If you cannot decide between getting a dog or a cat, one factor that might help you decide is cleanliness.
Are cats cleaner than dogs?
Yes, cats are cleaner than dogs. If cleanliness is important to you, you should strongly consider getting a cat. There are several reasons why cats have earned a reputation for being fastidious creatures. From grooming to toilet habits, felines have a clear advantage over canines.
How are cats cleaner than dogs?
There are a few areas where cats can be considered cleaner than dogs:
1. Self-grooming
If you look closely at a cat’s tongue, you will see plenty of barbs on it. These tiny structures help a cat clean various parts of his body and aid in the removal of dead skin cells, hair, and even parasites like fleas. Furthermore, the act of licking can also facilitate the faster healing of superficial wounds on a cat’s body.
Another advantage cats have over dogs when it comes to self-grooming is that they are more flexible. This flexibility allows a cat to clean and groom almost all of its body parts. In contrast, a dog is only flexible enough to reach his private parts and paws.
Finally, cats spend a substantial amount of their cleaning and grooming themselves. According to some estimates, a cat can spend as much as half a day tending to his cleaning and grooming needs. A a result cats are very clean on the animal scale.
2. Toilet habits
When it comes to toilet habits, cats are similar to people in a couple of ways.
For one, felines prefer to do their business in private, away from the prying eyes of their housemates. Second, once they are done, they will cover their droppings and urine, minimizing the stench circulating in your home.
Cats cover their feces and urine because in the wild, their scents can lead other felines and potential predators to their location. Even after years of domestication, this instinct has remained intact.
In contrast, a dog can go anywhere. Unlike a cat, he is not worried about leaving a mess behind as long as he has relieved himself.
Finally, cats are such sticklers for cleanliness that they will deliberately avoid using a litter box that is clean or smells bad. This is why it is critical to clean a litter box regularly.
3. Smell
Which animal has a tendency to become smelly, the cat or the dog?
Although both animals have smelly poop and pee, you will rarely have to deal with a smelly cat. Both cats and dogs molt and secrete oils. But between the two, canines tend to reek of bad odor, especially if they are not bathed regularly.
Cats do such a terrific job cleaning themselves that they can get rid of a substantial amount of dander from their bodies, minimizing their potential to smell bad.
Dogs, on the other hand, require plenty of assistance when it comes to cleaning and grooming. And although cats still need to be brushed regularly and bathed occasionally, canines require more hands-on attention.
Finally, when it comes to the smell of their breaths, dogs tend to be smellier compared to cats. Although the mouths of both animals harbor bacteria, you would not gag from the smell of a cat’s breath.
Which animal sheds more, cat or dog?
If cats are the clear winners when it comes to self-grooming and smelling better, which animal sheds more?
There is no clear answer to this question. Simply put, some cat breeds tend to shed more than the others. This answer is true for both cats and dogs.
In cats, the breeds that shed the most are Maine Coons, Ragamuffins, Norwegian Forest cats, American Bobtails, and Ragdolls. The dog breeds that shed heavily are Saint Bernard, Alaskan Malamute, Huskies, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds.
It is worthwhile to point out that a cat’s fur and dander are lighter and finer compared to those of a dog’s. This means that both particles can remain suspended in the air for a longer time. Cat hair can also be dispersed further compared to dog fur.
Which animal is easier to groom?
Between cats and dogs, dogs are easier to groom. It is a good thing that cats can do a great job cleaning and grooming themselves because they can be quite a handful when you attempt to help them.
Nail trimming
When it comes to nail trimming, it is easier to trim a dog’s. For one, a dog’s nails cannot be retracted. This makes the nails accessible, whether you are doing the nail-trimming yourself or you are getting help from a pet groomer.
On the other hand, most cats are wary of the idea of getting their paws touched, especially by strangers and people they do not trust. It does not help that cats have the ability to retract their nails.
Trimming a cat’s nails is a two-person job. One person needs to hold on to the cat while another does the actual nail-trimming. Plus, cats need to be relaxed when they are getting their nails trimmed. You may even have to stop trimming your pet’s nails when he has had enough and not when you are done.
Tooth brushing
Although a dog’s breath can be smellier compared to a cat’s, you will find it easier to brush a canine’s teeth. Dogs are more amenable to their humans helping them get cleaner teeth. With a cat, it is a hit-or-miss situation.
But with cats and dogs, brushing their teeth can become easier and more acceptable if you begin training them at a young age. Once a cat reaches adulthood, it can be difficult to get him started with tooth brushing.
Are cat mouths cleaner than dogs?
No, cat mouths are not cleaner than dogs. In fact, the mouths of both animals contain several microorganisms, including bacteria that can be harmful to people.
One such type of bacteria is Pasteurella multocida which causes Pasteurellosis. The bacteria can be passed from a cat or dog to a human through bites or scratches. Left unchecked, the infection can cause septic arthritis and abscesses.
Both pets have dirty mouths because unlike humans, they cannot brush their teeth. This is why you should not allow your cat or dog to lick or kiss you. Furthermore, you should also make it a habit to brush your cat’s teeth with a toothpaste made especially for pets.
You should also be aware that cats also lick their butts while they groom themselves As such, it is not unusual for them to ingest some fecal matter. Cat feces can contain another harmful organism known as Toxoplasma gondii.
Dogs and cats can overgroom themselves
Although self-grooming can be a definite advantage when you are weighing which pet to get, you should be aware that both cats and dogs can overgroom themselves.
As the adage goes, too much of a good thing can be bad. Cats tend to overgroom themselves when they are stressed or suffering from an illness. Overgrooming can lead to a few issues, including hair loss.
Dogs can also overgroom themselves which can lead to baldness and infections.
If you notice that your pet is spending more time grooming and cleaning himself, do not hesitate to consult a vet to rule out stress or medical concern.
Your pet will still need help in grooming
Indeed, cats are cleaner than dogs. Because of their ability and propensity to clean and groom themselves, cats do not need to bathe as often as dogs.
However, most cats, especially those with medium to long fur need to be brushed regularly. Frequent brushing will help keep mats and tangled fur at bay. Longhaired breeds need to be brushed daily while shorthaired cats can get away with a weekly brushing session.
Choosing the right pet for you
Adding a pet to your home is a major decision that requires careful thought. Apart from looking into the appearance, breed, and temperament of an animal, it is vital to look at the cleaning and grooming requirements of the pet you are considering to get.
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