A Never-Ending Debate (Until now): Dogs vs Cats

I’m sure you’ve heard of the saying “majority wins”. Envision this: you’re walking through the park on a sunny (or rainy- whichever you prefer) day pre-Covid and you pass the spot that reads “Dog Park”. You see dogs of all shapes and sizes running around, their owners conversing in different bundles, bragging about their dogs. You walk through the gate and are instantly met by smiling dogs with wagging tails attached to their rears that they push towards you forcefully. Now, let’s try something else. You walk through the home of your old neighbor that invited you over for tea and biscuits last Saturday. You round the corner and see 15 cats that scramble to hide under their owner’s bed or behind the couch. The one that allows you to pet it returns the favor with a quick claw to your arm. You leave your neighbor’s house with a full stomach and a desperate need for Neosporin. To give them credit, not all of the cats ran to seek cover. A few were loving and friendly. A few of the dogs in the encasement ran in the opposite direction or barked at you. Even so, the majority wins. Let’s say you’re someone whose tendencies don’t always go far beyond the couch and the kitchen (like myself). You want to be more active, but you have no motivation. In the following months, you find yourself at the SPCA wanting a pet. You can’t choose between a dog and a cat! I’d argue that you should choose a dog. They biologically require a lot of exercise. A dog is your newfound source of encouragement- a walking reminder to get outside! Moreover, dogs are perfect for revenge; you can allow it to poop on your mean neighbor’s lawn. If you’d rather spend the day watching TV, you can always release them to your backyard or ask a dog-owning neighbor to include yours on their walk. In those days when you’re enjoying your own time, you won’t need to worry about your dog acting out. Dogs are much easier to train so that you don’t come across unexpected puddles of urine or scratched up pillows. With the exception of the months during which you are training, you don’t have to worry about leaving your dog home alone. Admittedly, one could easily see cats as adorable and fascinating. Unlike dogs, they can climb trees and do parkour around the house. The meows that come out of their mouths are precious and much quieter than that of dogs. They don’t poop everywhere or eat your food or jump on you. My friend, a cat owner of 3, is living with my family right now. I asked her why she loves cats and her response was, “well Mitzy snuggles with me and follows me, she’s literally just like a dog,” to which I responded “exactly!”​ If her cat is ​like a dog,​ then the benchmark is set high by dogs themselves. Ultimately, cats are low maintenance- they can take care of themselves. But why get a pet if not to have a companion that you nurture? Cats may not poop everywhere when you release them outside, but their litter boxes, often inside of the house, inevitably stink up the area. The claws that carry them up trees also leave scratches on your body. They don’t eat your food, but they do deliver theirs to your feet. They may take up less space around the house, but I’d argue that they seem to take up none at all as they often occupy areas already taken by furniture. That’s all not to say that I’m a soulless monster that hates cats. I actually own two. Nonetheless, every seemingly hostile statement I’ve made thus far has come from personal experiences. Let’s give credit to the saying of “a man's best friend”. Dogs will quite literally lift your mood. They are personable and always happy to see their owner and follow you around. They are the epitome of absolute, unconditional love. They come in all sizes, so whether you want a huge snuggle buddy or a pal you can carry around, you’re set! There are also rescue dogs and helper dogs- even an ordinary dog with a loud bark can protect you. Let’s not forget tricks! How cool is it that with a little bit of determination, you can get your dog to play dead, bring in your newspaper, high five, or spin? I guarantee that an impressive dog makes for an admirable owner. For those of us that would choose to be gifted a mutually beneficial relationship rather than a dead mouse, choose a dog!

Molly Wilkinson '22

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