Dogs vs Cats.

Funny you should bring this up.
In the DT this morning

^The affection of a dog is lovely
But the disdain of a cat is better^

Dogs for me every time, we have three dogs and a cat. I always had a mild fear of cats but when I remarried I overcame this as my husband loves cats, it's noticeable though that the cat has a definite preference for my husband. The dogs give us so much fun and love. They also keep us active with walks and frequent vacuuming of dog hair ! !

Both equally, always had cats and until our last spaniel died we always had a dog.

Both lovely but we've always had cats as we were working and didn't feel we could give a dog the company it would want. Our cats have always been companionable and not demanding at all.

This thread could prove to be as divisive as Brexit I adore cats, always have. Sadly I don't have one at the moment, it seems my entire family are allergic to cat fur . I think it's so true dogs have owners cats have staff and they really do punish you if you go away for a while, making sure of course their needs are met via house sitter, the cold shoulder/back is very much in evidence on the owners return if I remember rightly. They are getting a bad press at the moment, I don't remember any of mine bringing in the remains of a bird, I don't know what cat owners can do about an instinct that is hard wired into their behaviour. Having said all that I very much like dogs as well, some breeds more than others, but they need a lot more looking after and I don't fancy clearing up after them, which is of course a must for any responsible dog owner.

Odd username?

Now you mention it.......

had dogs in the past and their too much hard work, cats are independant and so much easier to care for, so its a cat for me.

As Mumsy says - so it is cats for me too.

We live on a popular dog walking route and when it is bucketing with rain my neighbour always laughs and he says "Just watch the dog slaves on the end of that lead" and I really can't help a chuckle as, to a man, (woman or child,) they all look pretty miserable!

I love both but there is no way that I could look after a dog properly as I would be unable to take it for walks.

I have had a cat for many years and love her to bits. She is her own boss, does what she likes when she likes but knows that she is loved when she does return after many hours spent outdoors heaven knows where.

For some reason I am totally allergic to cat hair but not dog. All our married life we have had a dog or two, and there is no doubt that neither of us would take the exercise we do if it were not for them. Whatever the weather, rain, snow, hail we go out walking and know that it does us the world of good. My MIL had cats and two of them were killed on quiet roads near her home, was very sad. Whoever did it never even stopped.

'Cool cats and hot dogs' someone once said.
It depends on your personality - I prefer dogs.
We have a cat but she's very detached.

Both! We've had cats and dogs for more than 20 years now. As long as you carefully supervise the introduction and make sure that each gets the attention and support they need initially, then I've found that they learn very quickly how to employ their canine's bustle and noise to deal with unpopular neighbors cats etc, in exchange for a tasty something swiped off the worktop

I love animals of all sizes and species, but we travel often and at this stage in my life another pet would only tie us down. I'm also someone who especially loves cats and dogs. Having said that, our beloved cat Sophie died last year (she was 21 years old). In her prime, Sophie was a gorgeous, long haired 'tuxedo' with huge round, green eyes. She preferred my laptop (for napping), played with her toys and liked to be held and cuddled. If someone picked her up they were sure to get at least one Sophie kiss or more. She became frail, cranky and finicky, as most of us (animal or human) are apt to get with advanced old age. Towards the end, I refused to leave her with anyone and was pretty much housebound with her during the last three months of her life. When she could no longer get around or do the things she loved, we knew it was time. Sadly, we had to have her put down on August 11, 2015. The other day, I found a tiny pink, felt rabbit she last hid behind the washing machine. I still find 'Sophie hair' in the most unlikely places and I miss her terribly. Thankfully, our grandchildren have a lovely dog we all adore. He's a Silver Labrador Retriever named Jack; a fine, good looking, intelligent dog with a very sweet, obedient disposition. We refer to him as the "Grandog" because he loves to visit us. Jack also loves to greet visitors, sniff crotches and take long walks. He chases squirrels, wrestles Duke at the dog park, enjoys a good game of 'fetch' and is a 'persistent moocher'at the dinner table.

Love both, will never be classified as cat person or dog person!

Ex dh and I had 3 dogs and 2 cats (as well as sheep, ducks, hens, bantams,ponies and a rather difficult donkey, that was known in the village as Attention All Shipping, but that's another story)

Currently just have 2 cats, but my boss has 2 lovely dogs which come to work with him, so I get all the benefits of them without the expense!

Cats for me, although we haven't got either at home.. I have had a few 'issues' with dogs, one almost ending in my having to give evidence in court after it went for me. If you tell some people that you don't like dogs, they
look at you as if you've just confessed to mass murder. I said to someone I worked with once that I didn't like dogs. She said 'oh and I thought you were a nice person'

Having had more than one of both, and loved them all, if I had to choose I would always go for a dog. However there's no denying that they're much more of a tie than a cat - you can't go out for the day without them and it's a lot harder to go away for an impromptu weekend.
But to me, although our last cat was very cuddly and affectionate, the rewards of a dog are much greater. And at least they don't go killing your garden birds and leaving them on the kitchen floor for you to find first thing in the morning, let alone half a poor little wood mouse with its minute kidneys hanging out.

Cats for me! However this could be because as a very small child I was attacked by a dog and I have been nervous of them every since. I have friends who have dogs and whenever I visited in the past they have offered to put the dog in another room or shut it outside - I always said no, after all it is the dogs home - not mine. However, my friends dogs are well trained and I no longer feel nervous around them.

Can you dog lovers answer a question for me? Whenever I meet a strange dog I get very anxious and try to keep my distance - so why does the dog almost always try to get close to me whilst ignoring all the dog friendly people trying to pet it!!!

I love 'em all!!

Dog of course, my Ernie is my devoted friend.......

I miss the phrase 'can we keep him' applied to every anima under the sun by each of my kids whn they were small, we had some of everything, but my dog makes me feel secure as he raises the alarm for me if anyone come near the house.

He is also a fabulous excuse for leaving early or not going to things I don't want to go to.

Had cats when my daughters were small but for me dogs , through the good times and bad and really bad times my dogs have been my comfort, my joy , my companions , my friends , I adore them.

Sunseeker All dogs can pick up human moods and a well socialised, friendly dog will seek to alleviate your anxiety and comfort you. Simples!

Agreeing totally radicalnan I can always leave somewhere early stating I have to take the dog for a walk,we are now the owners of a new kitten so we have to be home for him also,both get on really well together so we are fond of both cats & dogs in this household always have been over the years.

Neither. Simples!

Never had either dog or cat. Never wanted one. Never really been able to understand why anybody would want one.