Cat Vs. Dog Domestication

Choosing which pet to keep can be a difficult decision, and cats and dogs have been popular choices for many years. The first domesticated cat appeared in the Far East around 3,000 B.C., and evidence of the first domesticated dog dates back 12,000 years. Countless arguments have been made over the years over which animal is the ̶0;better̶1; pet and whether the cat or dog is easier to domesticate.

  1. The Domesticated Cat

    • Cat's are comfortable in your house, but all have an inbred hunting side.

      Fond of the finer things in life, a cat will enjoy human interaction and the comfort of your home. Many will enjoy spending time with a family member, such as sitting on a member's lap and purring with content. However, despite being domesticated for thousands of years, all cats have a sharp survival instinct. Many cats, if let outside, will turn into hunter animals and catch small animals, such as mice. The cat may then bring these trophies inside your home. Indeed, unlike a dog, a cat can quickly adapt to life as a predator if circumstances require.

    The Domesticated Dog

    • The dog has been domesticated for thousands of years.

      Traditionally named ̶0;man's best friend,̶1; the dog has also been domesticated for thousands of years, and this has led to around 4,000 different breeds of dogs with their unique characteristics. Working dogs, such as the border collie, were bred for farming or hunting and may not domesticate as easily as other breeds. Some breeds, such as toy dogs, can be aggressive toward children, while others such as golden retrievers are known for their good nature toward children. Some dogs are also trained to be a companion and aid for humans, such as dogs for vision-impaired or deaf people.

    Companionship

    • Both animals can be companions for children and adults.

      Both dogs and cats enjoy human affection, but both can become bored easily. When bored, they may show destructive behavior such as clawing and chewing if you do not keep them occupied. An outdoor cat will occupy itself during the day and be content to curl up on an owner's lap in the evening, whereas a dog will make a loyal companion but will need exercise and walks.

    Personal Choice

    • Choosing over a dog or cat for a domesticated pet can be a difficult decision.

      Ultimately, the decision to buy a cat or dog comes down to what kind of animal would suit you best. Both make excellent and loyal pets and settle well into family life. Cats are creatures of habit and do not require a lot of attention, whereas dogs seek human interaction. Both enjoy playing games with humans, although a cat's play is always based around hunting. Dogs can be easily taught human commands like ̶0;sit,̶1; ̶0;roll over̶1; and ̶0;stay,̶1; yet it is often a cat's independent streak that makes it such a popular domesticated pet.