When comparing Cat vs Dog, the Slant community recommends Cat for most people. In the question“What is the best for children, a dog or cat?” Cat is ranked 1st while Dog is ranked 2nd. The most important reason people chose Cat is:
...Or desk, while they do homework. Just make sure to supply them a square box or paper to lay on.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pro The most loyal living being
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.
Cons
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.
Con Usually do not get along with other pets or even other cats
Con Usually not very sociable creatures
They tend to keep to themselves.
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.
Con Often coughs up hairballs
Sometimes requiring special medication or food.
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.
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.
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.