Know the Differences and Similarities Between Dogs and Cats
Know the Differences and Similarities Between Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats are popular pets in India. There’s just something about these canine and feline friends that makes it hard for us to resist them. People often compare one to the other and the Dogs vs. Cats debate is endless.
If you are an animal lover or if you have come across an injured or stray animal that requires immediate assistance, search for “animal welfare near me” in order to get assistance. Animal welfare and health NGOs in India, just like VASTRA strive to be a voice for the ones who cannot speak for themselves.
Below, we have listed five differences and some similarities too between dogs and cats:
Know the Differences and Similarities Between Dogs and Cats
Differences Between Dogs and Cats
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Dogs were domesticated much earlier than cats
Dogs have been estimated to be domesticated around 40,000 years ago with some debate over this matter. The early humans were helped by them to hunt. Consequently, cats are believed to be domesticated only up to 12,000 years ago, when agriculture was evolving and they helped in pest control.
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Cats are reclusive
Dogs are highly social animals and very much like companionship. Cats, on the other hand, live a solitary life and don’t require other cat friends for company. Fun fact: Cats often get stressed if they have to live with each other unless they share a strong social bond.
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Dogs rely on body language for communication
Dogs rely on facial cues and body language to communicate because of their social nature. Cats, being solitary, communicate by way of scent with other cats. They have scent glands on their cheeks and paws and rub them or scratch on surfaces to let other cats know where they have been.
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Cats are natural hunters
Although dogs come from a species that used to hunt in packs, it is the cats who have retained their natural hunting behaviour. Their hunting instincts are not as strong as wild cats but they still need to hunt from time to time as this activity helps release happy hormones in their brain. So, they pounce or stalk their toys to fulfil their hunting impulses.
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Dogs don’t actually need to eat meat
Dogs being omnivores, dont necessarily need to eat meat provided they eat a nutritionally balanced vegetarian diet. But cats are carnivores and need meat in their diet to get all the required nutrients to stay healthy.
Similarities Between Dogs and Cats
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Both are trainable
There is a misconception that unlike dogs, cats cannot be trained. But with positive support, cats can be taught to sit on command and respond to their names. All you need is to find something to motivate them to get trained.
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Both require love and care
Cats dont require that much looking after as compared to dogs. However, they still need lots of care and their needs met. Both of them need love and care from their owners.
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Both can be a part of the family together
Just like humans, these four-legged friends also need a home and someone to care for them. They can both be part of the family with proper introduction and live happily alongside each other.
You can feel free to reach out to us at VASTRA, to know more about how you can help make a change and make the world a better place for our furry friends. We are an infrastructure NGO and a healthcare NGO as well, aiming to promote better infrastructure for development and better access to medical facilities for underprivileged people.
