Between Cats and Dogs

When two people cannot get along well with each other, we usually view them as like ‘cat and dog’. Somehow, we have a common idea that dogs just cannot get along or live with cats. But is this always the case?

In the veterinary practice, we collectively call these two species as “small animals.” It may be ironic as laboratory animals – like rats, mice and rabbits and fishes – are also small, yet we categorize them differently. Most Filipino veterinarians in the animal clinic would have mixed- species veterinary practice, mainly dealing with dogs and cats.

Physiologically, both species are similar, and thus treatment between these species maybe quite similar too. A salient difference among dogs and cats is the way they behave and deal with their owners. I have friends who would say they prefer dogs as these pets tends to treat you like a “rockstar” when they see you. Say, when you get back home from work, there’s your dog wagging its tail happily and even jumping at you.

Dogs are considered “man’s best friend” as they have been living closely with humans for a long time already. We have even heard many stories detailing heroic deeds of dogs in saving human lives. In airports and seaports, working dogs are commonly seen being made to check luggage and bags, for the safety purposes. At home, dogs play the role of a security guard and sometimes mice or rats exterminator as well.

On the other hand, some of my friends complain about their cat as being less emotional, meaning less warm to them compared with dogs. They do not get the “rockstar” treatment from their cats. A consolation, though, owners find it sweet when their cats rub their bodies on their owner’s hands and legs while they (the owners) are relaxing at home. The act is perceived to be the cats’ ways of displaying affection.

Both dogs and cats appear to console us when we are at our down moments; they can probably sense our hormonal imbalances at such times with their ultrasensitive senses.

Now, the question: Which is better, dogs or cats? I would say it depends. There is no right or wrong answer. What is important is how well you bond with your pet, how you make each moment count with it – as pets have a shorter lifespan than us.

We keep pets not just for the sake of having them, but for how we feel when we have them with us. There is more to pets than just vaccinations, feeding, consultations and frequent visits to the vet’s clinic. The memories that you create with your pet you will probably cherish long after their earthly time is up.

The movie “Collateral Beauty” may make you better appreciate the time you spend with those you love, whether the time is good or bad.

Do not get pets simply because you want to go with the ‘trend’ of keeping pets, or to be on the same page with your friends. Do not keep pets for the sake of bragging about it. TTrue, these days owning a pet is some kind of a status

symbol, as most well-off or rich people have dogs or cats, or both.

I do not mean to say that people should not get a dog or cat. In fact, I am encouraging pet ownership. But when you decide to have a pet, make sure you are willing to invest a part of yourself – financially, physically, emotionally and socially. You may have your own preference between a dog or a cat, but the fundamental choice would be to choose to be a responsible pet owner.