Dogs are loving, loyal, kind, fun, and a great family pet, but are they the best? 

There is a worldwide debate questioning what is the best family pet: a cat, parrot, bunny, lizard, or dog. There is a long list of pets that you can have, but what is the absolute best pet for a family? The biggest debate is cat vs. dog, and people have taken their sides. 

Dogs come in different shapes, sizes, colors, and types, and so do cats. Dogs are energetic and need lots of attention and a family who can take them on adventures out of the house. 

Cats do not have as much energy as dogs and are more of the stay-at-home type. They are not as high maintenance and don’t require as much attention as dogs but still need lots of love and care. Both are fun pets to have and are equally sweet. I am a dog person, but cats are very cute and nice. 

Dogs help humans in everyday things. Dogs are used for therapy, sniffing out explosives, helping those with disabilities, and much more.

Cats aid humans too: they can lower anxiety just like dogs and much more. Cats are more independent than dogs and can take care of themselves, which helps a lot with families who may not be around much.

Dogs can help you get outside more, which is great for families, such as going on a hike all together with the dog. 

In the end, it all comes down to the family. Families that do not have much time for a pet and can’t always have someone with the dog most of the day will much likely be better with a cat as their family pet. Cats can be independent, which would be great for a family that does not have as much time for the pet.

A family who has an open schedule, the ability to walk the dog every day, and is able to give the dog a good amount of attention, will be better with a dog. Dogs need much more time and attention than any other pet and need lots of care. 

Both pets are amazing animals, but it just depends on the amount of time you have for the pet. Would it be fair to get a dog and not give it the attention it needs? 

By MaryRose Mahoney ‘29, Staff Writer

29mrmahoney@montroseschool.org