Have you ever thought about getting a dog or a cat, but don’t know which one will suit you the best? Then maybe the things I have compared here can help you to make up your mind.  

The cats and the dogs are both very intelligent, but they are not both easy to train. The cats are a lot intelligent animals than people think they are. They are capable of forming attachments and communicating with the people with their needs and wants. They are also capable of “instinctual thoughts”. I’ve also heard about cats that have saved people’s life. Dogs are also very clever animals, and that’s why many are used for work. These dogs are called working dogs. Among them we can find sheepdogs, guard dogs, guide dogs and more. In contrast to the cat, a dog is easy to train, and very eager to learn new things.

One of the most important things could be your economy and the price of the animal.

Usually you can get a cat for free, except when it’s a pure breed. Then it can cost as much as 10.000 NOK. Food for cats costs from 20 to 100 NOK per kg. The cat needs other things too, for example: A litter box, toys, food- and water bowls and more. You have to take it to the vet once a year to give it vaccination shots, and to check if the cat is healthy.

A dog is more expensive. It can cost from 500-20.000 NOK. Food for dogs costs from 17 to 100 NOK per kg. The dog also needs other things, for example: a bed, food- and water bowls, toys and more. Just like with a cat. You have to take it to the vet once a year to give it vaccination shots, and to check if the dog is healthy. Usually you have to insure it too.

Sometimes the work with an animal is important, if you have a full time job. If you get a cat, you don’t have to do much work. You have to fill up its water- and food bowls. If you have a longhair breed, you have to brush it so the fur doesn’t get tangled. Cats can shed a lot of hair. You also have to empty the litter box if the cat uses it. You don’t need to walk it, you can just let it out and it will come back when it feels like it. If you are going to buy a dog, you have to think about it carefully first. This is because it is a lot of work having a dog. You have to walk it 3-5 times a day. You also have to wash it once a week, cut its nails and brush its fur if it’s a long haired breed. On the other side, you get exercise when you walk your dog, and you have company when you feel lonely.

If you are alone you can get an animal like a cat or a dog, because they can both be great company. Cats can be cuddled and played with. They can be great company and like to lie on your lap. Some people use them in competitions when they are a pure breed cat, and some even uses them in researches. On the other hand dogs are used for many things. For example: Sheepdogs – can be used on sheep farms to help look after and round up sheep. Guard dogs – can be used for guarding property against intruders.

Guide dogs- are used to help people with disabilities cope in everyday life.

You can also have a dog just for company. They are very affectionate, and like to please.

As a result of all this I have come to a conclusion. If what you are looking for is a pet you can give plenty of cuddles, requires only a small amount of work, and where the costs are low, then a cat could be the perfect pet for you. They are cute, inexpensive, and can for the most part take care of themselves. But if you want a pure bred cat, you have to expect to pay more. If on the other hand what you are looking for is a good friend who is always happy to see you, a walking buddy or someone to help you if you have disabilities, then a dog is your perfect choice. The dog is more expensive and requires a lot of work, but you will get it back in life long companionship and unconditional love.