Cats or dogs: What's your pick?
Posted by Lorrie Lynch
Our cover story this weekend poses a question for the ages: Cats or dogs? It's a question that seems innocuous enough, but anyone who's been in a debate between cat lovers and dog lovers knows there are very strong opinions on both sides. We're almost afraid to ask, but what side of the battle do you fall on? Both Kathy and I are playing the neutral card: We're fine with cats, but would never get one as a pet (though Kathy does admit she can't get enough of LOLCats.)
So, let us know in the comments below -- are you on the side of cool cats or top dogs?



Comments (90)
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The killing of the cats in Medieval Europe caused the Plague that claimed over half of Europe’s population. The Science of our age proved that cats do not steal people’s breath but allergy does, that rodents invasion can lead to the Black Death, and the killing of rodents by poison can lead to environment catastrophes.
The WHO (World Health Organization) has the United States East and West coast on its rodents invasions alarming map. Thousand of cases of Plague are reported by the WHO every year. The reported chains still have no vaccine and do not respond to treatment, all caused by rodents invasion to several areas in our world. AOL reported a woman who was bitten by a rat was diagnosed with Plague in Los Angeles; the TV reported that two rodents carrying Bubonic Fleas escaped from a lab in New Orleans upon Katrina! Yet animal services nationwide keep “cleaning” our streets from cats and make them a safe heaven for rodents to multiply, and when rodents invade we pour the poison by air and land for the poison to end up on our children air, water, and food.
For people who do not know how fast rodents multiply, please go to U tube and watch the great mice invasion to Australia in 1993 or the rats’ invasion to Apopka, Florida in 1999; the latter took the lake last breath, and gave her for the last 10 years “The Dead Lake” name. Five major hurricane afterward and 42 million dollars by St. John River Engineering Dept. could not clean the lake and its surrounding area from the poison that had to be used kill the rodents, yet the rodents came back to Apopka in 2007 but life did not come back to the lake and wild life.
Cat’s lovers, scientists, and governments agencies who are aware of the dimension of the problem must speak out and loud to stop this irresponsible behavior.
The old Egypt and ancient Greece did not respect and cherish the cat because it is cute, but because they wisely realized the Cat substantial role in man’s survival.
I didn't understand the thinking behind a couple things said in Jane Brunt former vet assoc prez's quote such as:"It's true they're not small dogs -- but the goal is to appreciate them for what they are." This was a strange choice of words if she was trying to explain why cats are loveable. I think she was trying to say "yes, cats aren't small dogs but that's of no consequence in order to appreciate them. All you need to do is appreciate them for what they are." IMO Looking at cats for what they is not the only thing necessary to appreciate them. It is also necessary to not compare them to dogs. Cats are so different than dogs that comparing them will cloud ones perception of what cats are really like.
The article didn't really hit the heart of what a cat is and what makes that loveable. But getting awareness for what society's view is was excellent.
I like cats and dogs. I feel a particular and special bond to cats because I grew up w/ a cat and not a dog. But I like both.
I would like to know if Sam Champion is married or has a steady girlfriend? I think he is so good looking. A lot of other people do to.
Cats can look into our eyes, and into our very souls.
Being one of the only few mammals to be able to look into our eyes with both of theirs, as one.
Cats choose their masters for a very good reason and quite a wise one too: they can distinquish good between bad people, and only choose good.
Other animals do not do this, and this says a lot about why cats do and can: people who are honored to be chosen by a cat are very fortunate and are given a gift by God.
Cats have been honored and cherished by our ancient ancestors since the very beginning of time.
Cats are genuises, very intelligent, wise, and choose good over bad, because their hearts and minds are made in the likeness of a Higher Power.
Cats can sense our moods, feelings, how we are doing physically and emotionally, coming to us when we need their presence the most, either physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
They bring us out of a deep gloom to having peace of mind and contentment.
They rescue us out of darkness, comfort us and help us feel wanted and needed and honored.
Cats are spiritual beings, the closest we can come to touching a spirit being, closest to Angels and standing at the right side of God.
They love us unconditionally,
Two myths: cats are an “easy” pet and dry cat food is ok.
Thank you for writing this article. It confirms my suspicions that much of society DOES value cats differently - I just didn’t realize to what extent.
I disagree with the blanket statement in the comments that cats are “easy” pets. Many people wouldn’t get an exotic bird or snake without doing proper research first. The same should to apply to felines. Cats are like their wild cousins in many ways – especially where nutrition is concerned. One of the most important issues today for potential AND existing cat owners is the need to dispel the many myths surrounding cat food. It is now widely accepted that many litter box, kidney, diabetes and obesity problems are easily caused by feeding dry kibble to cats! Many feline diseases and problems cost a lot less to prevent than they do to treat. I found the best place to start is the non-profit catinfo.org by vet Lisa Pierson. It is painfully clear to me that many pet food manufacturers - and sadly, even some veterinarians - view cats as disposable. What does this say about our society? Dry pet food has proven to be a potential health risk for not only cats, but dogs, and anyone who even handles it, including children! Remember that the deliberate contamination of human food (Chinese milk products) with poisonous melamine started with similar contamination of pet food - and for exactly the same reason - greed.
Gump could have said “Life is like a box of cats…” Some are wilder, aloof, more sensitive, fussy, aggressive and territorial. Many, however, are friendly, playful, funny and loving. You find things out about yourself, too, when you have a pet. Cats require a patient, loving, observant, flexible, dedicated, trustworthy owner who will provide proper care and daily attention. They need someone who will stay up-to-date about feline health and behavioural issues.
People who want an “easy” pet should look at something else – maybe one of those virtual or plush electronic ones first. Maybe potential cat owners should have to pass a test before getting a mandatory cat license. Society could start to view cat ownership as a privilege, like driving. Responsible, reasonable and attentive cat owners should not be restricted by municipal laws that are supposed to limit the number of cats someone can own when there are so many cats sitting in shelters. We can’t count on government laws – they’re not doing an even remotely adequate job when it comes to protecting pets. I agree we need to do more to increase the value that cats have in society. We need to be the voices of those who can’t speak up for themselves.
I believe the negative attitude towards cats displayed in the media encourages animal abuse. Now I’m even uncomfortable when they use black cats in Halloween advertising as it reinforces the historically irrational fear and hatred of felines that some people have. Cats are not evil. Sure, they’re mysterious, they don’t play by our rules, and some are eager to hunt and kill. Their similarities to their wild ancestors are both attractive and frightening. Isn’t that something else that makes them a cool pet, though?
I love cats as well, dogs are alright but I don't love em much.
http://www.love-vs-hate.com
I LOVE CATS!!!!!!!!!!
dogs are ok to
cats r azum
Dogs are my pick here is why
1 dogs give unconditional love
2 dogs think of you as God Cats think they are God
3 you can train a dog
4 dogs save lives
5 dogs will guard your home
6 dogs will listen to a command
7 dog obeys when asked
8 dog wants to please you
9 dogs are not scared of everything
10 dogs love to be walked
11 dogs will be your best friend always
12 dogs will be their when you want them too
13 dogs are happy to play with you anytime
AND LAST DOGS ARE A MANS BEST FRIEND FOREVER AND UNCONDITIONAL
PETER (posting July 6, 2008 at 3:17:32pm). You need to do your homework before making blanket statements. Your accusation that cats destroyed the entire bird poplulation on Guam is completely false. There is a species of tree snakes that is responsible for the extinction of the birds there. The snakes, NOT the cats deserve the blame. Check your facts or other people will check them for you.
I'm so glad to read this article -- finally in print what I've been saying for years. I'm sick of seeing TV shows and movies where the cat always "gets it" or there are nasty cat jokes. I like cats and dogs both but cats do get a bad rap and it's not funny. Cats are very easy to take care of and there are plenty of auto feeders out there if you need help! All they need is fresh litter boxes, fresh water and food. There's a good book out there called, "How to think like a cat" that is a good resource.
One thing that the very nice article didn't mention in the truth about cats and is probably a major difference from dogs is that most people begin their relationship with a cat by getting a free kitten. Cats seem very easy and cheap to keep for a family pet so why invest in something that cost one nothing? Many people don't even realize that they need shots and regular health care... happily this is changing, but slowly. I work at a pet supply store (where I am a dog trainer) and am continuely educating people that their animals misbehavior isn't necessarily personal but sometimes can even be medical, though it seems the last thing people want to do is pay a vet for their services. When our young cat "missed the litter box" I watched her whole behavior and realized something was terribly wrong. A trip to the vet diagnosed her with chronic kidney failure and her prognosis was probable death by the age of 3. Well last month her weak kidneys finally gave out and she died in her sleep at the age of 17. She was almost my most expensive family member vet-wise. I realize I am an odd one as when I acquire a pet I do all the research I can and only accept into my house those that I can afford to keep (I love horses and lizards but both in their own ways are beyond my resources) for their lifetimes. (There have been those wonderful critters that passed through my house on the way to their new homes for I do participate in rescue programs when I have the space and resources to help out.)Although the whole family (including 2 belgian shepherds) are missing the cat, we won't be purposely looking for a new one yet... though if the right one showed up at work needing a home... It is not by their monetary cost that I rate the value of my animals but by the depth of our relationship... and it is very, very deep and priceless for they give so much. I so miss our Cosette.
I don't think you have to or should choose one over the other, dogs vs. cats. We love them and they love us and that's all that matters, isn't it. Dogs and cats all deserve our best and equal care for them.
I've had at least one cat for 30 years. Each has a different catality. I like it that they are able to take care of themselves and can be left alone while I'm at work. Plus, when I arrive at home they're there to greet me. Many times they're there when I watch TV or read the newspaper or make lesson plans. They're actually very social creatures. That's why having a "cat approved" apartment was essential when I moved to another state last month. I don't equate them with friends, but they are great companions.
Purina is offering a 30-day supply of Purina One cat or dog food just for making a quick call and answering a few questions! The toll-free number is (800) 521-6300. The call is totally automated and only takes a few minutes. You don't feed your pets Purina you say? We suggest calling anyway and then taking the free food to your local animal
shelter (and the animals at them) ALWAYS appreciate donations!!
I'm a cat person. They are smart, faithful, funny, clean, and beautiful.
Which do I like, dogs or cats?
That's an easy question simply because dogs are people and cats are animals. Next question.
I think that people have stereotypes of cats that they hold to until they have an opportunity to see what cats are really about. I used to not like dogs because i didn't grow up with dogs. But, now, I really like dogs. I REALLY think that the current efforts to make a public relations campaign so cats are presented more with positive connotations can change the way society views cats. My cats are as loyal and affectionate as dogs. They come to the door to greet me, want to sit on my lap during TV time, cuddle up with me to sleep and want to be around me all the time. This is also because I know how to treat a cat. Classes to help people learn how to get the best out of a cat would be helpful too! Cats really just want to be loved and appreciated like any other creature, human or otherwise. I've been so blessed to have them in my life growing up and now with my own family. I am 100% ready to help build up their image in the community by local animal shelter efforts to promote their great ability to be man's best friend- just like dogs.
I love all animals fully...i almost cry when i see abuse to any animal! but these are why i tend to like cats more than dogs.
*they HAVE a litter box
*they dont have to be walked.
*they dont rip peoples face open
*they just have their own personality!
see,i like dogs too but they need a dogliterbox and they just have smelly dog smells on them.if your not satisfied with the cat you get give it to a CARING NON-ABUSIVE person that would like this cat.now go to the shelter and see which one you like. R.I.P my cat Cindy...everytime i cry she came up and slept beside me,she sat in my lap like a dog,she woke me up in the mornin for school(Meows).she i guess died of sickness.she was a stray.we didnt get to take her to the vet yet.but its YOUR OPINION of which you like...just dont have favrotisim...give them a chance...
This article is pretty poorly written, and it seems like the whole thing gets cancelled out by the blurb at the end by the other author (about the dog he rescued in Central Park) and the start of this comment area that Lorrie and Kathy wouldn't own cats! As usual, journalism fails to deliver an unbiased story.
I think the difference between cats and dogs comes due to the fact that dogs are more extroverted, and cats are more introverted. And if a human is extroverted, they may become easily frustrated with the cat, not understanding the internal nature of their behavior, and misintepret them as "aloof" and "selfish."
I don't wish violent deaths for all dogs, and I respect that others enjoy their company, but I, personally, don't care for them at all. I don't like an animal that feels the need to bark at me, attack me, bite me, hump my leg, and follow me relentlessly, sniffing in uncomfortable areas for no other reason than the fact that I happened to be in its vicinity. And I can't respect an animal so unintelligent that it needs to be trained (and essentially brainwashed) in order to be let out to interact with society - and even then, use of a leash is usually requisite so as to prevent them from becoming too overzealous in their approach of strangers.
Cats are wonderfully independent, and have such distinct personalities - and their behavior would never require any amount of training from humans so as to prevent them from becoming harmful to strangers. I think what many people (the more extroverted type, perhaps) who diss cats perhaps don't realize that cats aren't necessarily open to anyone and everyone; and it takes sincere and serious effort over a consistent period of time before being built into that cat's trust and affection.
But once you reach that, it's more than worth the effort. There's nothing more pleasing than having a cat who's waiting for you when you come home because she/he was sad when you left, and who follows you everywhere in an attempt to ellicit some attention and affection. Once a cat knows and trusts you, they have a wonderfully quiet affection to them, and it's so relaxing to lie for an hour with a purring cat draped across your lap. Cats may not be open and loyal to strangers - but they're *very* loving and trusting of the people they care about most.
I once owned a cat that used to climb up my clothes from the floor so that she could curl up in my arms or drape herself across my shoulders, she so loved humans. As far as I'm concerned, it really doesn't get much sweeter than that.
Firstly, it is quite relevant to point out the horrors that happen to cats since so many are indifferent to the fate of these animals. Regardless of species, so many people seem to think it's their right to decide which creatures may live without suffering and which are acceptedly tortured. No animal deserves to suffer, but felines are definitely overlooked and are more often the target for abuse or neglect. Felines have become companions for valuable reasons, regardless of the opinions of those who are 'disgusted' by cats. Unfortunately, those who harbor such feelings against felines are often fearful of them, had a bad experience when they were younger, or they just can't fathom having a creature in their home that is more independent than their "ideal pet". Calling them "arrogant" is placing human attributes on a non-human animal. Sadly, more and more humans I see know very little about how to actually train and care for a dog properly, yet call themselves dog lovers. I have worked in veterinary hospitals for nearly 5 years, and am in veterinary school. It is not poor feline training that we get as students... we are offered extra courses such as "feline internal medicine" and those who have interest look to get more information through clubs and volunteer work. One sad truth is that it is not as lucrative for research to focus on cats, as many cat owners do not think it's necessary to bring their cat to the vet. On the contrary, cats are the experts at hiding problems and should be seen at least as often as their canine counterparts. Like most owners have an opinion, vets do, as well... there are definitely people that go through school with the thoughts of "I will never have to treat a horse, why should I learn that?" or "I hate cats, and will refuse to see cats." But often, those that claim to hate them are just seriously afraid of the claws and teeth that a very scared kitty can bear. I have seen more and more feline veterinary hospitals open, and it is a step in the right direction to help eliminate stressful situations for their patients, and to raise awareness for owners. (There are a significant portion of us who want nothing more than to help those who do not have a voice of their own)
On a more personal note, I'd trust any cat more than I'd trust a min pin, dachshund, cocker spaniel, or just about any terrier... (inbred to serious medical faults, no less) not to mention the crazies out there raising dog breeds to fight - in homes with children - and people are "shocked" when their children end up in hospitals, mutilated from in-home dog attacks. Not to mention dogs who owners encourage to attack cats, or do nothing (even worse). These animals are loved by their owners just as you love your dog, or children! Especially to elderly or those who do not have children of their own -- do not cause others heartbreak and misery because of your own anti-feline biases. It is ignorant, and only shows malice and subhuman tendencies.
ps. my male has only killed 2 birds in his 13-years, and one was a NY robin, pushed out of its nest by the 2 other fledglings. Circle of life, and they will always make great pest control.
I love cats ever since living homeless with a colony of feral cats along a river. They became my family. Ever since, I help the strays in the best way there is to help cats, by getting them fixed in volume, using funds from nonprofits and even picking up and returning cans, to fund spay/neuter. I am a volunteer cat trapper. I have found those who are venomous in their hatred of cats are most generally control freaks. Cats cannot be controlled. I now dedicate my life and my extremely small income to trapping and fixing ferals, going door to door trying to round up unfixed house cats and in limited rescue. The bird loving cat haters are the most vexing of creatures to me. They often ignore all mankinds' contributions to bird population decline, including salmonella outbreaks in dirty bird feeders, to blame everything on the cat. I suppose it's much easier than expecting mankind to change it's ways. But one thing mankind needs to do is fix their pets and take responsibility to a life seriously. www.catwomanflix.blogspot.com.