Second Chance: Cat People Vs. Dog People

28 Jan Second Chance: Cat People Vs. Dog People

Among the pet lovers in America, the world seems to divide between dog people and cat people – with dog people outnumbering  cat people. And that is an issue since there are more homeless cats than dogs in the country. Thus, my interest in authoring today’s Second Chance Pet Column is twofold: to thank all the loyal cat people out there, as well as attempt to bring some of the dog people over to the feline side.

Spice

I did a bit of research and found out that if you want to be a more open-minded and sensitive person, you need a cat. Great qualities to strive for don’t you think?

According to researcher Denise Guastello, an associate professor of psychology at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, “dog people” and “cat people” really do have different personalities.

The study found that “dog lovers,” although more energetic and outgoing (extroverts), were also more conforming (i.e. traditional and less likely to think independently). On the other hand, cat lovers were more introverted, open-minded, non-conformist, and sensitive (i.e. more self-assured and interesting). And… not surprisingly, cat lovers…wait for it… scored higher on intelligence than dog lovers. (Way to go cat people!!!)

If you think about it, these differences in human attributes reflect the behaviors both animal species have retained from their cultural DNA prior to domestication. In the wild, cats are usually solitary hunters and often are active mostly at night. In contrast, wild canines are usually sociable pack animals that work in groups and are active between dawn and dusk. Domesticated dogs retain the need for social interaction to the degree that without a master and a family, a dog seems unhappy, almost lost.

Dogs will intrude on a person’s ongoing activities if they are feeling lonely and want some company or play, which is to say they can be demanding and needy. Cats, on the other hand, are often pretty low key during the day and more interactive in the evening, especially if that is when they get fed. Cats engage in social activities or play with people more briefly, and are much more low maintenance.

So, what do you think? Don’t cat people just sound a tad bit superior?

And if you are not ready to give up your dog tendencies, how about becoming a well-rounded, balanced, even more interesting cat AND dog person?!?!  That would indicate brains, lots of friends, companionship, and affection all at once.

So come on down to the Shelter all you dog people and meet me and my feline companions just waiting to bring a bit more balance into your lives… My name is Wallenda. I am a Lynx point, long-haired, very cuddly and sweet year-old girl, who is far too precious to be homeless.

And if you are wanting to bring home a cat/dog pair, meet Spice, a lovely Springer Spaniel mix who is a heartworm survivor, fully healthy and ready for her forever home now.

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   Wallenda

If felines are more up your alley you can visit the King of the Cats, whose name is King…

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff &  Magnificent Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)