Dogs and cats are common pet choices for people. They can bring us happiness and companionship, but in the process of raising them, we also need to consider the economic burden they bring. Which is more expensive, dog or cat? Below, a detailed comparative analysis will be conducted between the two in terms of food, medical, and daily necessities.
Food
Whether you keep a dog or a cat, their food is the basic cost necessary for raising them. There are various types of food for cats and dogs, and the prices also vary. Generally speaking, cat food is more expensive than dog food because cats have a higher demand for protein and contain more meat components. The monthly food expenditure varies depending on factors such as the size, breed, and age of the pet.
Healthcare
The medical care of cats and dogs is an important component of pet ownership. Both dogs and cats require routine health care, such as vaccination, regular checkups, and deworming. The medical cost of keeping a dog is usually higher. Due to their large size, dogs are prone to body related diseases such as joint problems and gastrointestinal problems. Dental care for dogs also requires additional fees. The medical expenses of cats are relatively low because they are smaller in size and have a lower likelihood of developing body related diseases.
Daily necessities
Both raising dogs and cats require some daily necessities, such as cat litter, cat scratching stakes, dog cages, etc. In this regard, the cost of raising cats may be higher. Cat litter is a must-have item for keeping cats, and there is a certain cost of litter every month. Cat scratching stakes are also necessary for daily cat activities and paw grinding. To keep a dog, you need to purchase dog food containers, dog cages, dog toys, etc. The prices of these supplies will also affect the cost of keeping a dog.
Other aspects
In addition to the basic expenses mentioned above, there are other expenses that need to be considered. Keeping a dog requires regular bathing and haircuts, which are relatively expensive. Cats do not need to take frequent showers, so the cost in this area is relatively low. If you often travel away from home, keeping a dog may be more expensive because you need to pay for accommodation.
The cost of owning a dog is usually higher than that of owning a cat in terms of food, healthcare, groceries, and other aspects. This does not mean that keeping a cat is a cheap choice. The needs and health status of each pet are different, so the actual cost may vary depending on individual differences. Before choosing whether to keep a dog or a cat, it is recommended that you make a rational decision based on your financial situation and personal preferences, and be fully prepared to ensure that you can provide sufficient care and financial support for your pet.
Who is happier, dog owners or cat owners?
In daily life, many people like to raise pets, with the most people owning dogs and cats. So there is a question that makes us curious, which is whether owning a dog makes people happier or owning a cat makes people happier?
Many people argue endlessly about this answer, which can be said to be reasonable when the public speaks, and reasonable when the woman speaks. Recently, several research institutions abroad have released their research results on this topic. This interesting study reveals whether the lives of dog or cat owners are truly happier.
In terms of happiness, are dogs or cats actually the best friends of humans?
Okay, researchers are trying to discover this and have found that dog owners are often more satisfied than parents of feline pets.
According to a recent analysis of cutting-edge research in psychology in 2020 by Psychology Today, a dog’s lifestyle can affect its owner’s ability to develop healthier habits, resulting in a domino effect on their health.
Unlike cat owners, parents of dogs tend to be more active and social, which increases their happiness and confidence.
In addition, research has found that people who keep dogs often have higher self-esteem than those who do not have pets.
Indeed, raising a dog can increase physical activity, as puppies themselves require daily exercise as they seem to have an endless supply of energy. Many people have to take their pet dog out for a walk, and without realizing it, their owners also exercise their bodies by running along with the dog. For cat owners, it seems like they have never seen anyone in their daily lives intentionally leading a rope to walk their cat.
Another study conducted by another research institution, PLOS ONE, in 2019 found that pet owners have improved mental health and happiness because dogs motivate their owners to exercise regularly. It seems that keeping a dog can indeed help people exercise.
In addition, it has been observed that most dog owners often interact with others, and social bonds provide positivity and a sense of belonging.
Dogs will also guide their owners out, which can increase their intake of vitamin D. When two dogs meet on the street, they greet each other and smell each other’s scent, which also increases the opportunities for communication between dog owners.
And the independence of cats leads to feline animals staying indoors and isolated from the world, so pet cats will not stimulate physical or social activities like dogs, thereby affecting their owners.
According to a study by Taylor and Francis Online, there are significant differences in personality traits between dog and cat owners.
People who keep dogs are more easy-going and outgoing, which is a sign of their happiness.
On the other hand, cat owners tend to be more neurotic and introverted.
A cutting-edge research report in psychology in 2020 stated that canine animals help “dog dads” gain confidence because they see themselves as a group or leader.
They also received a lot of praise about their dog, which gave them motivation.
On the other hand, compared to non cat owners, cat owners have lower self-esteem.
In foreign countries, female cat owners are often referred to as “old virgins” or “cat ladies” with negative connotations. Of course, there are no such issues in our country.
These stereotypes may lead to women feeling disconnected from society.
This is not the first time that the relationship between happiness and becoming a pet parent has been studied.
In 2018, the United States Comprehensive Social Survey released a survey asking people if they were “very happy”.
In the focus group that agreed to be “very happy”, 36% of people have dogs and only 18% have cats.
People who keep dogs are more easy-going and outgoing, which is a sign of their happiness. People who keep cats tend to be more neurotic and introverted.
Finally, I have summarized and organized the research results as follows:
People who keep dogs have higher self-esteem than those who don’t have pets
People who keep dogs can gain more physical activity, sunlight, and socializing
People who keep dogs have a more easy-going and outgoing personality
“Dog dad” may feel more confident because he thinks he is a member or leader of a dog pack
Compared to people who do not have pets, those who keep cats have lower self-esteem
People who keep cats tend to be more neurotic and introverted
Women who keep cats are often considered negative connotations of “old virgins” or “cat ladies”
Do you agree with the research results of foreign research institutions? Welcome everyone to leave comments and discuss.
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