Major Differences Between Cats & Dogs

Dog license is required in most places in the USA and with that comes shot requirements. I have both dogs and cats and I don't think there is much difference in Vet fees. Dogs must be trained, you can do this yourself, attend a class or have yur dog trained. Both are rewarding pets to have.

I think that you need to think about how your cats will react to a dog coming into the house. If they are not used to living with a dog, you might have a problem with that. It's bad enough introducing a new cat to the resident cats, I'd hate to think how my lot would react to my bringing a dog into the house, they'd probably leave home en mass!

I had cats in my family when I was a child. I find cats like to do their own thing like have fuss when they want it. They can be loving to their owner and guests. Many cats like to go out of doors. Cats can do their toilet outside or in a cat litter tray. I now have two dogs. They are both miniature poodles. They are called Secret and Magic. They go out for walks with me on their leads. They need to be brushed and combed. A dog groomer visits my home to cut their coats every six to eight weeks. She is cutting Magic's fur right now. Secret will be next. Cats and dogs both have expensive vet care. Going away on vacation someone must look after the cats or dogs. My dogs miss me when I go off traveling. My mom kindly looks after them when I go on a trip overseas. A dog needs a life long commitment and it demanding to look after. A cat is a big commitment too. I love animals so very much.

cats tend to be independent.they would eat and sleep the day away.dogs are more social.they want to be where their owner is.dogs require exercise;cats don't.dogs require human interaction.some cats aren't really social.they will only come to owners when they are hungry.

I don' t like cat. Because cat is ungrateful. Lacks feelings of fidelity. you fed cat and then can go out.

Cats and dogs have very different personalities! Just like cats needing shots so will dogs. Some places require papers on the dog. Of course you will need a fence to keep it in a certain area. You need to take the dog on walks almost every day! Having a dog can be rewarding but like you I find myself being a cat person!

I think that you need to think about how your cats will react to a dog coming into the house. If they are not used to living with a dog, you might have a problem with that. It's bad enough introducing a new cat to the resident cats, I'd hate to think how my lot would react to my bringing a dog into the house, they'd probably leave home en mass!

I am just going by my experience but here goes. I grew up with a VERY large and lovable Irish Wolfhound lab mix. My mother was a stay at home mom and all 4 of us in the family took part in the dogs discipline. The major factors that you have to consider when having a dog is time that you have to spend with him/her. If you and whoever you are living with are out of the house for 6-10 hours a day then a dog would not be a good companion choice. Dogs are almost like having children in that in order to be raised properlly need alot of your time, love and training. Cats are independant and can suit themselves for long periods of time where as dogs can't. Large breeds especially need lots of walking and even the ability to get to an open field or beach a few times a month to let them run free. If you get a puppy, someone will have to be home with him often enough to potty train him properly. This is usually not such a difficult step. Chewing however is a different matter and puppies will chew anything and everything so make sure to supply toys for him to chew and to be consistent in punishing him with a firm no, time out in a kennel etc if he is chewing your shoes or furniture and always replace the shoe or item with his chew toy so that he gets what he is aloud to chew and not aloud to chew. Make sure that you chose a food that is healthy, it may be on the more expensive side, but make sure you are not feeding him low cost crap that alot of the pet stores dole out. If you get a medium to long hair dog make sure that you brush him often because it will be more comfortable for him and easier on your furniture lol. A puppy needs puppy food only for the first part of his life, I can't remember how long until you transition him to adult food so ask a vet. Also you should mildly introduce the cats to the dog at first because they will be anxious especially around a puppy and it needs to be a gradual introduction in order for them to establish a healthy relationship with each other. The cats are going to be ok in the basement or in a room of your chosing for a few days and you can alternate with the dog, giving them short times to meet and sniff each other out. You might hear some people suggest that you should brush your dogs teeth but we never did that with our dog and he did not have any dental problems. Some dogs will though. Be prepared for large vet bills if something does go wrong. The bigger the dog, the bigger the bill actually. And most of all, be prepared to commit. I don't know what kind of pet owner you are but you sound conciencious and that you love your pets so I wouldn't think that you would be one of those people that get a puppy and once it's grown out of it's "cuteness" so to speak are done with it. Most dogs can live up to 20 years so realize like cats actually that a dog will be a lifetime commitment. Lastly, adopt from a shelter, humane society, a place that NEEDS good owners to rescue animals. Stay away from pet stores. Good luck to you. I hope that you find a beautiful dog that will have a long and happy life with you. Cheers!