If you're considering bringing a new furry friend into your life, you'll want to think about whether a dog or a cat is the right pet for you. Both animals can make wonderful companions, but they have some key differences.
Dogs require more attention and exercise than cats, needing regular walks and playtime outside. This can be a great way to get more exercise yourself, but it's also a big responsibility.
Cats, on the other hand, are generally more independent and can entertain themselves for longer periods of time. This makes them a great choice for busy people or those who don't have a lot of time to devote to pet care.
Find a Pet
If you're looking to bring a new furry friend into your life, there are several options to consider. You can find a licensed pet dealer in New York State through the New York State Pet Dealer Licensing Program.
The program ensures that dogs and cats are properly cared for, have adequate and humane housing, and receive veterinary care while kept by pet dealers. This gives you peace of mind knowing your new pet has been well taken care of.
Animal shelters and rescue organizations are also great places to find a new pet. These non-profit entities offer animal adoptions in New York State and are required to register with the Department to provide increased transparency to potential pet owners.
You can find a registered rescue or shelter in New York State to learn more about their adoption process and find your new companion.
Take a look at this: Animal Digest
Dog Breeds
Some dog breeds are naturally more compatible with cats than others. Basset Hounds are a great example, as they're incredibly loyal and patient, making them perfect for introducing to feline siblings.
Basset Hounds have a mild-mannered attitude, which makes them friendly and tolerant of other animals. This includes cats, as long as they're introduced properly. Golden Retrievers are another breed that's known for being sweet and friendly, making them a great match for cat owners.
Golden Retrievers are playful and adaptable, which means they can thrive in a variety of living situations, including homes with cats. They're also eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train.
Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are incredibly loyal and patient, making them a great match for families with cats. Their mild-mannered attitude also makes them friendly and tolerant of other animals.
They have a hound's stubborn streak, so training may be a bit of a challenge. But with patience and consistency, you can teach them to be well-behaved companions.
Basset Hounds are low-key and don't require a lot of exercise, making them a great option for families with smaller living spaces.
Beagles
Beagles are typically friendly with other animals because they were bred to hunt in packs. This means they're already open to sharing their space with other animals and people.
Their happy-go-lucky nature makes them a pleasure to live with. They're loving companions that are likely to see a cat as just another member of the pack.
Beagles thrive on interaction with other dogs, pets, and people. This makes them a top candidate for dogs that get along with cats.
Their friendly nature is a result of their breeding history as pack hunters. They're not likely to have a problem with other animals, including cats.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Cat or Dog Person
Bulldogs
Bulldogs are built low to the ground with a body like a tank. They generally don’t make fast friends with other dogs.
Their short snout makes them prone to heatstroke, and their short coat doesn’t fare well in the cold. They aren’t fans of the water, and they are lazy dogs that make excellent nappers.
Bulldogs have kind temperaments and are friendly toward other creatures. A Bulldog’s easygoing personality makes it likely that they’ll enjoy your cat’s company.
You might find that your Bulldog and cat have four things in common: they both like to nap, and they both prefer warmer temperatures and drier spaces.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a beloved breed known for their huge hearts of gold and affectionate nature. They make great emotional support dogs and are ideal for sharing a home with a cat.
Cavs are adaptable and gentle, not likely to be intimidated by their feline companions. They're open to a feline napping buddy and will love having a cat in the house.
These dogs are people-pleasers and enjoy the company of other animals, making them one of the best dog breeds for cats. They're playful and congenial, loving attention from anyone, including their feline roommates.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are not much bigger than a cat, but they're not likely to be intimidated by their size difference. They're beautiful and wonderful companions who love other animals.
Collies
Collies are a great choice for families with cats. They're known for their loyalty to their human and furry siblings.
Collies are wicked smart and can learn how to interact with cats. This makes them a great option for households with multiple pets.
Collies are vocal dogs that tend to be tolerant of other family pets. They're athletic and do best with a lot of exercise and companionship.
Collies are loyal and loving, much like Lassie. They're a great choice for families who want a dog that will get along with their cat.
For your interest: Cats Dogs and Pets
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for their playful personalities. They need a good amount of daily exercise, but they are adaptable and outgoing, which makes them potentially great cat companions.
Golden Retrievers are so sweet, friendly and hopelessly devoted to their family, including cats. They seem to have a limitless supply of empathy and compassion.
Their friendly and adaptable nature makes them a great fit for families with cats, as they are eager to please and highly adaptable.
What Dog Breeds Are Good
Labrador Retrievers are a great choice for families with cats, as they're known for their kind, gentle, and accommodating nature.
They're intelligent and eager to please, which makes them easy to train and adapt to a household with multiple pets.
Golden Retrievers are also a good option, as they're playful but adaptable and outgoing, making them potentially great cat companions.
Basset Hounds are another breed that gets along well with cats, thanks to their mellow and patient nature, which is perfect for the introduction and acclimation period.
German Shepherds are loyal and protective of their family, including cats, and can live harmoniously with their feline siblings if properly socialized.
The Toy Group, which includes breeds like Poodles and Chihuahuas, are affectionate and sociable, making them a good fit for families with cats.
The Sporting Group, which includes breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers, are friendly and outgoing, and are pleased to make friends with anyone they meet, including cats.
It's essential to remember that every dog is an individual, and while breed tendencies are a good starting point, proper socialization and training are crucial for a harmonious household with multiple pets.
Recommended read: Breeds of Dogs That like Cats
Poodle
Poodles are good-natured, eager to please, and valedictorians of the dog world. They come in miniature, toy, and standard sizes, making them a versatile choice for many families.
Poodles are one of the dog breeds that don't shed that much, which can be a huge relief for people with allergies or who prefer less dog hair.
Tibetan Spaniel
They're not too prone to barking issues, which is a relief for cat owners who value their feline friends' peace and quiet.
Tibbies are happy-go-lucky dogs that are fiercely devoted to their humans.
Their independent streak can be adorably frustrating at times, but it's a small price to pay for their affectionate nature.
They tend to favor higher places to observe and hold court, often finding a spot to survey their kingdom.
Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is a great choice for cat owners. They're a happy-go-lucky breed that loves everybody, including your feline friend.
These little dogs are likely to see your cat as a potential playmate, so they might not be the best fit for cats with anxiety issues. They're naturally frolicsome and bubbly, which can be a great match for energetic cats.
Bichons are small in size, but they make friends quickly with furry pals. They could be a great alternative to playing with larger dogs at the dog park.
Bernese Mountain Dog
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a sweet-tempered breed that thrives in families who enjoy outdoor activities.
They are a working breed that assumes they are a legit member of your family and want to be involved in whatever you're doing, especially if it's playing or working outside.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a great match for cat owners who value their "me" time indoors, as they don't require constant attention and are happy to entertain themselves.
Their affectionate nature makes them a wonderful addition to any family, and they are always eager to please their owners.
Consider reading: Bernese Mountain Dog and Cats
Greyhound
The Greyhound is a quiet and gentle dog breed.
They're ideal for households that value peace and quiet, as they rarely get agitated.
Greyhounds are built for speed, but they fizzle fast and are content to lay around the house.
They're fond of curling up and soaking in the sun near a window, making them perfect for homes with plenty of natural light.
In general, they're happy to lounge around the house and don't require a lot of exercise to stay happy.
Barbet
The Barbet is a sweet-natured breed that is very easy to live with, as long as their exercise needs are met.
This breed is perfect for families who want a low-maintenance companion that still loves to play and have fun.
Pugs
Pugs are known for packing a lot of love into a little body. They have a ton of personality and love attention.
These dogs thrive on interaction and can get lonely if left alone for too long. A cat can help keep them company when their owners are away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money is spent on companion animals yearly?
According to recent data, Americans spend approximately $136.8 billion on their pets each year, with a significant portion going towards essential expenses like food, vet care, and supplies. This staggering figure highlights the growing importance of companion animals in our lives.
Which animal was domesticated first, cats or dogs?
Dogs were the first animal to be domesticated, with evidence of domestication dating back to around 15,000 years ago. Cats, on the other hand, were domesticated much later, around 10,000 years ago.
What separates dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats differ in their level of dependence and companionship needs, with dogs requiring more attention and interaction, while cats prefer independence and solitary activities
What is the common ancestor of cats and dogs?
The common ancestor of cats and dogs was a small, insect-eating mammal called a Miacid, which lived around 55-60 million years ago. This ancient species is believed to have given rise to the distinct cat-like and dog-like groups that exist today.
Sources
- Companion Animals - Department of Agriculture and Markets (ny.gov)
- behavior pet helpline (wufoo.com)
- Sebastian Condrea/Getty Images (gty.im)
- Rachel Geller, (drrachelcatbehavior.com)
- Danielle Bernal (wellnesspetfood.com)
- AKC.TV (akc.tv)
- AKC Rx (akcpetrx.com)
- AKC Weekly Winners (akcwinners.com)
- AKC Club Governance and Issues Resources (.s3.amazonaws.com)
- AKC Humane Fund (akchumanefund.org)
- https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/07/about-half-us-of-pet-owners-say-their-pets-are-as-much-a-part-of-their-family-as-a-human-member/ (pewresearch.org)
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