Dogs and cats, the household animals, have been debated for years with many proudly proclaiming themselves either a “dog person” or a “cat person.”  But what are the pros and cons of owning each type of pet, and how do you side with one animal over the other?

In the U.S., dogs are in more households than cats.  45.5% of households have a dog, while only 32.1% have a cat. That breaks down to 59.8 million dog-loving households and 42.2 million cat-adoring homes.  However, when it comes to number of pets, there are more cats:  1.8 million of them compared to 1.5 dogs.  So while more families own dogs, this number suggests that cat owners are more likely to opt for multiple pets.

In terms of cost of ownership, the average spending on veterinary care per cat household per year is $483 dollars.  Dog owner vet bills are an average of $586. While both animals need food, bedding, and toys, cats come with the added costs of litter.  Yet dogs often have crates, leashes, and harnesses.  Many breeds of dogs also require regular grooming appointments.  Overall, owning a dog is more expensive. 

Pet owners might also consider the ease of pet ownership.  Again, cats are usually perceived to be easier to own. They do not need regular brushing or bathing, nor do they require exercise.  Removing waste from the litter box is a simple process.  Dogs, however, need brushed and bathed. Larger dogs require daily walks as well as bathroom breaks outdoors.  One site recommended that dogs get two thirty-minute walks per day.  Those, paired with a few other bathroom breaks and the yard cleanup makes dog ownership a bigger commitment and more work.

But for most pet lovers, their choice of cat vs. dog is not based on cost or ease; it is based on animal personality.  In a survey by WebMD, only 12% of people called themselves cat people.  But  nearly 50% called themselves dog people. But you don’t have to choose. 25% said they love both canine and felines equally.