If you’re considering getting a pet but aren’t sure whether to get a dog or a cat, time and effort may end up being the deciding factors. Every time you bring a furry friend into your family, it’s obviously a huge commitment, but some animals require significantly less maintenance than others.
What about our BFFs, or best feline friends? I mean, really, how low-maintenance are cats?
Due to the misconception that cats are low-maintenance pets, it appears that many people who are debating whether to adopt a cat or a dog err on the side of the cat. In fact, cats are very likely to appear at the top of many lists returned by the search results if you Google “low-maintenance pets.”
I therefore made the decision to compare the general care requirements for each species as outlined by an organization that undoubtedly knows a thing or two about both: the ASPCA, in order to determine whether or not cats really are better-suited for time-strapped humans than their canine counterparts.
Depending on their age, puppies need to be fed several times throughout the day. However, this decreases around the time they turn one, and one meal a day usually suffices. The most important dietary requirement for cats is taurine, an essential amino acid that promotes heart and eye health, even though they don’t need to eat as frequently when they’re young. Both canines and felines need constant access to fresh, clean water. And, similarly, treats should be limited for both.
Again, this is basically a draw. In general, neither dogs nor cats require much bathing. The majority of breeds, in fact, can get away with it a few times a year. However, if you work with breeds with long hair or breeds that require other special care, these requirements might become more pressing. To keep their coats clean and avoid matting, both dogs and cats should be brushed frequently.
Both cats and dogs require a warm, peaceful, and tidy place to rest inside the house. Their bedding should be washed frequently. Dogs can stay outside for longer periods of time than cats, who typically do not live as long as indoor cats.
Dogs defecate outside, which must be picked up in most municipalities; we all know the deal. Fortunately, most urban areas have designated doggy poo disposal bins. Cats, as they are indoor creatures, require a litter box. You must scoop your cat’s litter box every single day, just as you must pick up your dog’s waste whenever it gets on the neighbor’s lawn. Your cat will give you the side-eye for life if you don’t. Plus, it’ll get gross. You should remove the cat litter and wash the box with a gentle detergent once per week.
Both dogs and cats should visit the vet at least once per year for a wellness check and their annual vaccinations. Both dogs and cats should be neutered or spayed in order to reduce population growth and future health issues associated with unaltered animals. Typically, the cost of this procedure is slightly higher for dogs than for cats. Dogs, as opposed to cats, do need more exercise to burn calories and keep their minds engaged. While cats don’t need to be taken for walks per se, they do need something to prevent destructive behavior: a scratching post. A listless pup can quickly turn into a trouble-making pup. Cats must scratch, so you must give them a specific area to do so.
As you can see, on the surface, caring for a dog and a cat is remarkably equal in terms of time and energy, with cats having a slight advantage simply because they don’t need as much exercise as dogs do.
But is there more to it than that? Dr. Eric Barchas believes so. In a conversation with Catster, the vet was open about how his viewpoint on the upkeep of cats has changed over time. It’s not just that cats require less upkeep because you don’t have to walk them.
He clarified that cats instead “live complex lives, and they have phenomenally intricate social structures.” Cats are survivors. They can get by without human interaction. However, for them to thrive, they need us and our love. Without enrichment, they get bored and act out. Even worse, cats who lack attention, affection, and entertainment may experience serious medical issues. ”.
It turns out that feline idiopathic cystitis, which causes the bladder and urethra to become agitated, is a condition that frequently affects neglected cats. Male cats, who are cursed with extremely narrow urethras, can actually experience life-threatening pain in addition to the excruciating discomfort for the poor cat.
The Humane Society of the United States agrees that cats need at least as much physical and emotional care as dogs do.
They explain on their website that because cats are such sensitive animals, they require affection and energy directed in their direction in order to maintain a stress-free, healthy, and happy lifestyle. The Humane Society suggests playing chase or fetch with your cat for 10 to 15 minutes twice daily to achieve this. Sounds kind of like the exercise requirements for dogs, eh?.
Additionally, to keep your cat from getting bored, make sure your home is filled with fun, cat-friendly items for them to explore. This could entail placing catnip-scented toys near food that has been hidden around the house or even hiding food in unexpected places.
You should create a safe environment too. The Human Society advises giving your cat plenty of hiding spots, resting areas, and calming items to keep them relaxed at all times.
And lastly, you should stick to the routine. Cats do not like change. It makes them antsy, insecure and just downright cranky sometimes. As a result, you should try your best to stick to your regular schedule.
If any of this sounds like a lot of work, it is. Any pet is, of course, an obligation, but in this case, cats aren’t exactly the low-maintenance friends they are frequently portrayed as being. Just like dogs, they require lots o’ time and energy.
However, if you’ve ever attempted to use a laptop while in a room with a cat, you are probably well aware of their, ahem, particular attention needs.
However, if you’ve ever attempted to use a laptop while in a room with a cat, you are probably well aware of their, ahem, particular attention needs.
Dogs defecate outside, which must be picked up in most municipalities; we all know the deal. Fortunately, most urban areas have designated doggy poo disposal bins. Cats, as they are indoor creatures, require a litter box. You must scoop your cat’s litter box every single day, just as you must pick up your dog’s waste whenever it gets on the neighbor’s lawn. Your cat will give you the side-eye for life if you don’t. Plus, it’ll get gross. You should remove the cat litter and wash the box with a gentle detergent once per week.
The Humane Society of the United States agrees that cats need at least as much physical and emotional care as dogs do.
Both cats and dogs require a warm, peaceful, and tidy place to rest inside the house. Their bedding should be washed frequently. Dogs can stay outside for longer periods of time than cats, who typically do not live as long as indoor cats.
You should create a safe environment too. The Human Society advises giving your cat plenty of hiding spots, resting areas, and calming items to keep them relaxed at all times.
Many people think that cats are better than dogs. Cats are easy to care for, quiet, and relatively affordable. They even groom themselves. Owning a cat undoubtedly has benefits you won’t get from owning a dog. Here are 10 reasons that cats are better than dogs.
For decades, cats have been considered low-maintenance pets. Your cat would graze around your home as you put food in a bowl, gaining weight over time until it eventually passed away. If necessary, you could simply allow it to sit outside for a while. Cats were easy – easier than dogs, for sure. Cats required little from pet owners and from veterinarians. A sizable portion of the population still holds onto this mindset, and it needs to change. I may scream or order my cat to rip out some eyes if I hear anyone else say, “It’s just a cat,” or “She’s sure needing a lot for a cat.” The fact is that cats don’t support veterinary hospitals as financially as dogs do. Less than half of all cats owned will visit a veterinarian each year. People don’t like to spend as much money on their cats as they do on their dogs, and they have much lower expectations for what a cat will need. Did you know that cats should also be on heartworm and flea preventives? That you should learn to trim your cat’s nails rather than getting upset when they scratch you? That cats need annual veterinary exams because they age much faster than humans do, and that they need the proper vaccinations even if they live indoors? Face it, world: the days of treating your cat as if all they need is food are over. While you don’t have to walk your cat, you do need to regularly clean their litter box to maintain a fresh, odor-free bathroom environment. You DO need to play with them, whether it be with a laser pointer, squeaky toy, catnip, or another activity that creates a stimulating environment. You don’t have to play fetch with them. Dispel the myth that cats simply “get fat” as they age by giving them a balanced, healthy diet. Cats crave affection, touch, and attention just as much as dogs do, so don’t just fill a bowl with food and leave them alone for days at a time. They’ll wonder where you’ve gone and when you’ll return. Don’t dismiss your cat’s odd behavior by calling it “a**hole cat,” “cats are weird,” or any other such cliche. Instead of getting upset that your cat only consumes food from the center of her bowl, learn about whisker fatigue and the potential discomfort that eating from a bowl as opposed to a plate may cause. Visit a veterinarian if your cat stops jumping or playing, using the litter box, or eating. Run tests. Spend money. Learn how to administer their medication, and if it’s challenging, be proactive with your veterinarian. There have been significant improvements in cat medication, from flavored liquids to sweetening unpleasant tastes to transdermal formulations that can be applied directly to the ear. In veterinary medicine, cats are no longer treated like small dogs, so their owners should take just as much care of them. Determine the cause of your cat’s stress and how to make their environment more comfortable. Because cats are so sensitive, even moving around furniture can make them panicky. Give them the same amount of time, care, and money that you would give to a new puppy. If you have the patience and the right incentives, cats can even be trained to do things like sit and shake, say “place,” and know where is the right place to scratch. Instead of accepting half-truths, myths, and the pervasive stereotype that cats are just jerks, do your research into why your cat behaves the way that they do and why they have the needs that they do. Your veterinarian’s office is a fantastic source of accurate cat information. It’s time to definitively put an end to the idea that a cat is “just a cat” because those days are over. Don’t expect a cat to live in your home as a “low-maintenance” pet that is never inconvenienced, ill, or in need. If you’re not up for the challenge of providing these amazing animals with a fulfilling, cozy, healthy, and rewarding life, don’t bring a cat into your home.
There, I Said It’s authors’ views and opinions are their own, and they may not necessarily represent those of DrAndyRoark. com editorial team.
FAQ
What is less maintenance dog or cat?
2. Cats are low maintenance. Compared to dogs, cats are a low maintenance pet. They don’t need to be taken out frequently throughout the day, they don’t need formal training, and they can even perform simple self-cleaning.
Is owning a cat easier than a dog?
In general, dogs are more expensive, demand more time and attention, and sometimes are more affectionate than cats in terms of cleanliness, ease of care, cost, and independence.
Are cats cheaper to maintain than dogs?
Owning a Cat Is More Affordable Cats are typically more affordable than dogs over the course of their lifetimes.