If you love animals and are passionate about them, you probably already have one at home or would like to have one. Perhaps you do not have one because of personal circumstances or because the opportunity has not arisen. You may even want to expand your family and not know which pet to choose.
When talking about pets, we cannot avoid discussing the two biggest competitors in the home: cat or dog. Before making this decision, there are many points to consider. First, understand that you are adding a new family member and that this requires greater responsibility. Second, it may change certain circumstances in your life, such as travel plans. Once you accept the responsibility, go ahead. Having a pet brings happiness and love to the family.
One factor that can help you choose the type of pet is your personality. According to Taylor Truitt, an American veterinarian and animal expert at a New York clinic, the type of pet a person chooses usually matches the owner's lifestyle.
DOG LOVERS
A dog requires an owner who is sociable, because it forces you to interact with more people when taking it for walks and to meet new dog-loving friends. You have to be a person who is more dependent, who enjoys interacting with others and rarely likes being alone. Those who choose a dog as a new life companion are more extroverted people who really enjoy being surrounded by others.
Dog owners are very thoughtful and affectionate people who always like to surprise others with a thoughtful gesture, whether it is a gift or simply an act of kindness.
According to a study conducted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, there is a strong familial relationship between dogs and their owners, with the feeling toward a dog equaling that toward a child. “We are increasingly pampering dogs as emotional substitutes for children,” explains Peter Gray, a biological anthropologist at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Dogs are very possessive and require constant affection.
Therefore, if you are a reliable person who loves order and responsibility, a dog would be your choice. Furthermore, as Rosario Galtair, veterinarian and director of the EBAVET Animal Behavior Reference Center, has explained to us, “humans are more similar to dogs in terms of their species. In this way, people who share behavioral similarities with dogs are those who enjoy walking, the outdoors, hiking … and having free time.”
CAT LOVERS
A cat allows you to be more independent; they do not need to be taken for walks. Cats are independent and distrustful by nature, and they find it difficult to become attached to someone. Once they do, they are incredibly loving and affectionate. According to various studies conducted by the University of California, Berkeley, a cat owner tends to be introverted and intellectual. These are people who do not mind being alone, are very ingenious, and are always thinking of new creative ideas.
If you are an owner who, for work or personal reasons, spends a lot of time away from home, a cat would be more suited to your lifestyle because it requires less attention than a dog.
When choosing your pet, did you let your personality guide you? Or, if you do not have a pet yet, will you let your personality guide you? Tell us about it on social media.