The Difference Between Dogs and Cats
by Karen Gross on Feb 28, 2009 with 86 Comments
I’m a cat person. Dogs are too affectionate for me, and require too much attention. Cats are more independent and they love you on their own terms.
When you get home from work:
Photo by author
A dog will come running to greet you, lick your face, and wag his tail enthusiastically because he is so glad to see you.
Photo by author
A cat will remain seated on the window ledge, lick her paws, and ignore you entirely because she is indifferent to your presence in her home.
When you want to play:
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A dog will happily fetch any object that you throw. He will run circles around you. He is just grateful that you are paying attention to him.
Photo by author
A cat will play your game if she is in the mood. She might chase the rubber mouse that you dangle in front of her; or she might go back to grooming herself and ignore you. She will let you know if she requires your attention later.
When they need to use the facilities:
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A dog will jump at the door and scratch the door, then run back and forth between you and the door until you get up and let him out.
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A cat will hold it until you provide her with a clean litter box.
If Timmy falls into the well again:
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A dog will run home and alert the family.
Photo by author
A cat will stay on the window ledge and groom herself. If she has nothing better to do, she might spend a moment wondering who Timmy is, and perhaps wonder where that kid is who is supposed to be cleaning her litter box.
To read more about the cats who have ruled our home, see Freaky Cats.
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Published in: Pets
Christine Ramsay | Feb 28, 2009 | Reply
I do like this article. You put your points over well.
Christine
Betty Carew | Feb 28, 2009 | Reply
Delightful piece Karen I truly enjoyed this
rutherfranc | Feb 28, 2009 | Reply
each to their own, I guess….
Ruby Hawk | Feb 28, 2009 | Reply
That’s the nature of a cat. They are their own animal.They couldn’t care less about people.Still my granddaughter loves her cats to death.
Mr Ghaz | Mar 1, 2009 | Reply
Nicely done! Well-written piece and very informative article abt kids. must read.Thanks for sharing
Bo Jack Russo | Mar 2, 2009 | Reply
Karen so funny,Mrs. Bo made me run downstairsyester to get the litter because my little one just stared at the litterbox instead of using it,I did something to my shoulder a few days ago and my other arm was full of groceris.
Dee Gold | Mar 2, 2009 | Reply
I love them both that’s why I enjoyed this article of yours.thanks
fishfry aka Elizabeth Figueroa | Mar 3, 2009 | Reply
Yes cats are totally in their own little world, looking for attention on their terms. Dogs, like humans like to be part of a family. I have had both dog and cats, you have to admire their differences.
Nicely written Karen
Joni Keith | Mar 5, 2009 | Reply
Now I have been told I have a catlike personality. I guess because I’m so independent. I had always considered myself to be a cat person. But being the mother of two boys, I was forced into becoming a dog person. Actually, dogs are really cool. Purrrrr.
Joni Keith | Mar 5, 2009 | Reply
Ooops…enough about me. This was a really fun article, Karen. Great photos. I look forward to reading more from you.
C. S. Robins | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
Cute and observant. I love dogs so much more than cats though, there is no reason to have a pet that isnt going to love you in return and pay you attention.
Anahid | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
This is so true…well put!
Joe Dorish | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
My old cat Ginger would not use a litter box. He would cry at the door until we let him out or cry at our bed if we were sleeping until somebody let him out. Then he would sit outside by the door when he wanted back in.
Bullwinkle Muse | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
Another difference between dogs and cats I find amusing:
Dogs have owners.
Cats have staff.
SolarGoddess | Mar 6, 2009 | Reply
This is GREAT stuff! Very amusing, also. I am a dog person primarily…but it is hard to imagine life without a cat since I have been tolerated by my roommate’s cat for the last 3 years.
Rod Ferrandino | Mar 8, 2009 | Reply
Your illustrations set off your article very nicely; nice warm work.
T B Forshaw | Mar 8, 2009 | Reply
Good pictures, and a wonderfully entertaining article! Brilliantly sarcastic too!
PR Mace | Mar 9, 2009 | Reply
Loved it. Outstanding article. I am a dog person, while my daughter as gone to the cat side of the family. First time I have read you and it was a pleasure, thanks.
Kate Smedley | Mar 10, 2009 | Reply
Excellent article, I am definitely a dog person although I love my best friend’s cats.
Debra Mann | Mar 12, 2009 | Reply
Oh, that was cute! I got a little chuckle out of that!
Bob Schmo | Mar 12, 2009 | Reply
Pretty cool. funny. I’m a dog person, hearing that was funny.
Alina Beck | Mar 12, 2009 | Reply
I absolutely loved this – you cheered up my whole day!!
Evelyn M Carter | Mar 13, 2009 | Reply
Karen This is Great and Oh So True. I found myself smiling with acknowledgment as I read through enjoying your pics as well. Very nice. Thank you for sharing! Nice way to start my day. Thank you.
Jo Oliver | Mar 13, 2009 | Reply
I guess I got a double dose here. I love both and could never choose between them. Great article
tawanab | Mar 14, 2009 | Reply
I enjoyed this immensely, writing AND pictures. Very very true illustration lol. I have a sign hanging up that says “The cat and his housekeeping staff live here”. I have both a dog and a cat and could have stated the differences better myself. Great blog.
tawanab | Mar 14, 2009 | Reply
LOL. so much for proofreading! The last sentence should have said *could NOT have stated
Andrew Angst | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
Ah-h-h, yes! Your piece brings back fond memories of a once-owned and beautiful Maine Coon.
Well-done!
Annette Colby | Mar 19, 2009 | Reply
I now, inadvertantly, am the proud owner of four cats. Crazy! Sometimes you are ready for a dog and then a cold, hungry, lost stray wanders through your doorway. Life is good!
chikita | Mar 26, 2009 | Reply
i agree with you thou i don’t own any cats at home.take care of them always!!!!!!!!!
khsmith93063 | Mar 27, 2009 | Reply
I agree with alot of your points, but my cats are always there to greet me, although not agressive as my dogs. Instead they have an attitude as if I have one something to offend them by being gone too long. I have four house cats all with very different personalities, and believe me, they own me. I don’t own them, or so they act????
Holly Eliza | Mar 28, 2009 | Reply
Hey karen, great article!
I am a dog person with a cat’s attitude. SO I loved this!
And it’s well written =]
Evelyn Moore | Apr 6, 2009 | Reply
Good fun
Marge | Apr 7, 2009 | Reply
Hey It’s so true dogs and cats have their differences. Good stuff.
Jack Castle | Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
Dogs have warm and fuzzy greetings.
Trisha | Apr 23, 2009 | Reply
As a recently converted cat person I just got a kick out of this. Grew up with only dogs which I just adore. Got my first cat a year ago and quickly got a second…adore them too- just in a different way. Great article and spot on! BTW- my cats are both more like dogs very affectionate and loving but much less maintenance so it is like having the best of both worlds
Mischa M. | Apr 29, 2009 | Reply
These are so true!
A.L.Smith | Apr 29, 2009 | Reply
Just got a cat for easter, this is so true .Nice job.
chris73 | Apr 30, 2009 | Reply
nobert soloria bermosa | May 1, 2009 | Reply
one of the best and most realistic articles i’ve read about dogs and cats….great job Karen
Pete Macinta | May 6, 2009 | Reply
Both dogs and cats are cool. God made pets for us to enjoy!
Tna Cassello | May 9, 2009 | Reply
As another person who has had dogs and cats, (not at the same time, first the dogs and later cats), I still miss having my little dogs, but I must admit cats are great too, a lot better than I realized, and we can learn what it means to be independent from them. I loved your photos.
ken bultman | May 16, 2009 | Reply
always enjoy cat/dog stories. Your’s was a good’rn.
we have four cats…all rescued: one abandoned by its mama, one found roaming the mall parking lot (about 5 weeks old), one thrown out of a moving pickup and Sam, a just-weaned kitten we found after Hurricane Charlie blew our house away. All are thriving along with the three mutts, two goats and one uninvited armadillo.
keep writing
Donna DeVane | May 24, 2009 | Reply
Just like the cats and dogs who live with me.
Thank you for the smiles the articles brought me.
Love light joy,
Donna
Annie Hintsala | May 26, 2009 | Reply
Funny stuff!
Daisy Peasblossom | May 26, 2009 | Reply
I love both, and am owned by both. Fun write, loved the pictures.
Frank Delaney | May 26, 2009 | Reply
Hehehehehe, cats rule the roost.
mdartist | May 27, 2009 | Reply
I enjoyed this piece emensely! Reminds me of my can “Sniffles”.
mdartist | May 27, 2009 | Reply
Wonderful pictures!
Bing I. Castro | May 28, 2009 | Reply
A very entertaining read!
Cats think they belong to the royalty. Dogs, like jesters, are always eager to please their owners. I love both and I admire their differences.
clafleur | May 28, 2009 | Reply
i prefer cats personalities over a dogs because they are self sufficient. i prefer a dogs company over a cat because they remind you everyday you are loved. this was a good 1.
seeboo | Jun 1, 2009 | Reply
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Sarah Sullins | Jun 1, 2009 | Reply
I love both cats and dogs, but sometimes I just don’t have the energy for what my dog wants to do. Cats are easier to deal with… but mighty picky about that litter box! lol Thank you for the wonderful article.
Chatamie | Jun 3, 2009 | Reply
I don’t agree with your observations. My cat Gideon would meet me at the door when I came home from work. He would then preceed to follow me around the house. My new cat Sebastien is the same way. Actually, all of our cats are affectionate. I have had other people tell me that their cats act towards them in the same manner. In fact, I had one friend tell me that she believes her dog is only happy to see her because he wants to be fed; while her cats really seem happy just to have her home with them. For the record, I don’t like dogs at ALL. (I do love people though).
Rynn Michaelz | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Interesting article, good job!
cryptkeeper | Jun 4, 2009 | Reply
Loved it.
BeatsMe | Jun 6, 2009 | Reply
Dogs can be taught, cats can’t. The pictures you chose are cute.
TammyC | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Very clever, and so right on.
naw14gab | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
Nice article, simple and clear ..I liked it .
kittymmeow | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
very, very true…
Doug Oldfield | Jun 8, 2009 | Reply
I’m a dog person for all the reasons you mentioned. Very good article. Thanks for the read.
Brooke Westen | Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
Your article is so true. I’m an animal lover myself; we’ve just switched to a new dog. Normally, we have a cat. Not sure yet, which I prefer.
Good article,
Brooke
miamidot | Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
I guess you’ve never had a Maine Coon cat.
Momma Tells | Jun 23, 2009 | Reply
Great read, Karen. Your pictures are fun, too. I’ve had both pets before and can see your points!
tastoony | Jun 25, 2009 | Reply
Lol i love the part, “A cat will hold it until you provide her with a clean litter box” man… lol..
thestickman | Jun 25, 2009 | Reply
Ha! Nice! -How did I miss this the firs time!
Funny article!
geej15 | Jun 25, 2009 | Reply
Lolz that was funny
Rachel | Jul 8, 2009 | Reply
haha this is so amusing and true
Liane Schmidt | Jul 9, 2009 | Reply
Cute, fun article*
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Athlyn Green | Jul 11, 2009 | Reply
Very cute article and pics. And so true!
moonfire | Jul 11, 2009 | Reply
ha ha i like cats to but dogs are great to that was cute
Sonia Doreen | Jul 11, 2009 | Reply
i have kept both cats and dogs, so i can esily get the picture…This piece is very concise and to the point. Thanks for sharing!
ladybugblue | Jul 12, 2009 | Reply
I really like the photos and it was a great article!
Troyster | Jul 12, 2009 | Reply
I enjoyed the use of the words he and him to describe dogs and she and her when referring to cats.
sheba | Jul 12, 2009 | Reply
Very enjoyable to read! Thanks for sharing!
Sakuragi | Jul 17, 2009 | Reply
I’m also a cat person. I have 6 cats. Your cat looks lovely.
overwings | Jul 17, 2009 | Reply
Well, I like the way cats walk.
Dr Curtis Barnett | Jul 17, 2009 | Reply
Karen,
This piece is well deserving of top 10.
Congrats,
I do love these animal,
however I now have to many kittens
from all my cats.
I’m sending them to you.
mujrim | Jul 17, 2009 | Reply
niceeee
Anders Hegelund | Jul 19, 2009 | Reply
I love both animals but yes. There’s a huge difference
Good article
-Anders Hegelund
slowslow | Jul 19, 2009 | Reply
My cat acts nothing like that:
My cat fetches (yea, he’ll run out and get it, then bring it back, and drop it in front of me)
My cat greets me every morning/when I get home. (He meows like crazy, brushes against me, jumps on me when I sit down)
When my cat wants outside/needs to go he gos to the backdoor and stands up against it while meowing and making it clear. Then, I let him out. He stays out for however long it takes and comes back while meowing. Cool thing is, he doesn’t bark the entire time, which means he annoys no neighbors.
HelloSiti | Jul 21, 2009 | Reply
I just new that you are a cat person, Karen!
Rehchal | Jul 21, 2009 | Reply
Dogs are very much reliable than cats. WELL cats behaviour depends on her mood
ladybaby | Jul 21, 2009 | Reply
WOW! I’ll never get this many comments in my life. What’s left of it. I’m glad to see so many animal lovers who are interested. I have an old senior dog, and she is my baby. Her name is Lady, thus I call myself Ladybaby on this site. Animals deserve our love,Cats, dogs, pigs, whatever. They all depend on us to care for them.
Payge | Jul 21, 2009 | Reply
While Im not so fond of dogs,,it seems they do have advantages.I have a cat that does exactly what you wrote about.But she is loved very much and we ignore the other until she needs something.Great article.
djari13 | Jul 22, 2009 | Reply
i had a cat he died but i loved that cat couldn watch his dead cuz i wnat in other country but cats are cute and they dont need much attention i do feel bad cuz he lived whit my gramma and she ddi not feed him well food so he had to go to the streets lol
he came at nigh like my cousing knocking on the window to let him enter hehe
right now i cant hae a dog cause i dont live in a house but maybe when i move to us i migh
momo | Oct 13, 2009 | Reply
wow i really want a DOG NOW that in no myh cat is a lol person too though he is a lion lol but yea