So many things factor into our personalities and make us who we are. Where did we grow up? Are we introverted or extroverted? What kinds of activities do we enjoy? What are our core values? What kind of a job do we have? Do we enjoy it? As individuals, we are comprised of many traits and qualities that make up our whole personalities, but few things define us in the eyes of our peers as much as this one dividing question: are you a “dog person” or a “cat person?”

It’s true- we believe we can tell a lot about a person based on their answer to that question. Often, a preference for cats is associated as a feminine characteristic, while a preference for dogs is seen as a masculine trait. “Cat people” are often perceived to be intellectual, quieter, and more introverted while “dog people” seem to be categorized as more extroverted and happy-go-lucky. But how accurate is it?

Ultimately, it’s up to you to define who you are and how you want to be perceived, but we can’t deny that there might be a nugget of truth to some of these statements.

Owning a dog may require you to be a more social person.

Thanks to our dogs’ exercise requirements, owning a dog probably means you will have to leave the house with your furry friend more often than if you owned a cat. Between walks, visits to the park, and the occasional drive (if your dog likes to ride), dog owners tend to take their besties out in public a lot. We all know nothing attracts more attention than those soft, brown puppy eyes and friendly wagging tail. When you’re in public with your pooch, be prepared to make lots of new friends. Nothing is a better conversation starter than “can I pet your dog?”

Choosing a cat as a pet might mean more freedom.

It’s true- cat ownership often requires less time than dog ownership (but that doesn’t mean we don’t love spending as much time with our cats as possible!). Cat owners may not have to plan their days around their cat’s exercise regimen, and often times, felines are fine to roam their home by themselves for a few days at a time. For this reason, cat owners may enjoy a little more freedom in their lives. (But, if you are looking for some ideas for great places to take your cat, read this –? http://blog.21stessentialpet.com/2017/10/8-fun-places-to-take-your-cat/) However, although cat ownership may require less planning and less hands-on work, it should be noted that the lifespan of a cat is generally longer than a dog’s. For this reason, some might say that cat owners are more open to commitment than dog owners.

So, are you a “cat person” or a “dog person”? If you can’t choose, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people identify as both a “cat person” and a “dog person.” After all, whether your pet purrs or barks, one thing is true: the companionship of any pet is irreplaceable.

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