What is the best for children, a dog or cat?

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26

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Nov 7, 2022

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2 Options Considered

Best for children, a dog or cat	Price	Last Updated
-- Cat	-	Jun 29, 2022
61 Dog	-	Nov 7, 2022

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score 11 · Answer 1

Cat

Top Pro

They are small and can sit on your lap

...Or desk, while they do homework. Just make sure to supply them a square box or paper to lay on. See More

Top Con

Sharp claws

It may be easy for a child to get scratched from a cat that is not declawed (which most vets recommend not to do as it literally is cutting off their fingertips at the bone), which may also cause infection due to them digging in a litterbox when they go to the bathroom. See More

RickZeeland's Experience

In general dogs are bigger and more dangerous for children, there are enough stories of dogs that killed or wounded babies and small children. See More

Top Pro

Easy to take care of

Food, a litter box and a few shots every few years and a cat will tend to take care of itself. This is good for a kid that may not be able to handle the responsibility of a dog (which will require more attention). There is no need to take them outside, or really wash them all that much either. A hands off animal for the most part. See More

Top Con

Usually do not get along with other pets or even other cats

Peter J. Mello's Experience

Cats are remarkable creatures and provide a fantastic model for self-sufficiency and keeping one's instinct honed no matter how comfortable your current situation is. If I had a child I'd want them to have a cat around from which to observe these things, and to snuggle with once the kid went to bed. See More

Top Pro

Food is often cheaper

Food for cats generally costs less and they eat less of it compared to a dog. So when it comes to financial concerns they generally cost less over the years, illness withstanding. See More

Top Con

Usually not very sociable creatures

They tend to keep to themselves. See More

Yiliya Tang's Experience

it should be a cat. it is cute. haha See More

Top Con

Requires you to maintain a litterbox

Unlike a dog which you can just let out in the backyard. That is, if you have one. See More

Top Con

Often coughs up hairballs

Sometimes requiring special medication or food. See More

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score 14 · Answer 2

Dog

Top Pro

Easy to find one that fits with your family

With many different breeds of dogs there is sure likely to be one that will fit your living arrangements and personality. This way you can match up to a species that is lax and lazy or energetic and playful and anything in between. See More

Top Con

More expensive

Purchasing a dog can cost quite a bit more than a cat (depending on breeds) and then also generally eat more food. They may also require more vet visits. All in all a dog often costs overall quite a bit more than a cat. See More

Simpson Richard's Experience

I recommend dogs because a dog is more friendly as compared to a cat. See More

Top Pro

Fun to play with

Unlike a lot of cats who can often be aloof, dogs like attention and want to play a lot. This means going for walks, running around outside, playing fetch and teaching them tricks. See More

Top Con

Require more care

Dogs need to be taken out multiple times a day, they often need more vet visits (than a cat) and usually require more attention as they are social animals. See More

Top Pro

The most loyal living being

Top Con

Can be aggressive

All behaviour is dependent on the influences of inheritance, learning and the environment. Aggression may be normal or abnormal depending on the context. It is important for dog owners to be aware that aggression can be caused by underlying fear and anxiety. See More

Top Pro

Will require a child to get out of the house more

A dog will need walked or at least taken outside multiple times a day. If a child is being taught to take care of a dog that means the child will be going outside as well. See More

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score 1 · Answer 3

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What is the best for children, a dog or cat?

2 Options Considered

Cat

My Recommendation for Cat

My Recommendation for Cat

They are small and can sit on your lap

Sharp claws

Easy to take care of

Usually do not get along with other pets or even other cats

Food is often cheaper

Usually not very sociable creatures

Requires you to maintain a litterbox

Often coughs up hairballs

Dog

My Recommendation for Dog

My Recommendation for Dog

Easy to find one that fits with your family

More expensive

Fun to play with

Require more care

The most loyal living being

Can be aggressive

Will require a child to get out of the house more

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