Welcoming an animal in our home is a key decision, so we should not take it lightly. The most common pets are generally dogs and cats. When choosing between one or the other, we must meditate well what are the pros and cons of each one, and choose the one that best suits our lifestyle.
The importance of making a good decision
Each one of these animals are very different from each other, and require different care. Making a mistake in our choice can lead to great inconveniences; For example, it would be a mistake to have a dog as a pet if you are spending too much time at home alone. In the same way, cats are not suitable if we cannot bear the hair on our clothes and on the sofa.
Pros and cons
It will help us, when making the right decision, to make a list of the pros and cons of hosting each of these animals in our home.
Advantages of having a cat
- Independence. Of course, cats require our company, but they also love solitude. They need their own space and quiet time to rest, even from our caresses.
- They do not need to walk. Pussycats are home animals, they love the comfort of home. They do not need to walk or leave the house, which is a certain advantage if we have little time.
- They are very clean. They relieve themselves in their own sandbox. We only have to clean it once a day to keep it in good condition. In addition, these animals do not require frequent baths, although they do require brushing.
- They are affectionate. Despite what some believe, cats can be just as loving as dogs. They love pampering and contact with their own.
Disadvantages of having a cat
- They scratch the furniture. Felines often adopt the annoying habit of scratching the furniture and textiles in our home. However, we can solve this problem with the use of pheromone sprays, a scraper and with various training tricks.
- Hairs Most cats shed a good amount of hair that sticks to our clothes, sofa and bed.
Advantages of having a dog
- It reduces stress. The company of a dog helps us reduce stress. Just by stroking it we improve our emotional state. In fact, dogs are often used as a booster in therapies to treat depression and anxiety, as well as other psychological disorders.
- Fight sedentary lifestyle. A dog forces us to walk two or three times a day, which increases our physical condition and prevents health problems.
- Promotes social life. Dogs are a wonderful conversation piece. Walking with them helps us interact with other owners and meet people.
- Improve self-esteem. The affection that these animals offer us makes us feel better about ourselves. This positively affects our self-esteem.
Disadvantages of having a dog
- Dependence. Sometimes dogs can become overly dependent, to the point of developing separation anxiety. This can be a major inconvenience when leaving them alone.
- They are noisy. Of course, not all dogs are the same, as their character is greatly influenced by their education. But in some cases they can bark too much, causing problems with the neighbors.
- They are not that clean. They can relieve themselves at home if we do not get them down on time, something more common when they are puppies or elderly. If we want to welcome a dog in our home, we will have to assume this inconvenience.
- Destructive behaviors. If a dog spends too much time, it can only adopt destructive behaviors, destroying everything around it.
The right decision
We have to take into account all these details and think about it well before opting for one animal or another. We must be aware that this choice will shape our lives and that having a pet is a great responsibility. Let's invest the time necessary to make the right decision.