Being a pet owner can be a large responsibility, but not quite as large as having a child. Many young adults get their first pet based off of what they had when they were younger, or what they wished they had. If you are becoming a pet parent for the first time and wondering which way to go we are here to help.
Deciding on owning a cat or dog is a life long commitment, not only while they are small and cute as puppies and kittens. Those adorable balls of fur turn into larger adults rather quickly and need their requirement met. Lets take a look at the first few questions to ask yourself.
First, what space and what time do you have? Your living space would need to be able to accommodate their energy needs, and bathroom needs. Dogs should have access to a yard, and an indoor space big enough for them to move around in without the fear of hurting themselves or breaking anything. Cats do not need as much space since they are smaller than dogs, and do not require a yard at all. If you have a smaller space with no yard, a cat may be best but there is still an option for a dog. While having no yard for the dog may be difficult, if you have the time to walk your dog at lest twice a day it may still work. Dogs have a lot of energy and need to release it and exercise to stay healthy, which is why we recommend having a yard for a dog.
Bathrooms are another reason yards are helpful for dogs, as it provides a clear place for them to go. Even so, if you do have a yard are you ready for the yard mines that dogs provide? Unless given strict training to go in certain parts of the yard dogs will go anywhere they like in the provided space. Cats only go in their litterboxes (and if they aren't then research why because there might be a health reason behind their actions). Litterboxes do require maintenance, and the smell can be powerful unless they receive daily cleans. This is why time can be a large factor into why you would get a cat or dog.
Cats require less time and dogs need a lot of your time. Cats sleep for up to 19 hours out of the day, so they are fine if you only give them direct attention for a small amount of time meanwhile dogs need attention through walks and playtime to ensure they are staying healthy. Daily walks help dogs stay fit, and happy. They need your time for you to let them outside to relive themselves as well, whereas cat's liter boxes are always available to them.
While you are thinking about getting your first pet, think over the expenses as well. Smaller animals require less food to fill up (which means spending less money on food) where as larger animals will need more food more frequently. Cats do require their food and cat liter to be bought to maintain their life but dogs need more food and often more toys. Dogs tend to go through dog collars, so wearable items such as collars and harnesses would be needed for dogs more often than cats. Since dogs need walks, where cats do not, there are the expenses of leashes and other walk items (such as poop bags, water containers, treats, I.E.).
After looking at the logical components of each pet, next is the emotional. Cats depend on their owner for food, water, and cleaning their litterboxes and may want attention from you at times. They are almost like roommates in a way that through time you each learn how to love each other, and you learn how they like everything and which toys they enjoy playing with. As an almost independent being in your life, cats can really be the perfect companion for individuals who don't have much time but love the idea of having a connection at home. Dogs have large emotional pull as well, they will always great you at the door and demand attention from you as you sit in the living. They like to play with you, and they will whine or bark to ensure they can get you to play with them. Dogs are perfect for those who have the time to spend with them, and create an amazing best friend bond.
Remember this: choosing to become a pet owner is a life long commitment. Cats can typically live up to 14-16 years, and dogs typically live up to 10-13.
So which do you choose? Which did you choose?