Pets can bring so much into our lives --- from unconditional love, companionship, and unending amusement. If you have never had a furry companion before, choosing the type of pet to get can be challenging. Both cats and dogs are just so cute that it’s impossible picking one.

However, pets are a long-term commitment. You wouldn’t want to make a wrong decision and end up with an animal that doesn’t suit you. It’s better to learn about the animals’ personalities and needs before you get a pet. Here’s a scoop on what dogs and cats are like to help you make your decision.

What Are Dogs Like?

Dogs are very social creatures who would want to be involved in all aspects of your life. They are hardwired with pack instinct, so they look for a leader and instinctively follow wherever their pack goes. That is why they don’t like being chained up in the yard and alone for long periods.

These four-legged furry creatures crave attention and closeness. They need to spend quality time with you to be happy. So if you want to get a dog, be sure to set aside several hours a day to play with them.

Dogs also require a lot of stimulation and physical activity. These fur babies need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy, burn some energy, reduce destructive behavior, and learn social skills.

What Are Cats Like?

Cats require much less energy, attention, and time than dogs. Lots of felines are happy to be left alone throughout the day. That is why people looking for an independent furry companion choose to get a cat.

Since these creatures don’t live in packs, cats don’t have an innate need to please you. They will only approach you for affection when they want to be petted or stroked. Unlike dogs, you can leave cats for more prolonged periods.

Although your pet will miss you, cats won’t depend on you to take them out for a walk as soon as you go home. While they still require physical activity and playtime, this won’t be taxing for you. They’ll feel happy chasing around a laser pointer as you sit on the couch.

Know Yourself

Cats and dogs are not the only ones that have varying personalities and temperaments. Your personality and lifestyle preferences can tell you whether you’re suitable as a dog parent or a cat parent.

Before you decide on what pet to get, you should also know yourself. Here are some questions that can guide you when picking your new furry friend:

• Can you handle the hair? Living with an animal usually involves dealing with fur. While there are dogs and cat breeds that shed more hair than others, both furry pets shed to an extent. Canines, however, require more clean-up compared to their feline siblings since they are bigger.
• Are you an active and outdoorsy person? If you love going on adventures and want a pet that you can play with outside, then a dog might be a better choice. This doesn’t mean that you can’t take your cat outside under supervision or walk it on a leash. However, a dog would more likely enjoy this activity.
• Are you willing to walk your pet every day? Dogs require daily walks to keep them fit and healthy. This activity also helps them release excess energy, minimizing the chances of them doing something destructive. If you can’t commit to daily walks, you might want to get a cat instead.
• Do you need to be the leader? When you properly train a dog, they will see you as the pack leader and strive to obey and please you. A relationship with a cat will be different. Because of their independent nature, cats see themselves as your equal or even higher than you.
• Do you want to feel needed? Both animals are affectionate. However, cats are subtle animals, and they will show their affection on their terms.

Still Can’t Decide?

Some people equally love cats and dogs. Under the right conditions, both animals can get along and live happily in the same household. But if you can only own one and still can’t decide whether you should get a dog or a cat, consider taking an animal personality test.

Wanting to have an adorable cat? Read ”Munchkin Cat - Profile of the Adorable Dwarf Feline Breed” to learn more.