Dog or cat? Single or married?
Categories: Pets
I used to be what you would call a cat person. As a single mom raising a child alone, a cat was the perfect pet. Cats don't ask much of their owners. Give them a bowl of food and water, some occasional head-scratching and a clean litter box and they are good. Dogs, on the other hand, are a lot of work. They demand attention, must be bathed regularly, need lots of exercise and can't be left alone for long periods of time. In other words, they are like children.These differences in cats and dogs probably explain the findings in a new study of dog and cat owners. The study, conducted by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) finds that single people prefer cats while those who are married with children prefer dogs.
Dogs and cats may appeal to people at different places in their lives, but they have one big thing in common: the need for regular veterinary care. Unfortunately, the study finds that cat owners are less likely to take their furry friends to the vet than dog owners. Last year, 82.7 percent of dog owners visited their veterinarian at least once, while only 63.7 of cat owners did. I don't know why there is such a disparity in dog and cat owners and veterinary care, but I suspect it has something to do with money.
I am now married and raising a child and a few years ago became a dog owner for the first time. I still have the cats, but now I see what I was missing and consider myself more of a dog person. What about you? Did settling down and starting a family change your idea of the perfect pet?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Blanket Dave 11-03-2008 @ 6:57PM
I always said that most homes contain essentially the same items.
TV, stereo, etc.
When a crook looks in my window, and sees my dog ... he will go to my neighbors house ... who has a cat :)
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renee 11-03-2008 @ 7:22PM
I actually have a cat and a dog. I collect them both, and take all my animals to the vet(including the parakeets and the snakes). I am married with no children, so I guess the cat and the dog are like our children. The cat is like a dog, because she walks on a leash and goes "potty outside", ...so I dont know if my animal experience should count. Maybe I just have a golden retriever and siamese "dog".....but I agree, dogs are definately more of a family animal, because they desire the attention, and like to be part of everything, while most cats sit there and look at you.
All pets should be taken to the vet for a first check up though. It doesnt matter how much money you have. If you dont have the money to get your animals their shots, you shouldnt have animals...or at least save up before you take it home.
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piero 11-04-2008 @ 8:33AM
would not trade my dog baci the dental dog for my 401k. she is a star www.pethotpack.com used her in their site. shes the wire fox terrier. works with me greets pts. and follows me from room to room.
p.,piero d.d.s.
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Jan Bay 11-04-2008 @ 8:47AM
I love them both and would collect every stray that I see wandering the roads if my daughter's allergies, space, budgetary constrictions didn't hold me back. It's still hard to watch a beautiful puppy or kitten without a home.
Most cats are more self-sufficient. A single person could go out of town for the weekend without worrying about having someone stop in and check on the kitty so long as there are a couple of litter pans and plenty of food and water. Dogs require more care and planning.
If I could have just one right now (married with kids) I would get a cat. I don't have time to walk a dog along with my other responsibilities. In a perfect world, I would want one of each!
Jan from http://www.unique-baby-gear-ideas.com/
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Annie 11-04-2008 @ 3:59PM
I HATE dogs! They're disgusting. And you are wrong. I have four children, am married AND I own two cats. You couldn't pay me to take in a dog! NOt everyone who is married with kids has and loves dogs!