Pets: Dogs vs Cats - Differences & Similarities - Essay Sample

Introduction

A pet refers to any animal that is domesticated for the provision of pleasure and companionship. Dogs and cats are some of the primary examples of the pets have long time been domesticated. Historically dogs formed the first pet to be domesticated by man. There are several distinct differences between a pet dog and a pet cat ranging from the physical appearances of sizes and body mass to the behaviors such as the sounds they produce and their reactions to changes, characters

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To begin with, cats and dogs have different physical appearances and features. For instance, because of their enhanced body volume and their desire to run about, dogs require a lot of space. On the other hand, cats are often happy and satisfied with small spaces. Furthermore, the cats often have sharper claws compared to the dogs that have relatively blunt claws (Case 14). Another significant difference between the cat and the dog is that unlike the cats that are obligate carnivores who must only feed on flesh for their survival (unable to digest plant materials), the dogs can digest the plant matter and the meat and it could be possible to classify them as omnivores.

Moreover, although the cat jaws are typically designed for killing the prey, they do not have the power of the dog's jaws. The cats can focus on prey and capture it quickly as compared to the dog that would engage the prey through long miles until exhaustion. The pet cats are often much agile than the dogs, and they can jump from and climb to higher ground, which the dogs would find challenging (Case 14).

Additionally, there are significant differences in the behavior of the dog and that of the cat. For example, the dogs are much interactive and playful during the daytime while the pet cats are often much playful in the evenings and at night. The sounds produced by both pets are also different. For instance, the dogs usually bark and growl while the cuts purrs and meows. There is also a significant difference in the mode of feeding of the two pets. Cats can ingest a small amount of food more frequently than dogs.

In terms of trainability, the dogs are easier to train than the cats because they are often ready and willing to accept the orders of the master. The cats usually are independent and do not tolerate long periods of training (Bradshaw 7). They are often fast at expressing their own opinions. Dogs, on the other hand, can tolerate long periods of training and recall all the things they are trained. Furthermore, unlike cats who do not enjoy running exercises, the pet dogs enjoy running and hiking and can form a great company during exercises.

How the two pets relieve themselves are also different. For instance, the pet cat would dig a hole on the ground and cover the waste with a thin layer of soil. On the other hand, the dog often tends to be quite careless and may do it anywhere in the open; however, it is easier to train the dog. The pet cat learns to use the litter box much easier and faster.

Conclusion

Conclusively, the pet dog and pet cat portray significant differences. These differences include both the physical and the behavioral. For example, there is a significant difference noted in the feeding habit, the interactions styles between themselves and with humans as well as the sounds that different animals produce. The social life and behaviors of the pets are also different.

Works Cited

Bradshaw, John, Rachel A. Casey, and Sarah L. Brown. The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat. , 2012. Print.

Case, Linda P. Canine and Feline Nutrition: A Resource for Companion Animal Professionals. Maryland Heights, Mo: Mosby, 2011. Internet resource.