It’s on: the ultimate pet showdown, a battle between dogs and cats. Sure, they’re both adorable and cuddly, but which one makes the best pet? Are dogs really top dogs? Are cats really the cat’s meow?
We have both dog people and cat people, or you can be both. I myself am a dog person; big or small, young or old, I love them all.
More than half of American families have one or the other, but dogs win when it comes to popularity. Dog freaks outnumber cat fans by almost 2:1.
All this doggy devotion may have something to do with a dog’s big brainpower. The average dog can learn 165 words; felines can learn about 35 words. I have dogs and one cat, and on average they know what I am saying to them. They both are intelligent animals.
Another reason to love dogs is they work hard. Dogs have helped people herd cows and sheep for ages. They guide the blind, hunt criminals, detect termites and gas leaks and can even smell cancer in medical patients.
Cats are good hunters, but they are way less energetic, in fact, the average house cat spends 80 percent of the day lounging and sleeping.
For such snoozy animals, cats are surprisingly independent creatures. Most dogs rely on humans for food, exercise, bathing, and affection. Put out food and a little box, and most cats are happy just to hang out.
When cats do get moving, these little acrobats are amazingly agile. Cats are very nimble and have great balance. Cats are said to have nine lives; they typically live about three to four years longer than dogs.
The battle between cats and dogs may never have a winner. Some people love both and others seem to have a natural preference for one or the other.
So if you are a dog or cat lover and are looking for a furbaby, please stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society at 26 Cross Street in Presque Isle between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Tuesday thru Saturday. We are closed for lunch from 12 to 12:30. We have some great animals to choose from.
Make that commitment and share your life with a cat or dog. Please remember to be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gail Wieder is a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
