Dogs and cats can both make wonderful pets. There are similarities between them but also a number of differences.
Dogs are commonly referred to as ‘man’s best friend.’ This is, presumably, due to their loyal and sociable nature. Dogs can become extremely attached to their owners and would guard and defend them against anyone they considered to be a threat. Dogs are highly trainable and, very often, can be taught to come to their owners, sit and stay on command, among a variety of other actions. Moreover, most dogs are eager to please and enjoy being obedient to their owners. They are driven by a desire to know where they are in the pack order of the home, and to maintain their position.
Cats are also trainable to a certain degree. They can be taught to come to their names and to stay off certain pieces of furniture, for example. However, although many cats are affectionate towards their owners as dogs, nor do they tend to have the same loyalty or innate desire to please. While dogs are motivated by pleasing their owners and maintaining their place in the family ‘pack,’ cats are motivated more by their needs at the time. For example, many cats will rub themselves up against their owners’ legs when they are hungry and want to be fed. A dog, on the other hand, is likely to be affectionate most of the time, not just when they directly want something.
There are many examples of both dogs and cats who are friendly, affectionate and sociable. However, there are differences between the two species’, mainly based on their natural instincts and the behaviours that these provoke.
