Mikayla Watters
Eng101 M-Q
August 25, 2013
Mr.R

Cats and Dogs Cats and dogs, an argument people have been having for centuries. This tension is so bad, there’s even a stereotype that dogs and cats don’t like each other either. Conversations like, which is better? Which one can see further? Whose nose is more sensitive? Which ones cleaner? Which one is friendlier? Who can hear further? Which one is easier to take care of? These are questions people argue every day. There are two different types of people in this world, dog lovers and cat lovers, and they both think their pets are the best. But how are they so sure? One big controversy between dogs and cats, is that both species lovers believe their pet can hear, see, and smell better than the other. But who’s correct? On the category of smell, dogs can smell human fingerprints that are a week old. Their noses are so sensitive they can even smell electricity. The source of the dogs exceptional smell ability is their wet nose, which of course a cat does not have. However, even though dogs may have the upper paw on smell, cats come on top with hearing. The cat’s outer ear flap can rotate 180 degrees and works like a high tech satellite to locate extremely faint noises. Cats can also hear higher pitches than dogs, a cats range starts at 30 hertz and goes up to 60 kilohertz. However a dog’s hearing only goes up to 40 kilohertz. Cats and dogs are red-green colored blind, meaning they see various shades of yellows, whites, and blues. Dogs have superior night vision however, they can also detect motion a 1/2 mile away. On the other hand, a cat can dilate their pupils, into a slit which gives them good vision in the day and night, better than a dogs. Now a very big argument between dogs and cats is, that one is more manageable than the other. In reality, a cat very much is. Dogs require more attention, money, and time than cats. Cats are more independent easier to care for, much neater and usually cheaper. Another big thing is the restrictions on where you live. Some apartments and condos have restrictions on the size and type of pet you can have. Most of the time, its dogs that are not permitted. Also, a dog has to be walked. If you’re running late home from work, your dog still needs to be walked. If it’s snowing or raining, the dog still needs to go out. On the other hand, Cats can be litter-box trained, so they go when needed any area you please. But you do need to scoop out the droppings and change the litter at least once a week. Dogs also need to be groomed, because unlike a cat, they won’t do it themselves.
In my opinion the argument over which pet is more friendly is the most important. Dogs want to be involved in every aspect of your life, no matter what it is. Cats on the other hand, are less sociable. Dogs also love to play with you, they enjoy spending time with you, whenever you want. But a cat will only come to you when they feel like it. Dogs aim to please, they love pleasing their master. But a cat doesn’t feel the need to please, a cat will approach you to be stroked when she wants. Can your ego stand catering to your pet’s whim? Yes a cat will lay with you, nap with you and be there to cuddle but so will a dog. Only difference is, the cat will get up and leave whenever it feels like it, a dog will lay with you until, you’re ready to get up. Not only that, a dog can act as a guard dog, or a seeing-eye dog, or a police dog. I’ve never heard of a guard cat, unless it’s a lion.
Me, I’m a dog person. I love that the playfulness and attention seeking of dogs. Rather than cats that just seem stuck up and angry all the time. The argument, comparing and contrasting of dogs and cats can go on for days, years, or even months. Dogs and Cats are similar in some ways, but also very different in others. But the decision of which is better is completely up to your liking.

Work Cited Page:
1."E-Newsletter." Virbac Animal Health — Do Cats Hear Better Than Dogs? N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.
2."Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic." Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.
3."Responsible Pet Ownership Blog." : How Well Do Dogs and Cats Hear? N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2013.