of time as long as they have food and water. Cats do not have to be let outside in order to use the bathroom, but cat owners must occasionally find time to clean out a cat’s litter box. In addition, cats are able to groom themselves so they do not have to be bathed on a regular basis. Cat owners do have to find time to trim their cat’s claws whenever they get too long. Both cats and dogs require time out of their owners schedule in order to be happy as a pet.
Pet dogs and cats require a certain level of attention from their owners. Dogs enjoy being part of their owners’ lives. Dogs enjoy going on walks and runs with their owners. They also enjoy playing with their owners, which can be done with a simple game of fetch. Dogs do not like being home alone and are excited when their owners come home after being out. A dog owner needs show that he or she loves his or her dog by petting it and giving it enough attention. Dogs are usually very social animals and will show the same amount of love towards its owner as its owner shows towards it. Cats are more independent animals and do not require as much attention as dogs do. However, cats do enjoy being played with and loved on but not to a high extent. Cats enjoy alone time and can still be happy if its owner has a busy schedule. Both animals need attention from their owners, but differ in the amount of attention needed.
When investing, the customer must decide if he or she wants to care for a dog or a cat. Each animal requires a different level cost, time, and attention which can be deciding factors on whether to get a dog or cat. Both animals are “good” pets, but one might be the better pet, depending on the owner.