Dog or cat : which is better for an apartment?

Question

I'm living by myself and could use some company so I'm thinking about getting a pet. I love cats but is it easier taking care of a dog?
Which kind do better in small living spaces?

Answer 1

Cats are easy to take care of. I have 4 of them. Plus, they don't bark...which could cause problems with your neighbors. Cats are great companions, especially if you get one as a very young kitten. If you do get a dog, I recommend a small one (perhaps a toy fox terrier) because you won't have the room for a large dog to run around.

Answer 2

Cats are a better choice if you are gone most of the day, and need a pet that is independant. With cats, all you have to do is change the litterbox, feed them once a day, and provide a scratching post.
Kittens can require a lot more attention, but they are usually OK with their owners being gone all day. If you are worried about the cat (kitten) getting lonely, you can always get two. They are happy living in a small space too. Unfortunately, cats and kittens don't usually provide the owner with the level of companionship that dogs do.

With dogs, you have to worry about walking them every 6-12 hours to go to the bathroom. Some dogs will get destructive if left alone for too long, and puppies are a whole lot of work (housetraining, teaching not to chew on shoes, etc). That being said, you might be able to find an older dog at your local animal shelter that isn't all that energetic and won't mind hanging out at home all day. You might try to find a smaller dog (under 30 lbs) that will be content running around the apartment for exercise.

In summary, you can make either work out OK. Cats are easier to take care of, but don't provide the owner with the same level of affection that dogs do. Dogs practically worship their owners and make great companions but do require lots more care. I've had both cats and small dogs in apartments, and they both were very happy!

Answer 3

I have had both, but I think that cats work better in apartments. A cat is more of a "loner" than a dog. You don't have to worry about taking a cat outside to go to the bathroom and litter boxes aren't that bad in an apartment if you clean them every other day.
If you are worried about a pet cat peeing in your apartment, get a female cat- they don't have the need to mark their territory. But if you want a male cat, get it fixed and it will be less likely to pee.
If you're a very busy person, a cat is the way to go. Cats require attention but not nearly as much as dogs. And if your cat gets lonely, you can always get another cat or some fish for it to watch.
Another upside of having a cat- they don't smell (as much as dogs do).

Answer 4

It is much easier to take car of a cat. All you have to do is clean out a cat box and make sure they have food and water. You don't have to worry about taking them outside every time they have to pee and taking them for walks. They also do better with less space than a dog. Dogs need a yard to run around in. Also, if the dog gets out of the apartment it will probably get lost. Cats dont get lost so you don't have to worry about that. Also, you would have to worry about a dog barking in an apartment.

Answer 5

If you live in an apartment get a cat. I've had both dogs and cats in an apartment and from personal experience cats are much better apartment pets. You may run into problems with a dog in an apartment.

Answer 6

Cats are easier.
They go in a box and all you do is scoop it up. They live fine in small spaces and are wonderful companions.
Dogs have to be taken outside and walked and if you live on any floor but the first you have to make a lot of trips up and down the stairs to housebreak a puppy.
Dogs require more care and training than cats. Cats can be left alone all Day and it is not a problem but with dogs it is.

Answer 7

Cats are easier 'cause you don't have to take them out to go potty, but can be more destructive if you don't fix them and declaw them (if they're an "inside" cat). Dogs bark when alone, so can be more annoying when you're gone. They both shed, and they both require trips to the vet for shots and check-ups. A litter box stinks if you don't care for it. Dogs need exercise, so you'll need to make sure you have the time, after work, to take them out for a walk and some fun. Living in an apartment, you won't be able to play with your dog as much as you could a cat. Dogs often bark when playing, and could annoy the people in your apartment. People have gotten kicked out of their apartment because of loud pets, so this is why I bring this up. You need to think through all your options and possibilites, so that you will be able to make the right choice for yourself. Fish often make good pets, 'cause they're quiet and fun to watch. While you can't pet them, owning them is cheaper than a furry pet. Also, you need to consider licensing your cat or dog too, as it's the law in many places. Both cats and dogs can be very expensive to own, and some breeds cost more than others, because of dietary needs and how long their fur is. And because of their fur, they often have other needs that must be tended to. Go to your library and take out a book on the pet you're thinking about and learn everything you can. If you know which breed you want, get that book and read about it. Not all cats & dogs are alike, so learning about them is very important, so you'll know what to expect. I have a Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) and though she's a small dog, she needs lots of space and exercise so that she doesn't get fat and have health problems. Reading about her really helped me deal with her better, because I was used to German Shepherds, which are very much different from Shelties. Be aware that each breed may have its own difficulites. All in all, cats really don't mind how much space they have, as long as they can eat, sleep, poop and play. <*)))><

Answer 8

Cats are easier only because they don't bark, chew furniture, and you don't have to take them out and walk them. Some neighbors can complain if the dog barks while your at work or out...Cats do like to sharpen their nails...but I recommend getting a scratching post/bed because then they wont use carpet or furniture to scratch them on. I have 2 cats and their both picky but they are great pets and well tamed then dogs. If you do get a dog though...don't get a chiwawa, LOL...I have one and they may be small but they sure have a loud mouth for barking. But cats you don't have to bath, cats bath themselves so you don't have to. No you do not spend more money on a cat then a dog...because dogs have leashes, toys, pick up their mess, and all of that other stuff. cats only need a litter box, scratching post/bed and that's it besides food, shots, and maybe one toy for them...dogs you have to make sure they have plenty of water because dogs drink alot(more than cats), baby-gate if their not trained, and all this stuff before you leave the house. Plus dogs use the carpet and furniture while your away...cats don't. A cats simple :) Oh, and you absolutly do not declaw a cat, if your cat got outside how would they defend themselves?!? Plus how would you feel if you didn't have any nails?! It hurts them...no one in my family ever declawed their cats. So don't listen to all these girls talking about declawing them...thats hurts the cats.

Answer 9

Cats take less care, but they smell up small spaces so much easier with the litter box. A medium sized or smal sized dog would be a good choice. But if u love cats, then follow your heart.... Also, check local shelters for an animal who needs a loving home. A grown or halfway grown dog is a good choice, because they are usually already house trained. :)

Answer 10

Generally, a cat is better, mostly because it doesn't have to go outdoors. They are easy to care for, a relatively independent, and are great pets. Especially if you are busy, cats are much easier to care for.

We live in an apartment and have 2 cats. (I'm more of a dog person, but I love our cats!) Just make sure they have plenty of food, water, clean litter, and a few toys, and they will be happy.