I definitely prefer cats. Dogs are too high maintenance, and I don't want to hear their barking. I've known some irresponsible, overly-defensive dog owners.
Our last two dogs left us about 2 years ago. One was 16. The other 17. This is the longest we've been without a dog in the almost 50 years of marriage. We've tried the "cat" thing once. I am quite biased against cats. Raised on a farm where cats were pests. They were feral cats, coming into the barn when we were milking cows looking for "handouts". They bred and inbred and were not pets. A good friend of ours had a Siamese. He was a monster that would attack visitors to their home. That also had a bearing on our non-love of cats. We have talked about getting another dog. Lots going on right now and, yes, the maintenance thing is holding us back. Difficult to travel long distances with a dog. Boarding is expensive. We enjoy our "granddogs". Oldest daughter has one. Middle girl has 4 dogs and a cat. Boy has a dog. All are well behaved and fun to be around... for short visits. If we get another dog, it would be a rescue. I would prefer a larger dog... Lab, Shepherd, etc. My wife would prefer a "purse dog"... Pom, Pekinese, Terrier, etc. The little ones can be "yappers". However, our son and his family recently rescued an Irish Terrier that is a phenomenal dog. Seldom barks. Is awesome with three rambunctious boys. Oh... Sorry! My vote is dogs!!!!!
This one. No noisy yapping, no messes to clean up, no walking at inconvenient hours, no need for feed. The perfect pet.
We have one of both so I honestly can't choose one over the other. They both have their jobs as members of our family.... the cat is in charge of mouse control and the dog is our fitness trainer LOL.
LOL....you wouldn't need a cat around if you had our miniature labradoodle to deal with mice...ooooh my gawd...that boy is scary when he's after a mouse, he's like a thing possessed, and he never gives up until he catches his prey... and you try taking it off him.... he turns from a 10 pound bundle of cute fun to an 100 pound Lion.... Our 80 pound Big labradoodle couldn't be less interested... however if there's ever any rats in the metal outhouse...then the Doberman is the first to smell them and go in for the Kill.... not one of the cats are interested!!
Always been a Dog person. As I shared in the 'Good Morning' thread, we are 'cat sitting' two cats for my oldest son. Haven't had one of those around for quite awhile. Now I remember why. One sleeps all the time, waking only to eat and find the 'box'. This one sleeps in 'my spot' and could care less that it is my house. The other one wonders around and just acts creepy.
We've never had a cat and never will. I've had two dogs over the years. No more. All the attention paid will be paid on me. I insist.
Exactly my sentiment. @Tim Burr Could you define creepy? I know a lot of people don't like cats but for me they are the most superior animal for a pet. I get to live with a miniature tiger in my home. Her littermate sister is a sleeping marshmallow. It's their home too.
@Kitty Carmel Maybe not creepy, but he does things that I can't seem to grasp. I guess it's because I haven't had a cat in the house for 10 years or so. My son takes them back tomorrow. I am going to wrap up a big, empty box as a parting gift for them...
@Tim Burr It was good for you to take care of them though. And I'm glad your son likes cats. I don't dislike dogs at all. I just never had one in my adult life. Just cats.