Pet insurance - Tips & Advice - Buying a dog or cat

Ask anyone whether they prefer cats or dogs and why they feel that way and you are likely to elicit a strong response. The more common replies you might encounter are: 'Cats are standoffish and aloof', 'Dogs are stupid', 'Cats are more independent', 'Dogs protect you'. The list goes on and on.

If the figures from the Pet Food Manufacturers Association are anything to go by, the UK is a divided nation with the dog population standing at 7.3 million and the cat population at 7.2 million in 2008.

However, when we look at it logically, there are a number of reasons people might choose one species over the other:

• History
  Some people have grown up around either cats or dogs and they base their preferences on their experience. Some have always had cats or dogs and it's what they are comfortable with and understand. On the other hand, some people may have had a bad experience – perhaps they were scratched by a cat or bitten by a dog.
• Practicality
  Some people may want the companionship of any pet, but are limited either by space or spare time. Some may choose to have cats because they have a small property, whereas others may not have the time to walk a dog. On the other hand, those that do have the time and space may opt for dogs.
• Children
  Some people may think it's not practical to have a dog around a very small child and that a cat could lash out at an over-loving child.

Elaine Pendlebury, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA ) says:

'In my experience, people either prefer cats or dogs, with a few who love both pets equally. However, people's busy lifestyles and their geographical surroundings can influence their choice of pet. Dog ownership seems higher in rural areas indicating that the many dog-walking opportunities available in the countryside might be an influential factor. Equally, our data suggests that cats prove quite popular with city dwellers, probably because they are far more independent'.

Personality traits

Of course, these are all practical reasons why people might choose one animal over the other, but what is it that makes us prefer cats or dogs. What makes us cat or dog people? There is an argument that it is down to what we want out of our relationship with them, and in that respect we prefer one to the other because of perceived personality traits in terms of human qualities that we ascribe to them.

Cat people will argue that felines are affectionate, more independent, cleaner, aren't as demanding and are more self-sufficient. Dog people will argue that canines are more loyal, more friendly and playful and more demonstrative. It would also be easy to suggest that cat people are more relaxed as cats prefer to do their own thing whereas dog people are more controlling and like to tell the dog to sit and stay and to keep it on a leash.

Whatever the reasons are for people preferring cats or dogs, we may as well accept it's just a matter of choice and live happily together! And whichever pet you choose make sure you insure it against accidents and illness with Direct Line pet insurance.

Related information:
Training your dog - Training your cat
You can't take on a puppy or kitten without understanding what will be involved in its training.  We explain the basics.
Buying a pet – advice on finding the best place to go if you're thinking of adding a dog or cat to the family.