The age-old debate of cats versus dogs

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RACHEL SUN | The Daily Evergreen

Leo the Corgi at the Lending a Paw fundraiser on the Glenn Terrell Friendship Mall on Wednesday. Some say dogs are superior to cats in the dogs versus cats debate.

CHRIS ARNESON, Mint columnist

Whether you are a fan of felines or crazy for canines, your preference identifies who you are as a person in the eyes of many animal lovers around the globe.

Cat people are typically seen as mellow, indoor types, while those who love dogs are stereotyped as being adventurous explorers of the outdoors. While these generalizations do not classify all pet owners, they tend to exist because of the differing nature of the two animals. Dogs usually require daily walks, while cats require minimal attention beyond being fed and having their litter box changed.

There is no definitive answer to the question of which animal is better; your personal opinion will likely come down to past experiences. If you were bit by a dog at a formative age, it is more likely that you have four cats instead of a Rottweiler.

I intend to answer the question of which animal is superior with five categories: daily pleasantness, required effort, potential danger, ability to be shown off to visitors and peripheral factors.

When it comes to comparing the quotidian pleasantness of the two animals, I will give the slight edge to dogs. I have always enjoyed walking the dog as part of my daily ritual and as a good chance to get some fresh air. Cats can also be pleasant, but they don’t bring as much energy off the bench as their counterpart, so dogs win this one.

The required effort category is a clear victory for cats, with the judges giving a unanimous ruling. As I previously alluded, all you have to do with cats is put some food out, then let them saunter around the living room and sleep for 14 hours a day. Dogs require things like walks, outdoor bathroom breaks and compassion.

The potential danger dispute was hotly contested, as the judges’ deliberation stretched far into the night. The danger risk range for dogs is greater, seeing how some puppies fit in Coach purses while others could literally drag a stagecoach. Ultimately, I believe dogs have fewer hazards because you can train a mean pup. But cats don’t change, they just become more ensconced in their wicked ways.

Dogs are without a doubt easier to show off to visitors than their feline foil. Try showing your cat off to your aunt and you will find it either on top of the fridge or somewhere that necessitates that extended ladder that house painters use. Dogs, on the other paw, will practically knock you over when you walk through the front door because they cannot contain their excitement – or they really have to go to the bathroom.

Finally, dogs’ peripheral factors were also judged to be grander than those of your feline friend. This question can be summed up with a simple question; when’s the last time you made a fond memory with your cat? You reminisce about all those times you explored the neighborhood with Rover, but when your cat is gone, all you can remember is that time they didn’t completely mean mug you.

Based on the five queries established, the judges have ruled four to one that canines are better than felines. I guess this means Jim Davis is going to create a spin-off comic book series to Garfield starring Odie, voiced by Dan Aykroyd.

Chris Arneson is a senior sport management major from Bothell. He can be contacted at [email protected].