Are cats easier to care for than dogs?

Question

I'm thinking about getting a pet, a cat or a dog. Are cats easier to care for than dogs?

Answer 1

I disagree with the first guy. Cats are MUCH easier. You do not have to train a cat not to use the bathroom on the floor like you do a puppy. Cats have it in them to go to the litter box, like an instinct. You have to let dogs out to use the bathroom, they bark at all hours if they're outdoor and you have to bathe them. Cats you only need to change their litter box once a week. They bathe themselves and have their hyper times and laid back times. Meowing is no where near as loud as barking. I like both animals, but I say a cat is a lot less maitinence.

Answer 2

I've owned cats all my life, but have taken care of dogs for years and just recently got my own dog and as far as the care levels are concerned, they're both relatively the same.
While most people will tell you that a cat is easier to care for than a dog is, I've found, from my experience, that in terms of care, dogs are easier than cats, but not by much. While a dog is something that you have to spend time housebreaking, socializing, and training when it's a puppy, in order for it to grow up to be a good dog, a cat is an animal that you have to do the same thing with when it's a kitten. While with a cat you don't have to bathe it, you do have to shovel out the litter box every day and add more litter to the box, which can be a pain to do, because it's extra work to have to clean up the litter that tends to spill out onto the carpet or rug in front of the cat box, with the dog, because the dog goes outside to do its business, other than a monthly shoveling the poop out of the yard, that problem is not something which applies to dog owners.
In terms of caring for a cat vs caring for a dog, a kitten is about as much time-consuming as a puppy is, because just like a puppy, you would also have to train the kitten where exactly its bathroom is and clean up after it whenever it goes to the bathroom somwhere outside of where it's supposed to.
Although you do have to give monthly heartworm medicine to a dog and put flea medicine on a dog once a month, both of these processes are easy to do and aren't added work at all (the dog thinks that the heartworm pill is a treat, so just adding it to one of the dog's regular meals will ensure that the dog will take it).
Because cats tend to track their litter throughout the house, cleaning it up is a very time-consuming process (this is true for both adult cats and kittens), whereas with a dog, there's no problem with cat litter tracked throughout the house.
No matter whether you choose a dog or a cat, because the level of care for each animal is the same, one is not easier than the other, in this regard, but rather, both are equal.

Answer 3

Cats are a lot easier to take care of than dogs. The main reason is that you have to give your dog exercise. That means walking them, constantly cleaning up their poop, etc..., everyday. Also, if you want to go away for the weekend, you have to either take your dog with you or find someone to watch it. Cats on the other hand are very easy to litter train and can stay by themselves for days at a time, provided with enough food and water. In the end though, any pet you have is going to be a commitment. Make sure you are ready for the responsibility for years to come. Just like any relationship, it's always fun at first and seems really easy. As time goes on, sometimes it becomes a chore. I

If by chance you are looking for the easier route, I would definitely say to get a cat.

Answer 4

well it all depends on whether you want an emotionally dependent animal, like a dog. a dog takes a lot of emotional input, whereas cats are mostly independent. Cats are definitely easier, but with training, a dog can be also easily cared for.

The amount of time you are willing to commit is also crucial. you can have a cat and within three days, be into an easy to maintain routine: food and litter box. a dog requires more training and time and usually takes several months, to several years to become routine.

personally, i find that the amount of effort you put into a dog is almost nearly always paid and returned in full. having a dog can be a very rewarding experience. :)

Answer 5

A cat is easier to care for than a dog. They do not have to be walked, once litter trained they can be left alone over night with out worrie. They are quiet and can cuddle up with you.
Dogs are great but they need lots more work than a cat.

Answer 6

Yes of course cats are easier than dogs.
1st off cats bath themselves. Dogs dont and smell usually.
2nd off cats can be left alone longer than dogs
both go to the bathroom so that stinks for both. Cats use a litter box that will need cleaned a few times a week and dogs use the grass that will need to be cleaned.

Answer 7

Cats are easier to take care on than dogs. Dogs need to be washed but cats clean themselves. Dogs poo everywhere whereas cats if outside go in the dirt. They dig, poo and then bury it. If inside they use a kitty litter. Dogs have to be walked whereas cats don't. Cats know where their home whereas a dog needs to be fenced in. Cats have a soft meow whereas dogs bark loudly and the neighbours could complain.

Answer 8

Cats are alot easier to care for.... All you have to do is make sure they have food & water, and a clean litter box. Initially, you have to litterbox train them, but that's about the extent of their training. Most are very independent and don't need a lot of your attention, except ofcourse when THEY want it :-)

Dogs are not difficult to care for, but they definately do need alot more of your attention. Dogs require feeding twice per day, you have to let them out several times a day to go potty, you have to exercise them by walking, running, etc. with them or take them to the dog park, etc. Training and Socialization with other dogs, people, kids is very important, and must me constant. Dog companionship is definately alot more rewarding than that of a cat, in my opnion.

If you don't have the time for a dog, then get a cat, they are fun too. But weigh out the right decision now, you don't want to realize after you have gotten a dog, that you are in over your head.

Answer 9

Cats. However remember a dog needs a master while a cat needs staff.
A dog will pee and do do all over the place while a cat is discriminating and usually must have a litter box.
A dog is usually in need of more attention while a cat is usually self sufficiant and lower profile.
Both need love, food, water, and basic vet care.

Answer 10

cats are a lot easier to care for, but when you are picking the cat, pick it for it's personality, not it's looks. a good cat will love to death in return for only food, water, fresh kitty-litter, and a lot of love back. i like cats better, but i still like dogs and the one good thing about dogs is the fact that you CAN take them places. but ultimitly, it is up to you