Isn’t it funny how we feel the need to describe someone as a “cat person” or a “dog person” when introductions are made? I happily consider myself a “multi-species person,” although I admit to favoring cats (apologies to my Scottie, whom I love dearly!).

Cats and dogs have very different skill sets when it comes to fitting into a family. Let’s add up the plusses and minuses to see which one makes the better pet…

Cats are quiet (+1)

Dogs, while loud, make great low-cost home security systems (+1)

Cats are independent (+1)

Dogs are in-your-face creatures (-1)

Cats only come to you when they want something (-1)

Dogs are always glad to see you come home (+1)

Cats are not good travelers (-1)

Dogs love to go for rides and walks on the beach (+1)

Indoor cats require a litter box (-1)

Dogs require “yard duty” (-1)

Cats jump on food prep areas (-1)

Dogs can’t reach those areas (+1)

Cats can be left for hours and even overnight on occasion without worry. (+2)

Dogs can’t be left alone for long stretches and need to be boarded at times (-2)

Cats eat much less than dogs (+1)

Dogs are less finicky when it comes to food (+1)

Well, it’s a tie and I’m still confused. Both animals offer unconditional love and companionship so personal preference is the way to go. Oftentimes you won’t even get to choose as the pet picks you.

For some odd reason, dogs are considered more adoptable than cats, although there are more felines in homes in the US than canines, according to the Humane Society of the US. This is probably due to the fact that 52% of cat owners have more than one cat, while only 28% of dog owners have more than one dog. (Another + here for cats?)

Whatever you decide to bring into your own home as a family member, please consider your lifestyle and the requirements of the pet. We, of course, encourage you to consider a cat or two as 10% more of them are euthanized each year than dogs in the shelters, according to the ASPCA.

Kitten season is beginning and soon there will be scores to choose from. Please help us stem the tide of overpopulation by having your pets spayed and neutered this month. And call us if there are free-roaming feral cats in your neighborhood so we can TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) them before they breed.