a dog or cat?vote!?

Question

ok.well my mom said i can get a pet on my graduation day.but i need help.see i am a cat person and a dog person.i love cats and dogs.but i need you to help me decide.what is a better start out pet a dog or cat?and what kind?

Answer 1

Depends on how much responsibility you want.
Cats are easier. They clean themselves, go potty themselves. All you have to do is feed them, clean the litter box and love and play with them. They are more independent than dogs and most cats don't mind being left alone for a while so you can go to class or do errands or whatever.
Dogs take more responsibility. You have to take them out several times a day. You have to license dogs every year or you can get in trouble. But dogs are very loyal. They like to be with you and depend on you more than cats. Most dogs like to go places so you have a companion to take on trips or just go for rides. I have also found that dogs are more expensive. If you want to take care of them properly you have to keep shots up to date (same with cats) but you should also get heart worm medicine and depending on where you live you will need flea and tick medicine.
I have 2 cats and a dog and I love them all. So it really depends on your life style and how much you want to put into your animal. If you are super busy with little time...start with a cat...just don't neglect them. If you have time to take your dog out several times a day and are able to financally take care of a dog...then get a dog.

Answer 2

The answer to this question depends on your circumstances. I only have dogs now, but have had both in the past. Cats are much easier if you are a busy family who travels some and do not have time to do a lot of house breaking. Show the cat the litter box a couple of times, and most of the time they will go there. However, the litter box gets kind of nasty and smelly and has to be changed all the time. Also if you travel for a few days, you can put fresh litter out, put a bunch of food out and a self watere, and your kitty will be fine. If your gone for a week, have someone come in and change the box and your kitty will still be fine. Your kitty will be so cute and play with toys and yarn, and make you laugh, but won't really play with you. Some kittys will want to be loved, most wont. Cats are great, but are very independent and don't need a whole lot of social contact, although some can be very loving. Ok that was the cat story. Here is the dog story. Dogs take a lot more commitment. You will have to make a conscience effort to get this puppy potty trained outside or you will have a smelly hell hole of a house. Every hour the puppy must be taken out. You will have to put up all shoes, clothes and anything that you do not want chewed up. You will need to buy Bitter Apple to spray on furniture you don't want chewed. (works wonders!). You can't leave your puppy alone if you travel, must be boarded or have a friend look after it. But I must say a dog is the most rewarding, wonderful animal I have ever owned. They give unconditional love...they adore you, and if given obiedence training are wonderful pets. Sorry so long, but it is a huge decision on which pet to get. You need to decide which species fits your family. When you decide I hope you will go to the shelter and find the perfect pet for you, whether it be dog or cat. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Vet wise, the cost is about the same. The major drawback to owning a cat is the dreaded and hated litterbox. It is a daily nuisance to keep up with. However, you would not have to entertain or walk a cat, thus they are less work. Male cats often spray even if they are neutered. Many cats will claw your furniture in spite of having a scratching post. If you want a pet that is not as social, go with a cat. I have one...Bubbles. Dogs are more social animals and need the interaction. There is nothing nicer than walking in the door and having a dog wag its tail in welcome. Unless you are a lover of large dogs, get a smaller dog. Weirner dogs are wonderful, affectionate pets. I have one...Captain Jack Sparrow. However, all dogs can have personality traits that are bothersome. For instance, a lot of smaller dogs bark. Doesn't matter what it is they are barking at. They tend to want to be in your lap more. But they always look like puppies because of their size. Avoid hairy dogs if you don't want the constant upkeep. Do your research before getting a dog. Make sure it will be one that suits your personality and what you are willing to do for it. If you want a pet that is more willing to share your affection, go with a doggy.

Answer 4

I have a cat but Dogs are great for a starter friend but if you get a dog the best kind is a mutt, cats have way too much freewill but Tabby is a good breed.

PS.
The only pure breed dogs I would recommend, Black Lab or Golden Retriever.

Litter box duty is a daily choir so keep that in mind when getting a Cat

Answer 5

How much time do you intend to spend with this pet once the newness has worn off? I'd suggest a cat for you since a dog is much higher maintenance. Having a dog is pretty close to having a child as far as the amount of time they require. Cats are more independent. Good luck!

Answer 6

Cats are more independant. I'm not sure if you're graduating from high school or college, but it's generally better to get an animal that is easier to take care of first and then move to the more dependant ones later.
If you're graduating from high school and still living with your mom, I'm sure she'd appreciate a cat more than a dog also seeing as how dogs like to chew up furniture.

Answer 7

Cat hands down. They are loving, funny, playful, cuddly, very soft, have baby-like characteristics, can be trained to do just about anything a dog can do if you know how to work with them, they have the most adorable personalities and are extremely intelligent. And also, cats most certainly do depend on humans. You cant just get one and say "ok take care of yourself". They need to be bathed, brushed, played with, talked to, and require just as much human interaction as a dog. The litterbox isnt bad at all and is about the same thing as changing a diaper. Imagine how happy you would be if your mom said "ok theres the fridge and the toilet, fend for yourself".

Dogs bark, drool, bite, growl, flail around like big idiots when they play, go way over the top when they play and most of the time end up hurting you, they smell like sweat almost all of the time, they fart next to you and walk away, they relieve themselves anywhere they want, they get hair all over the place, they chew up and demolish things, and they eat like pigs.


And thats why I vote for cats.

Answer 8

Depends on how busy you are. Dogs need you around to walk them, take them out for "business" and play. Cats don't need you at all and do quite well on their own if you provide food and a clean litter box and occasional play time. A dog is a commitment and a cat is an aloof stranger that owns you. Take your pick but be sure to keep the animals needs in mind ahead of yours.

Answer 9

DEFINATELY A DOG :) :) Dogs are a best friend :) If you want a loving loyal pet who can also help to be your guardian I definately recommend a dog! As for what kind that would depend on a number of things like the size of your yard, inside/outside dog, how much time you are willing to spend with the dog, what size dog you would like, etc etc. But if you do get a dog it is definately advisable that you and your pup go to training :)

Answer 10

cat is great if your a busy person because they take care of themselves and still keep you company. A dog on the other hand is too much work for someone that will be very busy.taking care of a dog is like babysitting a little baby.I would say a cat.