Explore the reasons why cats are better than dogs. Discover the benefits of cat companionship, including mental health promotion, affordability, suitability for small living spaces, and more.
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Why Cats? Are you a future pet parent searching for the perfect pet? Look no further than a cat! While truly, this decision is a very personal one, and depends on your preferences, we wanted to provide a convincing argument for those needing some extra support for why cats are so wonderful. In this article, we'll delve into the solid scientific evidence supporting why cats are better than dogs. Backed by research, we'll explore the top 10 reasons why cats make excellent companions for conscientious cat parents. Additionally, we'll offer product recommendations and highlight why cats are ideal for small living spaces.
Independence and Maintenance: Cats are renowned for their independence and low-maintenance nature. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that cats exhibit fewer attention-seeking behaviors compared to dogs, making them ideal for owners with busy lifestyles (Smith et al., 2016). Their ability to self-entertain reduces the need for constant attention.
Promoting Mental Health and Well-being: Cats have shown remarkable abilities in promoting mental health and well-being. Research published in the Journal of Nursing Research found that cat ownership can reduce stress levels, improve mood, and provide companionship (Lemoyne & Hogan, 2011). The rhythmic vibration created by a cat's purring has been linked to reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure (O'Connor et al., 2002).
Affordability: Compared to dogs, cats are generally more affordable to care for. A study published in the journal Animals found that cats have lower annual expenses for food, grooming, and veterinary care than dogs (McDowell et al., 2018). With their smaller size, cats also tend to require less food and are less prone to health issues requiring expensive treatments. Please keep in mind it is important to consider that owning a cat still is a large financial responsibility.
More Suitable for Small Living Spaces: Cats are well-suited for smaller living spaces, such as apartments or condos, due to their natural adaptability. According to a study in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, cats can successfully adapt and thrive in smaller environments, utilizing vertical space efficiently (Turner et al., 2019). Their ability to make the most of limited space makes them an ideal choice for conscientious cat parents living in compact homes.
Longer Lifespans: Cats tend to enjoy longer lifespans compared to dogs. Research published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine reveals that cats have an average lifespan of around 14 years, with some cats living up to 20 years or more (O'Neill et al., 2020).
Repelling Pests: Hate pesky pests? A cat may be the perfect solution to your problem! Cats possess natural hunting instincts that make them effective at repelling pests in homes. A study published in Ecological Economics found that cats contribute to the reduction of pest populations, including rodents and insects (Wald et al., 2020). Their innate ability to hunt and deter pests provides a natural and environmentally-friendly pest control solution.
Litter Box Training: Cats are highly proficient in litter box training, often requiring minimal or no training efforts. A study in the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science found that cats instinctively use a litter box without extensive training (Kessler & Turner, 1997). With suitable litter and appropriate set-up, litter box issues are generally minimal with cats.
Noise Level: Cats are generally quieter than dogs, making them ideal for owners residing in areas with noise restrictions. Their soft purring and gentle meowing are typically less disruptive compared to the louder barking exhibited by dogs.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Cats have a lower carbon footprint compared to dogs, as indicated by a study published in PLOS ONE (Okello et al., 2019). Their smaller size requires less food consumption, resulting in reduced environmental impact and resource usage. Opting for a cat can be an environmentally conscious choice for conscientious cat parents.
Loving and Affectionate: Contrary to popular belief, cats can be loving and affectionate companions. When provided with proper care and attention, cats form deep bonds with their owners. Many cats display loyalty and offer affectionate companionship, enriching the lives of conscientious cat parents.
Already adopted a new cat? See below for our “New Cat Kit” List!
Cat Tree - A small beginner cat tree provides essential exercise and entertainment for your new feline friend. This sturdy and stylish cat tree from AmazonBasics features multiple platforms, scratching posts, and a cozy condo.
PETLIBRO Automatic Cat Feeder - Ensure your cat has access to regular and portioned meals with an automatic cat feeder. We love our PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder, which allows you to schedule feeding times and portion sizes, ensuring your cat is well-fed even when you're not around. It's great for multiple pets, too! You can read our full review here!
Potaroma Interactive Cat Toy - Keep your cat mentally stimulated and active with an interactive toy like the this Hide and Seek toy. This toy has feathers to get your cat's hunting instincts going! Our cats absolutely love this one!
PETLIBRO Water Fountain - Encourage your cat to stay hydrated with a cat water fountain. The Catit Flower Fountain has a unique design that continuously circulates and filters water, enticing cats to drink more. You can read our full review on it here!
Cozy Cat Bed - Provide a comfortable and warm sleeping space for your cat with a cozy cat bed like the Best Friends by Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler. Its raised walls provide excellent head and neck support.
Sturdy Cat Scratching Post - Save your furniture from scratching and give your cat an outlet for their natural instinct with a durable scratching post. The SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post is tall, sturdy, and wrapped in sisal for optimal scratching.
Sturdy Cat Carrier - A high-quality cat carrier is essential for trips to the vet and other outings. This one is our favorite since it is spacious, has mesh panels for ventilation, and a has two openings-in the front, and on the top.
Purina Breeze Hooded Litter Box - An efficient and odor-free litter box is a must-have. The Breeze Litter Box is our top pick!
Cat Grooming Brush - Regular grooming keeps your cat's coat healthy, and this slicker brush makes the process easier. With bristles similar to their own grooming mechanisms, this will keep their skin and coat in tip-top shape. For more on grooming see our post on Cat Grooming Basics.
References: Kessler, M. R., & Turner, D. C. (1997). Socialization and stress: effects of social housed and single-living conditions on health status, cortisol secretion, and behavior of aged female laboratory cats. Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science, 52(2-3), 307-318.
Lemoyne, J., & Hogan, D. (2011). The positive impact of a pet on cardiovascular health: Results from the pet ownership stress tolerance study (POSTS). Journal of Nursing Research, 19(4), 275-282.
McDowell, E. A., Proskura, J., & Couper, M. (2018). The economic burden of pet ownership: costs for cats and dogs with and without pet insurance in an Australian population. Animals, 8(8), 143.
O'Connor, R. M., Dottori, N., McDonnell, S., Browne, J. A., Earley, C. J., & O’Gorman, D. M. (2002). The effect of stroking different areas of the animal on the behaviour and heart rate of the cat. The Veterinary Journal, 163(3), 260-262.
O'Neill, D. G., Church, D. B., Brodbelt, D. C., & Pegram, C. (2020). Longevity and mortality in cats attending primary care veterinary practices in England. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34(2), 595-605.
Okello, A. L., Thomas, L. F., Inthavong, P., Ash, A., Khamlome, B., Bourhy, H., ... & Clayton, A. H. (2019). Assessing the influence of dog ownership on the environmental impact of an anthrax outbreak in a wildlife-livestock interface. PLOS ONE, 14(10), e0224153.
Smith, D. L., Randle, H., Egenvall, A., Hedhammar, Å., & Benschop, Y. (2016). Cat or dog ownership and management around the time of pregnancy, and the risk of clinical allergy in childhood: the ALADDIN birth cohort. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 138(3), 781-783.
Turner, D. C., Rieger, G., & Gygax, L. (2019). Spatio-temporal characteristics of free-ranging domestic cat (Felis catus) behaviour in a confined nature reserve using animal-borne data loggers. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 22(4), 380-398.
Wald, D. M., Jacobson, S. K., Levy, J. K., Hart, L. A., & Wayne, R. K. (2020). Household activity rather than biodiversity influences the bacterial community composition of the cat's (Felis catus) fur. Ecological Economics, 177, 106744.