Josh D. Norton
Mrs. Goslin
English II Honors
18 Sept. 2008
Cats or dogs
In the first place, many people enjoy the companionship of cats. Many cats are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted, or scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? If they’re not feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. They love to chase balls, feathers, or just about anything dangling from a string. They especially enjoy playing when their owners are participating in the game. Contrary to popular opinion, cats can be trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can be trained to avoid unwanted behavior or perform tricks. Cats will even fetch!
In the second place, cats are civilized members of the household. Unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats don't even meow very often which allows them to generally lead a quiet existence. Cats also don't often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to use the litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that time on. Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown the box. Cats do have claws, and owners must make provision for this. A tall scratching post in the cat’s favorite area of the house will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture alone. As a last resort, of course, cats can be declawed.
Their companionship, civility, and ease of care make cats a favorable pet over dogs. These are some very strong reasons for having a cat instead of a dog. People who have small living quarters or less time for pet care should appreciate these characteristics of cats. However, many people who have plenty of space and time still opt to have a cat because they love the cat personality. In many ways, cats are the ideal house pet. Why would someone have a dog when they can have a cat?