The debate between ‘cat people’ and ‘dog people’ is one that rages on, but if you’re a cat lover like me, then you have to agree that whilst dogs aren’t that bad, when it comes down to choosing a side, cats are better than dogs!
1. Cats smell better
Sorry dogs, I know you can’t help it, but the smell of wet dog is an overwhelming assault on delicate nostrils. Then there’s the dreaded dog breath. Sure, cats sometimes have a slightly fishy whiff to their breath, depending on what they’ve been eating, but on the whole they smell much sweeter than dogs do and they are fastidious groomers.
2. Cats don’t bark all night
The soft purr or friendly chirrup of a cat is much more pleasing to the ears than the continuous barking, yapping or yelping of your neighbour’s dog. When was the last time your cat kept you awake all night or the neighbours complained about your cat’s meow?
3. Cats aren’t over-familiar with your house guests
Have you ever visited a friend’s home only to have their dog decide you’re his new BFF? He bounds over to you at break-neck speed, jumping, leaping and barking, slobbering all over your clothes and face, or even putting his nose where it’s not welcome e.g. your groin. Cats are reserved and dignified; many times in fact, they’ll retreat to another room.
4. Cats don’t chew your shoes
Dogs, and especially puppies, are notorious for chewing things they shouldn’t, but you can leave your cat alone with your new pair of shoes and he won’t be tempted to even have the tiniest lick. Unless of course he has feline pica, but that’s another issue.
5. Cats are better at entertaining themselves
Dogs can never seem to get enough attention – they are typically more active and demanding. They need someone to take them for a daily walk, or throw a ball in the backyard. Cats however, are happy enough without being fussed over constantly, and they can walk and entertain themselves. With a cat, you can comfortably leave the house for a few hours and return home with everything still in its rightful place. Dogs left home alone are far more likely to succumb to boredom, to trash your house and poop on the floor.
6. Cats have more respect for their toys
If you give a dog a new toy, and if he likes he’ll destroy it within a week. When you give a cat a new toy, he’ll take care of it, gently carrying it in his mouth from room to room and hiding it near his bedding or in some other secret spot. Cat toys can last for years.
7. Cats keep bugs and insects under control
Cats are naturally quick, agile and exceptional hunters. Any winged insect or other creepy crawly unfortunate enough to slip in through a door or window will be marked as prey and caught in a matter of seconds. Living in Australia where the bugs are bigger, I’m always grateful that I share my house with four feline exterminators.
8. Cats fit on your lap
Ok, so there are some breeds of dog that are small enough to sit on your lap, but there’s still that doggy smell. Cats are the perfect size package, small, soft, furry, warm and often quite content to sit and purr rhythmically on your lap. There’s nothing more relaxing after a hard day at work.
9. Cats don’t eat their own poop
Dogs do. And then, they want to lick your face. Enough said.
10. Cats don’t need to go outside to use the toilet
Picture this… it’s ten o’clock at night and you’re comfortably lounging on the sofa, glass of wine in hand, when your pet wants to go to the toilet. For a dog owner this means getting up, putting your shoes on and venturing out into the night. For a cat owner it means . . . nothing. Your cat gets up and uses the litter tray, and you haven’t moved at all.
I’m sure you can think of countless other reasons why cats are better than dogs, but let’s agree – cats have historically been worshipped as gods by many different cultures and there’s a very good reason for that!
Why do you think cats are better than dogs? Please share in the comments below.
