Dogs and cats are two of the most common household pets. You’d be hard pressed to walk into someone’s home and not encounter either of these furry companions! But despite their near-equal popularity, most pet owners have chosen a side. They are either “cat people” or “dog people,” and usually feel very strongly about the stance they’ve chosen!
But how different are these pets in reality? Let’s take a look.
Raising Kittens
In general, when compared to dogs, cats are very low maintenance. Cats are independent and curious creatures who may show affection when they feel like it, but that’s it—only when they feel like it. Here are some unique things about raising a kitten.
Kittens are independent.
The great thing about owning a cat is that you’re able to leave them alone for long stretches of time with very little issues. As long as they have food, water, a litter box, and a nice window to look out of, cats are pretty good about caring for themselves. If you have a job that requires you to be gone for most of the day, a kitten might be the perfect pet.
Cats are also less social than dogs. While your kitten might welcome the occasional cuddles, they are usually just as happy to sit back and observe their surroundings.
Litter box training is easy.
It’s so easy, in fact, that training your cat to use the litter box sometimes requires no intervention on your part! As long as their box is kept clean and is in an easy-to-access location, most kittens will instinctively know where to do their business. All you have to do is clean it out once a day and they will be happy.
Note that occasional potty accidents can occur with kittens. But if those accidents are happening frequently, especially in older cats, it could be indicative of a medical issue. If that’s the case, contact your veterinarian.
Kittens groom themselves.
Part of being a responsible pet owner is making sure your pet stays clean and hygienic. Luckily, with kittens, they do most of the work for you! Cats are very particular about cleanliness. You may notice them grooming themselves, or licking their fur, several times throughout the day.
You can prevent matting, especially in long-haired cats, by brushing them regularly. This will also cut down on shedding. You will also want to provide a scratching post so your cat can keep their nails from getting too long. But for the most part, there’s not much you need to do to keep your kitten clean and well-groomed.
Raising Puppies
It’s been said that raising a puppy is similar to raising a human toddler. While that may not be entirely valid, there is some truth to this statement! Raising a puppy is a much more demanding job than raising a kitten. Here are some things you need to know before bringing home a puppy.
Puppies require a lot of attention.
Because of their intense demands, it’s not recommended to leave your puppy home alone for more than a few hours at a time. And when your dog is home alone, they will most likely need to be kept in a crate or blocked-off area for safety. For this reason, puppies make perfect companions for people who spend a lot of time at home.
House training takes time and patience.
Unlike cats, puppies are not born knowing that going potty on the living room floor is a bad idea. House training a new puppy takes a great deal of effort and just as much patience.
There are several popular methods for house training a puppy, including crate training or puppy pads. Do some research before bringing a puppy home to determine which method best suits your lifestyle. Once you have chosen, be diligent and consistent with your training. Some dogs may be more stubborn than others, but all puppies are trainable!
Puppies need regular grooming.
Brushing their fur, trimming their nails, and giving them a bath—keeping your puppy groomed requires a lot of work! Whether you decide to take care of these things on your own or make an appointment with the groomer, you can’t neglect your puppy in terms of grooming habits.
Keeping your puppy well-groomed isn’t just about making them look good. Regular grooming can also contribute to your dog’s overall wellness. By keeping their nails trimmed, you are ensuring that they don’t split or break off, which can lead to infection. And by brushing and bathing your pup regularly, you’re more likely to notice any changes in their skin, which could be indicative of health issues.
How Are Kittens and Puppies Similar?
For all their differences, there are some similarities in how you raise kittens and puppies. For starters, both animals require a commitment. As a pet owner, you can expect to devote a good deal of time, effort, and money toward raising your new companion. You will be responsible for socializing with your pet, keeping their environment clean, training out any bad behaviors, and more.
Another similarity is that both kittens and puppies require regular vet visits. Scheduling checkups for your pet is one of the most important things you can do as a pet owner. Your veterinarian will ensure that your pet stays on schedule with their vaccinations, and can also be on the lookout for any underlying health issues. Regular checkups and preventative treatment can also help your cat or dog avoid dental problems or heartworm disease.
And finally, kittens and puppies are similar in that raising them can be equally rewarding. There’s nothing like the love and affection you receive from a well-cared-for pet! So whether you’re #TeamCanine or #TeamFeline, be prepared to enjoy years of companionship like no other.
