Families that are considering adding a new pet to their family often go with the two most common animals, cats or dogs. Which one is the right one for you? There are several considerations to think about before selecting a new pet, and ultimately only you can determine which one is right for you.
The first thing you will need to consider when adopting a new pet is how much time you can commit to your new furry friend. If you work a lot of hours or go out of town frequently, perhaps cats are more suited to your lifestyle.
As a general rule, cats are lower maintenance. They easily adapt to using a litter box, and require only food and water. Often they will show affection, but on their terms. Dogs need more time for exercise, being let out for walks, and more human contact. A cat can still be affectionate, but dogs are more loyal.
If you are wanting an animal that is easy to train, dogs learn much easier than a cat. Most dogs are more compliant than cats, making it easier to teach them tricks and basic manners. Cats have a tendency to train their humans. Dogs are trained with a "direct teaching" method, using rewards to modify behavior. While this can work on cats, it takes much more patience.
Dogs are more versatile in practical use. They can be trained to perform heroic tasks, such as being guide dogs, search and rescue, and working as bomb and drug detectives. Just because you bring an adorable puppy home doesn't mean that you will automatically have a well behaved pet; puppies require a lot of training.
The overall cost for a dog is a little higher. Expect a medium sized dog to cost around 400/ year with vet visits, food and other related costs. The larger the dog, the higher to cost. Cats come in a little lower, but the average cost is still around 350/ year. This includes estimates for health insurance on your animal.
Bringing a new pet home also requires that it gets spayed or neutered. This is an important one time expense. Check with your vet for cost, or research low cost spay and neuter clinics through your local humane association.
Whether you want to adopt a cat or dog can only be determined by your family and individual needs. Every pet is different. Cats can be loving and affectionate, or may end up completely stand offish. There is no guarantee in pet adoptions, much like you can't assign personalities to your children.
Dogs vary greatly in personalities between different breeds. If you decide to adopt a dog, research the specific breed you are considering and make sure their personality matches your house.
You don't have to bring home a puppy or a kitten. If your time for training is limited, consider rescuing an adult dog or cat. Often, these animals have already been trained and have mellowed out a little. This might be a great solution for your family!
Cats and dogs are both wonderful pets. Only you can determine what is right for you. If you have never owned a pet, consider fostering a rescue pet to see how well your family handles the responsibility. You might find your perfect friend and save a life at the same time!
The first thing you will need to consider when adopting a new pet is how much time you can commit to your new furry friend. If you work a lot of hours or go out of town frequently, perhaps cats are more suited to your lifestyle.
As a general rule, cats are lower maintenance. They easily adapt to using a litter box, and require only food and water. Often they will show affection, but on their terms. Dogs need more time for exercise, being let out for walks, and more human contact. A cat can still be affectionate, but dogs are more loyal.
If you are wanting an animal that is easy to train, dogs learn much easier than a cat. Most dogs are more compliant than cats, making it easier to teach them tricks and basic manners. Cats have a tendency to train their humans. Dogs are trained with a "direct teaching" method, using rewards to modify behavior. While this can work on cats, it takes much more patience.
Dogs are more versatile in practical use. They can be trained to perform heroic tasks, such as being guide dogs, search and rescue, and working as bomb and drug detectives. Just because you bring an adorable puppy home doesn't mean that you will automatically have a well behaved pet; puppies require a lot of training.
The overall cost for a dog is a little higher. Expect a medium sized dog to cost around 400/ year with vet visits, food and other related costs. The larger the dog, the higher to cost. Cats come in a little lower, but the average cost is still around 350/ year. This includes estimates for health insurance on your animal.
Bringing a new pet home also requires that it gets spayed or neutered. This is an important one time expense. Check with your vet for cost, or research low cost spay and neuter clinics through your local humane association.
Whether you want to adopt a cat or dog can only be determined by your family and individual needs. Every pet is different. Cats can be loving and affectionate, or may end up completely stand offish. There is no guarantee in pet adoptions, much like you can't assign personalities to your children.
Dogs vary greatly in personalities between different breeds. If you decide to adopt a dog, research the specific breed you are considering and make sure their personality matches your house.
You don't have to bring home a puppy or a kitten. If your time for training is limited, consider rescuing an adult dog or cat. Often, these animals have already been trained and have mellowed out a little. This might be a great solution for your family!
Cats and dogs are both wonderful pets. Only you can determine what is right for you. If you have never owned a pet, consider fostering a rescue pet to see how well your family handles the responsibility. You might find your perfect friend and save a life at the same time!
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