A new pet is one of the most important responsibilities you can choose as it can define the next 8 to 18 years of your life. We know that the range of possible pets can range from dogs, lizards and cats to domestic pigs. We want to help you with your decision and have therefore listed a number of points that could help you with your choice. In this article we will focus on dogs and cats.
Cat or dog?
As you know, there are cat people and dog people. So if you already feel you belong to one of these groups, you are already an important step further! But if you're still undecided or want to explore your options, we've prepared a few questions that might help:
Should your pet be very affectionate or rather independent?
If you are happy and want to spend a lot of time with your pet, a dog is generally more suitable. Dogs enjoy spending time with their masters and love to play, cuddle and explore the world with you. However, if you want an independent companion that you can leave alone for a longer period of time, a cat is probably the right choice for you, since cats like to occupy themselves and explore their surroundings on their own.
There are a few other factors as well. For example, you should bathe your dog from time to time, which can take a lot of time and, depending on the dog, a lot of energy. Cats, on the other hand, can wash themselves and usually only need to be bathed in extreme cases.
Do you like to spend a lot of time in nature?
If you like hiking, walking or jogging, a dog is definitely a good choice as it accompanies you on all your trips. If you want to know which breed of dog loves to be outdoors, read our article on (insert link).
Do you like to stay at home
If you prefer to spend your free time with a cup of tea and a good book, a cat is perfect. Cats can keep themselves entertained around the house, and if they want to go outside, they can do it on their own. Dogs, on the other hand, have to be walked regularly and, if not challenged, can let their energy out at your home.
Would you like to explore your surroundings with your pet?
If you also want to do everyday tasks with your animal, such as visiting a supermarket or a café, a dog is the perfect companion. Dogs are usually raised to spend a lot of time with their masters and are able to remain calm even in larger social situations. You can visit animal-friendly parks, cafés and shops with your dog. Cats are usually allowed there too, but they are usually not used to being confronted with new situations and people.
How big is your budget?
Ideally, your pet is healthy and doesn't need medication or a special diet. Depending on the breed, dogs can also get very large and need a lot of food. So if you are not in a position to spend a lot of money on food, you should consider whether a cat or a smaller dog might not be a better option.
Do you already have pet owners in your circle of friends?
If you have friends or acquaintances who have a dog or cat, you can visit them and get a better feeling for everyday life with a pet. Try out how you interact with the pets and how they approach you. Of course, not all animals are the same and behave a little differently towards everyone, but spending more time around animals will also give you a better sense of whether a dog or cat is a better match for you or not.
We hope this article has been of some help to you. In general, you should simply find out what exactly you expect from a pet and what qualities you find in dogs or cats. Look into your near future and think about which pet fits better into your life situation. If you are interested in adopting a dog, you can find more information on our blog post (Link: Which dog is right for me?).
