Adopting a pet can be a wonderful way to add some fun and loads of love to your life. The affection and loyalty of a companion animal like a cat or dog is simply unmatched, and many people who adopt animals also feel incredible because they know that they have saved a life.
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But if you are new to pet ownership or you have never had a dog or cat as part of your family, which one should you go with? According to Nuwber, there are some similarities and differences between those who choose to adopt dogs and those who have cats, so you can take those into consideration. In addition to that, check out the information below, which can also help you decide.
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Activity and the Outdoors
If you are the type of person who wants to bring their pet everywhere they go, you might find that a canine companion suits you. Sure, it is possible to train a cat to go on car rides, walk on a leash, sit in a pet stroller, travel with you, and more, but it is likely going to be easier and require less training when you are working with a dog.
How Busy Are You?
When deciding between getting a cat or a dog, it is also important to consider your lifestyle and how busy you are. Do you spend a lot of time working or taking care of family and other responsibilities? If you are super busy all the time, a pet might not be right for you, as any animal deserves and needs a lot of love and attention.
If you have a good work-life balance, and you have the ability to take amazing care of a pet, think about how you feel at the end of the workday. Do you want to go outside and stay active by going for a walk? Then a dog might be right for you. On the other hand, if you want to just come home and relax with a hot cup of tea on the sofa, a cat might be a better choice. Also, keep in mind that dogs need to be allowed to go outside to go to the bathroom several times a day, so if you aren’t home enough, a cat that uses the litter box will likely be a better match.
The Pet’s Needs
As mentioned above, dogs need to go outside, and they need to be walked and allowed to play to get exercise. Cats, on the other hand, can stay indoors, but they also need to be provided with toys, cat trees, scratchers, and more so they won’t get bored and will get the exercise they need. Also, while cats can keep themselves clean, a dog may need to see the groomer regularly. So, keep all of these things in mind.
You Could Always Get Both!
If you love cats and dogs equally and you want to be able to be a loving pet parent to both of them, no one is stopping you. A lot of people have households with both dogs and cats, and you might be surprised by how well the animals can get along with one another. If this is a route that you would like to take, consider the personality of the animals you are thinking about adopting, as it is better to go with those who are comfortable with other pets.
Bottom line: having a pet can bring joy to your life, but the first step is deciding which type of pet is right for you. Consider your lifestyle and the amount of time you have to dedicate to a pet to be sure you make the right choice.