Dogs and cats are two of the most popular pets in the world. Both animals have their own unique personalities. However, the ongoing debate between which pet is better has finally been answered. Recently, my classmate, Shannyn Phillips, and I wanted to settle the dispute by sending out a survey to Lowellville High School students asking whether students preferred dogs, cats, or both. Although the poll was very close initially, a clear winner was established. Dogs are the clear favorite among students by 71.42%. Not only did we ask the students which pet was their favorite, we asked which breed they preferred. The polls showed that Golden Retrievers are the most favored dog and Maine Coon are the most favored cats. But the question is, why are they the most favored?
There are many qualities that make one pet better than the other, but dogs are typically known for their loyalty. They have a natural instinct to protect their owners and will do anything to keep them safe. Dogs are more social animals than cats and thrive on human interaction. They love to be part of a family and will always be by their owner’s side providing unconditional love and support.
Dogs are natural protectors because they have a strong sense of smell and hearing, which makes them excellent watchdogs. They can detect danger and alert their owners to potential threats. This is why dogs are commonly used as police dogs, search and rescue dogs, and service dogs. However, cats are not known for their protective instincts, cats are more likely to run and hide when they sense danger.
Another reason dogs might seem superior is because they are excellent companions for physical activities. Dogs love to play and exercise, which makes them perfect for people who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, running, or playing fetch in the park. On the other hand, cats are generally less active than dogs and do not require as much exercise.
Golden Retrievers were the favorite pet among Lowellville students. According to professional dog trainer Nadia Deroun,“Goldens are great listeners, they show unconditional love, they’re confidential, they don’t take notes, they’re nonjudgmental.” Be prepared to provide your golden with enough opportunities for daily exercise, whether it is taking him along on your bike ride or jog, signing him up for agility training, or making him your hunting or fishing partner. Another great thing about this dog's need for exertion is that kids can enjoy hours of playtime with this active canine, whether it's running in the backyard, chasing a frisbee at the park, or snapping on a leash for a long walk. Golden retrievers are also extremely gentle with younger children. They are eager to please, friendly, and loyal, which are all traits that make this breed fairly easy to train. With all of this said, retrievers are a lot to keep up with. Luckily, this breed does not require a lot of grooming. In fact, all retrievers need is an occasional bath, but regular brushing on the coat and teeth is necessary. Altogether it is clear why golden retrievers won the most favorite dog breed, why are dogs better than cats?
Many people do not like cats because they think they look mean. In reality, cats are just as loving and caring as dogs are. Not only are they loving and caring but they are very cuddly. Owning a cat can easily improve your health. The blog Pawmaw states, “Owning a cat can actually reduce your chances of having a heart attack by 40%.” Cats also tend to live longer than dogs giving you more time with your pet.
Cats have the upper hand of being less maintenance or of needing less attention. If you ever have a job that causes you to leave the house for many hours to a couple of days you wouldn’t need to worry. According to Purewow adult cats can be alone for up to 24 to 48 hours. As long as you put out enough food for the amount of time you will be gone, toys so they do not get bored, and clean their litter box thoroughly before you leave, they should be good. A dog can not be left alone for as long for the fact that they need to be let outside frequently and need more attention.
Cats are not only just as loving but are far more intelligent than dogs. According to Pawmaw, cats can produce more than 100 different sounds, one of those sounds being a mimic of a baby's cry. They use this sound when they are hungry to get the attention of their owner and to make sure they are not ignored. Not only are cats intelligent but “research shows that people who prefer cats tend to place higher on the intelligence scale compared to respondents who identified as dog people” (“10 Reasons Why Cats Are Better Than Dogs”).
Maine Coons were the favorite cat breed among Lowellville students because they are generally soft and kind hearted cats. According to “11 Surprising Facts About Maine Coon Cats,” Maine Coons are known as gentle giants as well as the dogs of the cat world because they are large and kind of muscular. Similarly to dogs, they tend to get along with other animals and can be very playful. They also like getting attention but do not need as much as a dog may need.
While both dogs and cats make great pets, dogs may be considered better by some due to their loyalty, social nature, protective support, and suitability for physical activity. However, it is important to remember that each animal is different and ultimately the best for someone depending on their individual lifestyle, preferences, and needs.
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