Pets Are a Joy

Pets are a joy. The perfect indoor pet would be a good companion, easy to care for, minimal cost and be able to live in a limited amount of space.

Dogs and cats can be very good companions. Dogs and cats can be very affectionate. However, dogs will almost always stay by their owner's side and are always ready for attention. Cats like to be affectionate on their own terms and they are perfectly happy curling up under the bed or couch. A dog is generally physically close to you at all times while a cat may not be seen for hours. Cats and dogs both love to lick as a display of their friendship. Cats rub up against you to show their friendship while dogs may jump on you or grab a favorite toy for you to play with them. A dog is generally physically close to you at all times while you may not see your cat for hours.

Both animals have different needs for care. Cats must have a cat box while dogs must be let out of doors to use the bathroom. Cat boxes can be smelly. They must be cleaned regularly to prevent odors and for the health of the cat. Both animals need regular shots and checkups at the vet. Dogs need to go for walks to get their exercise while cats are able to get the right amount of exercise indoors. Dogs and cats need to be brushed on a regular basis. All cats shed, but there are dogs that do not shed. Both animals need fresh water and food. Cats can be very finicky eaters while dogs tend to eat whatever they are given. Dogs will demand their play time, while a cat is satisfied curled up next to you or sleeping in another room.

Cats and dogs can be expensive. Purchase prices on dogs or cats can vary depending on what breed you are interested in. Both will require flea treatment which is an added expense. Dogs and cats will have veterinarian bills. Dogs, especially as puppies, will chew almost anything they can get their teeth on. Dogs can ingest foreign objects that have to be surgically removed. Dogs tend to develop more agility problems as they get older which may require more doctor visits. Cats develop hairballs which may require visits to the vet and require special food which would be an added expense.

All dogs and cats can ruin furniture and other household items. . Cats need scratching posts to keep their claws sharp and to help keep them from ruining furniture. Both animals require food purchases. A dog may be contained to a certain area when you are away by purchasing a crate. Cats can be put in any room as long as their cat box is available. Both animals will require toys to keep them entertained.

All cats and small dogs can live in a limited amount of space. Dogs will need a fenced off space to go to the bathroom unless you are prepared to take them out on a leash to use the bathroom. Cats have an indoor bathroom so space is not a problem. Dogs need more space to run. If no yard is available