The "dogs versus cats" debate has gone on forever, much like the "mommy wars" with stay-at-home vs. working; so I think it is high time that I weigh in.
Most people who know me have labeled me as an "animal lover" (I protest that I only "like" animals) and I have both dogs and cats hanging out at my house. I can speak from intimate knowledge - but not that intimate - about the merits and behaviors of both dogs and cats. In my considered opinion, the wrong question is being debated. It is not whether cats are better than dogs or dogs better than cats; but rather, which species is more humanized or people-like. That's what we really expect, isn't it? If we're honest. We want our pets to understand us and not have to work too hard to understand them. We want obedience and companionship; therefore, the animal that is more like a person is the more appreciated pet; or rather, as PETA may prefer, animal companion.
That's why so many people like dogs. Dogs are responsive and gather around when household members arrive home, and so they are considered "friendly" and "loyal". Their panting with lips pulled back and tongue lolling appears to us as a smile or a laughing face. A dog will usually approach when a familiar person calls his name. Dogs are creatures of habit, much like us; they stick to a regular routine.
Cats, on the other hand, seem to be loners, don't come when called, don't "smile", and they don't seem to want to eat what we eat.
But I say, that when it comes to being people-like, cats are much more like the people I know than dogs.
Regarding dogs: How many people do you know who are happy all the time? Who always watch your back? Do your children always come running when you call them, and will they eat anything - from burnt toast to overripe cantaloupe? Of course not, the general behavior of my dogs does not live down to the general behavior of my family and so-called friends.
Dogs are superhuman, at best.
Cats, on the other hand, are people personified.
Cats tend toward neurotic lows and quixotic highs. When you talk to a cat, it will stare at you with little or no comprehension, just like a spouse or child. They often don't appreciate what is served for dinner. They tend to leave the house and show up again only at meal times, except on occassions when they don't show up and leave you to worry for a few hours. When he does finally show up, he strolls in like nothing is different and you aren't losing sleep over him. Cats also respond strangely to green leafy stuff in a baggie. And, by the way, cats do have expressions even if they don't smile. You just have to watch their eyes; afterall, isn't that where you look to get the true mood and measure of a person?
In nature, cats keep in touch over distances with their calls - lions roar, little cats yowl. Do you spend more time on your cellphone or more time talking face to face with physical contact? Next time, you call your cat, listen for a little meow. He's just checking in with you. He'd send a text, but he doesn't have thumbs.
