The feud between cat and dog lovers has been going on a long time. Dogs are known as the more popular pet, however, popular opinion isn’t always correct. Seeing as I own both a cat and two dogs, I know from personal experience that cats have more to offer to their owners than dogs.

Owning dogs tends to be more work than it’s worth. They must be given proper exercise, taken outside multiple times a day and cleaned up after. On the other hand, most cats don’t require this extra work.

Cats are very independent creatures and can mostly take care of themselves. They’re perfectly content lounging around, can bathe themselves and can be trained to use a litter box, saving their owners the constant worry of letting them go from inside to outside all day, like with dogs.

Cats also have less energetic personalities than dogs and cause less disorder. This makes for fewer messes like demolished chew toys or a trail of muddy footprints throughout the house.

Contrary to dog’s behavior, cats understand the idea of personal space and allow their owners to finish simple tasks without feeling overcrowded. At the same time, however, cats are available to give their owners love when necessary. The best comfort comes from when cats gently brush up against their owner’s legs looking for attention. They understand human emotions and can sympathize well. Simply put, cats know when they aren’t wanted, but also know when their compassion is necessary.

Although cats are the best pets to own, I know they aren’t for everyone. Some dog people despise cats and are unwilling to even contemplate giving them a chance. Cats don’t deserve all the criticism they receive. Dog people should make an effort to accept the cats a little more.

The age old battle between cats and dogs features many clashing opinions. Yet for all the controversy, deciding is relatively simple. Why settle for a second-rate cat when you could enjoy a man’s best friend?

In general, dogs are better pets than cats. They walk, play fetch and interact with owners, whereas cats stalk around on their lonesome during night’s dark hours. Although some may view dog’s eager loyalty as a downside, companionship builds close relationships. Dogs treat you as a member of their pack, while cats treat you like a personal servant.

Dogs also unleash their energy outside. While letting dogs out is bothersome, it is a far better alternative to cats trapped within indoor confines. Cleaning up the havoc a cat wrecks, whether it be a litter box, breakables pushed off a table or ruined furniture, requires more from an owner than occasionally letting out a dog.

Obviously each individual animal is unique, and stereotypes may not apply to all breeds. However, dogs offer a wide array of choices to suit each individual, totaling 190 breeds according to the American Kennel Club. Cats pale in comparison, yielding only 42 breeds according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

Beyond being the superior pet, dogs are also exceptional members of society. Guide dogs assist the visually impaired, and canine units protect us. Dogs also provide emotional support to cancer patients, hence their role in fundraisers such as Bark For Life.

Despite their poor qualities, cats aren’t inherently terrible pets. Nonetheless, they can’t hope to compare to the superiority of dogs.