Dogs more "Popular" than Cats?
I was quite stunned upon reading the results of a study, recently published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, based on the question whether dogs are more popular than cats, as pets.
The study discovered that dogs receive much more attention and affection by their human companions, than cats, and are provided better veterinary care, including regular check ups, vaccinations and dental care.
Additionally, dog owners spend more money on dog food, treats and toys for their canines, with a wider selection of canine oriented products on the market.
While I adore dogs, most of my friends are avid cat lovers. They tirelessly shower their kitties with love and affection, including top-notch veterinary care. It appears I must be living in a world skewed toward felines, therefore the news from the study set me back on my heels.
My curiosity piqued, I looked further into what causes the discrepancy, which the study revealed. Reading further, I learned that pet owners report that their bond with dogs is deeper than with cats. The myth about cats being more independent, so not requiring the same amount of attention or affection as their canine counterparts, seems to be raising its nasty head again.
Folks who are both dog and cat owners, report they spend more time with their dogs. Based on their assumption that dogs and humans bond more closely, they spend an average of 45 hours a week with their dogs, while spending only 32 hours a week with their cats. Dog owners feel that dogs are more affectionate than felines so are more fun to be around. Additionally they thought that since most dogs spend more time outdoors than cats, there was a greater need for veterinary care. The statistics comparing veterinary care provided for dogs showed that 33% of all cats in households did not receive annual veterinary visits, while only 13% of dogs lacked this crucial facet of pet care. What was very amazing to me was that cat owners felt that since "cats don't get sick and . . . can take care of themselves."
From my “purrspective”, most cats develop very deep ties with their human companions and are loyal and loving. Since cats are thought to be "untrainable" many folks have not taken the time to explore their feline's talent and enjoyment that both can experience from training sessions. For instance, many cats enjoy schooling in agility training, therefore deriving pleasure and bonding time with their humans. Many cats enjoy playing an enticing game of "fetch" and will spend hours chasing a little ball of paper, retrieving it to their human, tirelessly. Some cats also can be trained, with patience and care, to take walks on a leash and harness with their people, providing an additional opportunity with which to bond with their people.
Sadly, based on the results of this study, it appears that the cat remains a "second class" citizen in world of pets. I suspect however, with more education and publicity focused on the cat, this amazing and fascinating feline will take its rightful place in the homes and heart of animal lovers and receive the same excellent care, which canines now enjoy.
To learn more about the work in which the AVMA is involved, visit http://www.avma.org/
What are your reactions to this study? Leave a comment and let us know.
Recent Posts
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day with your Pets
WEEKLY CUDDLE CHAMPIONS: Monroe and Buckeye
Introducing Caplin: The World's Largest Rodent
Loyal Canine Rescues Drowning Kitty
Shakti: The Cat that Lived Up to her Name
"You're Fat": Vet Hits Me With Hard Truth
The Cat who Owns an R.V.: Luxurious Travel
Lazy Dog Owner Arrested for Walking His Dog
Petside: Get Started
-
- 2010 NCAA Mascot Tournament
Vote for your favorite pet mascots to determine the ultimate NCAA mascot champion!
-
- Find a Breed
Browse dog and cat breeds to find your perfect pal.
-
- Diagnose a Condition
Use PetVet to research what's ailing your pet.
-
- Locate a Hospital
- Find the nearest accredited animal hospital.
Specials
Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!
Comments (9)
Skylark August 7, 2008 8:03 PM
Maybe the reason more dogs get veterinary care than cats is because most cats hate going to the vet. Or actually, they hate riding in the car because the only time they do is when they're going to the vet! I think more people take their dogs to the vet because it's not as traumatizing for dogs, and dogs just generally love riding in cars and will jump at the opportunity to ride anywhere!
Cats like routine and continuity. They hate change, and taking them outside of their home environment is majorly traumatic for them.
I wish people would get over the idea that cats don't get sick or require veterinary care. They truly are unique beings, and they do indeed get sick and need the care of a veterinarian every bit as much as dogs do.
Not only that, but cats have the potential of living much longer than dogs, but only if they get routine medical care. I actually had the pleasure of meeting a 19-year old cat last week. She has been well cared for all of her life, and her bloodwork results were absolutely amazing! How often do we see a 19-year old dog?
Mrs Mom August 8, 2008 8:24 AM
Well, I know that next to horses, dogs are my favorite. I do love cats, and have the pleasure of several over my lifetime, but... there is just something about a dog.... We are incredibly blessed with Jo The Wonder Nanny Dog! And Jane Doe Puppy is learning- slowly- to be a good canine citizen too.
Thanks for a great read again Jo!
Amy August 8, 2008 9:12 AM
I can honestly say I see no difference between having cats and dogs. I see each critter as being individual just like humans.Some have out going personalities, some are more introverted. I see a lot of interaction between both cats and dogs in my home, all of which is positive.
Vicki August 8, 2008 9:54 AM
Hmmm, I guess the thought of dogs vs cats in popularity never entered my mind. I love both although I have more dogs than cats. i have just always thought that some are dog people, and some are cat people.
Sheila August 8, 2008 1:34 PM
I have had many of both throughout my life and I can't really say I love cats more than dogs or vice versa. They are like people. I have had cats that I have enjoyed more than some of my dogs, and I have had dogs that I have enjoyed more than some of my cats. They have all been loved, but depending on their individual personalities, some engendered more attention and affection than others just because of their nature! You can't force a shy, retiring cat or dog to be more playful or affectionate--but you still love them and take care of them just the same!
J.A. Morrison August 8, 2008 2:52 PM
This is very interesting to me and kind of a surprise. Our cats are lavished with love and attention. They are pampered and treated with so much love as if they were actual people. I love dogs but my cats are spoiled much worse than any dog I have ever had and that is saying a lot. I spoiled my dogs rotten. Even the vet care is top notch. We use three different vet offices for our fur kids, depending on their needs. The researchers must not have met any of my cat loving family and friends.
donna August 8, 2008 5:55 PM
I agree with the previous post...cats are SO tremendously traumatized by the car ride, they generally get to stay home (after their initial vaccines of course) unless there is something wrong.
I think there are definitely "dog people" and "cat people."
Getting close to 60 here, I've thought of getting a dog when I no longer have to work full time, but then I think..ewwww...when it rains, muddy pawprints when they come inside from going potty. Kitty litter is so easy to clean. I have 5 cats, and someone is always ready to sit on my lap and ALL know when I've had a bad day. Mouse (youngest cat) is my alarm clock. This morning I thought he was going to let me down, as I lay in bed about 4:50 before the alarm went off at 5. Nope...just a few minutes before 5, here comes Mousey, purring and rubbing and being a very affectionate alarm clock.
Dogs and cats each have their plusses and minuses (mine offer NO protection...someone WALKS on the deck steps, they're under the bed)...a dog would be nice for protection and to make me get out and walk...but then again, I've never figured out how people keep their houses from getting muddy paw prints all over them.
Color me a cat person I guess!
Mary August 8, 2008 10:33 PM
Dogs require more time..take them out, bring them in, exercise. Can't leave them home unattended for the weekend.
Vet care..dogs require heartworm medication in certain areas of the country.
I like both but do not have time required for a dog.
Mary August 8, 2008 10:33 PM
Dogs require more time..take them out, bring them in, exercise. Can't leave them home unattended for the weekend.
Vet care..dogs require heartworm medication in certain areas of the country.
I like both but do not have time required for a dog.
add your comment