Dogs VS Cats: The Opposites

Whether you're a dog person, a cat person or you love them both equally, we pretty much all know that dogs and cats are very different. Sure, they tend to have similar qualities and maybe you have both pets where the cat starts acting more like a dog or the dog acts more like a cat. We can see these things because we know they have their own different qualities.

Well, I thought it would be fun to list a bunch of fun facts that show their unique opposite traits.

Dogs - Littermate syndrome

Littermate syndrome is a behavioral phenomenon that can happen when two puppies of the same litter (and even sometimes not the same litter and just close in age) are raised together in the same home.

Of course this isn't always going to happen but it is a real risk and a reason lots of people refrain from adopting more than one puppy at one time.

Common signs of littermate syndrome:

• Separation anxiety when they are apart.

• Poor social skills with people or other dogs

• Fearfulness or aggression towards one another as they age

• More difficult to train

• Severe dependence on each other that can cause major distress when separated even briefly.

Cats - Single kitten syndrome

We went over briefly on littermate syndrome, so here's the opposite! Single kitten syndrome is a behavioral phenomenon that can happen when a kitten is raised without littermates or other feline friends. Dogs can have issues with being raised with their puppy pals, but kittens can have issues being raised without other kitty friends. If you're a home without any pets and you're considering adopting a kitten, please consider adopting two. Some cat based shelters don't let you adopt just one kitten if you have no other pets.

Kittens learn SO much from interacting with each other during their first 8-12 weeks of life. From learning body language, handling frustration, different types of play, and even how hard of a bite is too hard.

Common signs of single kitten syndrome:

• Difficulty with boundaries

• Overly needy/clingy

• Rough play with biting and using nails, usually directed at people

• Destructiveness

• Anxiety and frustration when alone

• Poor social skills

Belly Rubs

We all know that cute roll over our pets do to show they love and trust us. They flip on their backs, maybe they do a cute little wiggle and that temptation to rub their belly overflows your emotions.

Dogs -

Dogs flip over, you rub their belly and they just melt. They wag their tail in excitement begging for more. Not all dogs love a belly rub of course, but generally speaking, they can't seem to get enough.

Cats -

While the meaning is the same (showing they trust you with their belly in the air) this is not an invitation to touch.. Some cats will tolerate a bit of belly touch and some may even love it, but the majority of cats don't. This is where the opposite comes in from dogs. Cats show you they trust you by showing you their most vulnerable areas. You've probably made jokes about how your cat will set a 'trap' by tempting you with a belly rub but it's just simply a cat showing you trust and hoping you don't break it. I'm sure most of us cat owners have those scratches on our hands and arms from needing to rub a belly.

Potty Training

Same goal, different journey!

Dogs -

Potty training puppies can be a bit of a tedious task, especially since they can't hold their bladder as long as an adult dog can. Making sure they go outside after eating and drinking, rewarding them when they go where they are supposed to, using a consistent routine and frequent outdoor breaks are all crucial for success. With some patience, it can take about 4 to 6 months to fully potty train your pup. Their initial instinct is to relieve themselves, they aren't thinking about where to go unless you show them.

Cats -

Put them in a litter box. Ta-da!

No but jokes aside, most of the time when given a litter box, your kitten usually knows where to go. Litter box use is natural and typically instinctive of your kitty and most kittens learn to use the litter box within just a few days or even immediately. Some reasons your kitty may not use the litter box are the litter is dirty, it's a litter that is hurting their paws, health issues, territorial issues causing them to spray, or simply them being stressed. Not that being stressed is 'simple' but you get what I'm saying.

Oh and please please pleaaaaase don't train your cat to use a toilet.

(Something else I'll have to make a post about at some point, hmmm!)

Showing Affection

The beauty of a human, their pet and the bond they share.

Dogs -

You know the saying, 'dogs are a mans best friend'. The constant licking (especially your face), the jumping on you, the little 'howls' or 'whining' for attention. Maybe your dog likes to jam itself in between your legs like it's life depends on it. That is some real dog affection right there.

Cats -

Anyone who says cats aren't capable of showing affection are crazy. Sorry not sorry! Your cat that just came up to you and rubbed it's whole body against your leg? Oh wait, but he just headbutted your leg too? Maybe he headbutted your face. That one cat who doesn't like to be touched but was staring at you from across the room and blinked slowly. That is some strong cat affection right there. Slow blink back! It's so simple, yet so powerful.

Travel

An adventure or a scary experience?

Dogs -

Unless your dog is naturally a nervous pup or is fearful of certain things, dogs most of the time love adventures. Whether that's car rides, taking a trip up to get a pup cup, going to the beach, jumping in water or exploring trails. Those cute wagging tails showing pure excitement gets me every time.

Cats -

Cats are known for needing time. Needing to feel at home. Changing up small things can be great enrichment, but big changes like moving in vehicles, moving homes and other locations can be a very stressful situation. Cats need time to decompress, and slowly be introduced to big new things.

Thought this was a fun little opposites list between your loving furry pals!

(Give your pups and kitties a nose boop for me)