The reception you get when you come in from work
Your dog will be thrilled to see you, jumping up from the sofa and licking your face. Your cat? Not so much. Maybe when it’s dinner time, they’ll bother to get up. Possibly. A cat can never be accused of appearing too keen.
Photo: Shannon McGee/Flickr
Photo: Pedro Fernandez/Flickr
Going for a walk
In your dog’s world, it’s always time to go for a walk! For a cat, the very notion seems ridiculous. Why go outside on a lead when you could laze around and nap? If you actually manage to get your cat to wear a leash, don’t expect them to show much enthusiasm.
Photo: Marianna Saska/Flickr
Cuddling
Cats want to cuddle up to you – when they feel like it! Your dog; on the other hand, isn’t so discerning. If there’s any chance of affection going, they’ll take it.
Training
A dog can be taught a new command within half an hour. Training your cat to obey you? Good luck with that one. By nature, they are rather more independent. They have no interest in being taught to fetch a ball or other such undignified tricks.
Discipline
Shout at your dog and they will look guilty, even if they aren’t sure what it is they’ve done wrong. On the other hand, your cat will remain defiant even in the face of the righteous anger you feel when they shred your curtains.
Playing with others
Dogs are pack animals and will seize any opportunity to frolic with other canine companions. Your cat; however, is much more guarded and choosy when it comes to making friends. They do just fine by themselves, thank you very much. You can often make friends with other dog owners at the dog park, whereas there’s no equivalent for cat owners. This is for a reason.
Capacity for surprise attack
Cats have the advantage when it comes to stealth maneuvers. Being typically much smaller than dogs and excellent climbers, a cat is more than capable of hiding away in a small space ready to spring themselves at a target of choice, whether that’s a mouse or their unsuspecting owner.
Grudges
A dog’s memory is considerably shorter than that of a cat. This might explain why your cat appears to nurse grudges against you for days on end, whereas a dog lives more in the present.
Featured photo credit: jarmoluk/Pixabay via pixabay.com
