Catlovers VS Doglovers

[Soledad]

We all know the difference between cats and dogs, but what about the differences between catlovers and doglovers? Do you think there are certain personality traits that exist in either? I'm fascinated with this idea, as I grew up quite a dog lover, but am gradually coming over to the cat side of things. I've noticed a bit of a personality change in that time, and I'd love to hear your views!

[moosmom]

Soledad,

I grew up with dogs. I am a reformed cat hater. I thought cats were the lowest form on the face of the earth till my daughter Amy convinced me to get my first cat (Mollie Rose who is now 8 years old). From that point on I was hooked. I now have 6 cats and love every single one of them. I would rather be referred to as an animal lover as opposed to a just a cat or dog lover.

[anna_66]

Well...I wouldn't say I'm a cat hater, I love all animals. But I've only had 1 cat (wasn't mine, I took care of her for a couple of months while she was pregnant). She was the most loving & sweet cat & like I said, she was pregnant She was a Siamese, & most beautiful. She would sleep with her head on my neck Which made moving kinda impossible! I loved her very much & hated to give her back.
But otherwise, I haven't had much interaction with cats. We always had dogs while I was growing up (poodles!). I just can't imagine a cat giving love like a dog does. I've never seen one run to greet you with wet kisses & a wagging tail!
I would love to hear everyone's input.
I don't know, but I think I will be a dog lover till I die

[aly]

I actually think cat lovers have more the type of personality as cats, and dog lovers have the personality of dogs. Strictly cat people might be more introverted, independent, curious, intelligent, moody (hehe) while strictly dog people are more extroverted, playful, giving, and sniff peoples' crotches (JUST KIDDING!!!).

Of course I know I can't generalize cat lovers and dog lovers.. but I do believe that a lot of the time they have the personality of a cat/dog. I hope no one is offended.

I love BOTH cats and dogs, so does that make me an introverted extrovert.......... or maybe an extroverted introvert

[RockyRoad]

I love all animals, but if I had to choose it would be none because bunnies are WAY better than both!!

[mugsy]

I have never owned a cat and probably never will because 1. Vonney kills them and 2. Mike is allergic. I too am a reformed cat hater. I will probably NEVER love them, but they're ok. I much prefer dogs though....pretty obivious having 16 of them!! lol I would say that I love ALL animals. Mistreatment of any kind is, in my book, unforgivable.

[Nomilynn]

Originally posted by aly
I actually think cat lovers have more the type of personality as cats, and dog lovers have the personality of dogs. Strictly cat people might be more introverted, independent, curious, intelligent, moody (hehe) while strictly dog people are more extroverted, playful, giving, and sniff peoples' crotches (JUST KIDDING!!!).

ROFL HAHAHAAH.... that was great!

I prefer cats but that's because, right now, I couldn't take care of a dog. I go to school all day and am gone some weekends. I know I can leave the cats overnight and not have to worry. I would have to say that I am an animal lover with a strong affliction for cats .

[gini]

This is a really good subject, and I just don't have the time today to respond fully.

One of my clients (male) mentioned to me that he had broken up with his girlfriend. Why? He said she was a dog person and he is a cat person - and it just wasn't working out.

Me? I love dogs as much as cats - it is just that I have a cat right now and I couldn't love him more. But I am certain that a dog will be in my future.

[Soledad]

I was interested in hearing about how people's personalities were changed by the animals they lived with. To avoid conflict, I didn't want it to be about dogs vs. cats, but about the people behind them. Do you think cat lovers and dog lovers are different in any way? Do you think there are certain traits that go along with certain animals?

I think there is something to be said about it all. Of course these are generalisations, but this is just for fun and not meant to mean that there are no exceptions. We're all animal lovers, here...but most of us prefer certain animals over others. I was wondering what it was inside YOU that made you pick one over the other.

Not to exclude birds, bunnies, lizards, etc....but I was interested in the cat/dog dynamic because it is so strong. I was wondering if we could try and see why.

[Nomilynn]

Well I think that I am pretty introverted rather than outgoinv and extroverted. But I don't really know about the differences because I've always been around people who have cats and dogs. I think in general cat people seem a bit more eccentric - I don't know why but that seems to be something I have observed. But please don't take offense.. I mean it totally as a positive!

[krazyaboutkatz]

When I was younger I grew up with a variety of animals but for some reason cats were always my favorite. Since I live in a condo, I knew that I couldn't really have a dog unless it was very small. I also sometimes work long hours and dogs get very lonely when left for long periods of time. I also think that dogs are more of a family pet and I'm single. Since I've always loved cats, I decided to get one. Well now I have 3 and love them all very much. They are my children. I think that I have changed since I've had my cats. I'm less stressed out, happier, unconditionally loved, and I also think that I've become a more responsible adult. My cats have improved my quality of life.

[Soledad]

and I never imagined that I'd ever make peace with them, let alone OWN one. Then I moved to NZ, and EVERYONE has a cat here. I thought I'd give it a go, and see if it made me more of a kiwi.

Being a dog person and having a cat in the house was very strange at first. I wasn't used to a pet being so opinionated, and I wasn't used to the amount of independence a cat can have. I think having a cat has made me more patient. I think it's very funny how a cat will lay on you and purr, and then suddenly leap from your lap to be on it's own. It kind of teaches you to just let go and be there when they're ready.

Anyone else?

[anna_66]

Ok, let's give this a go.

I feel I've learned alot more from my dogs than I could from a cat. Things like:

• Be forgiving, a dog almost always forgives.
  
• Be patient, dogs will wait forever (for instance...they are dumped, they will stay & wait for their owners to come back-how many cats would do that?)
  
• Be kind, don't just think about what you want, try to think of other peoples feelings.
  
• Be happy & show it!

Is this along the lines you were talking about Soledad?

[aly]

Anna,

I know my cat would wait a lifetime for me BUT pretend she wasn't My dogs would wait a lifetime too and it would be painfully obvious

[Soledad]

Sort of, only I didn't want it to get into a contest of who's better...cats or dogs. I just wondered if you thought that the people who loved cats/dogs were different from each other.