If you asked a mixture of your close friends, family members, and work colleagues whether they consider themselves to be a cat or a dog person, it is highly likely that the answers will come out as pretty much even.
There are, quite obviously, some obvious notable differences between canines and felines, but there are some other, more intricate ways in which the two species of animal differ. So, if you are interested, then continue reading to learn four absolutely fascinating differences between canines and felines.
- Cats & Dogs Have Entirely Different Social Qualities
This independence of mind is evident when simply watching a cat go about his daily business; he tends to keep himself to himself and only comes to you when he wants to feed, let outside, or have affection on his own terms.
This key difference in how cats and dogs behave means that both species demand entirely different requirements from their owner. Cats are far more suited to a working family, as they are not just happier in their own company but need that independence, whereas dogs are much more reliant and dependent on constant human presence.
- Cats Rely Much More on Scent
If you are the proud owner of a pet pooch, when walking them around a park or wooded area, you will constantly see them ‘follow their nose’ and become incredibly interested in a particular area of the ground.
However, whereas dogs use their impressive sense of smell in a curious context, cats rely on their sense of smell for communication and use the scent glands on their paws and under their chin to mark their territory.
Even if you are a dedicated cat owner who has thoroughly researched how best to take care of your pet, you must still register your animal with a veterinary practice, such as saltwateranimalhospital.com. This way, if your cat returns home with an unexplained cut, bruise, or wound from fighting with another, it can receive the medical attention they need much more quickly.
- Dogs Can Vary Their Eating Habits
Finally, the third interesting difference between cats and dogs, and one which is important to know should you be considering adopting an animal in the near or distant future, is that dogs, although sensitive to certain stomach issues, have a stronger constitution than any cat.
Cats have a unique and intricate liver metabolism rate, which makes them prone to fatty liver disease, and as such, they must maintain a constantly healthy weight and not lose or gain body mass quickly. With an overweight dog, reducing the number of calories they consume for a week or more will allow their body to use the existing fat cells to convert to energy, resulting in a healthier weight.
In the case of a cat, an overweight cat’s body will attempt to convert the existing fat into energy, but this process will happen too quickly. It can result in fatty liver disease, which, by and large, is irreversible.