Think you are ready to adopt a pet, maybe a Dog or Cat?
Then you have come to the right place, adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue center, you’re giving the animal a second chance to a happy life with a family that really cares. Adding a new member to your family, “you’re pet,” can bring so much happiness into your life.
Did you know that research has shown that having a pet in your family, maybe a kitten or a puppy, has the ability to boost your family’s physical and mental health. In fact, dog owners are known to live longer and happier lives. Ask any pet parent out there, and they will tell you that adopting a pet can have its challenges at first, but with time, the pros will outweigh the cons. When adopting, you are not only providing a safe, loving home for your new dog or cat, but you are also gaining a loyal friend who will bring endless happiness into your life.
So you’ve decided that you are ready to adopt a pet. Now what?
There are several ways you can get started with your adoption process and end up bring home your cute furry friend. You are just about to embark on one of life’s most rewarding journey. Adopting a dog or cat.
However, at this point the big question is…
Should I adopt a Cat or a Dog?
As a nation of pet lovers, it’s clear that both cats and dogs do offer unconditional love, friendship, and affection. And owning either has its own therapeutic benefits, plus after all who doesn’t love a cuddle from a furry friend after a long tiresome day?
Having to choose between getting a dog or a cat can be really tough, however generally speaking, cats are more independent while dogs require more attention. But if you are the kind of person that likes to cuddle with your furry friend from time to time and not only when it suits your cat, you might consider getting yourself a dog.
Please also note that owning a pet is more beneficial to you than just getting cuddles, study has shown that pet owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, plus they are also less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, or stress.
Cats and dogs do have completely different characteristics and needs, so this decision will be highly influenced by your lifestyle.
Signs that a dog is your best option.
There are a few things that can help you know whether dogs are for you, for example, are you an energetic outdoor individual, who loves staying active by going for runs now and then, if that’s you then a dog is the right choice for you. As dogs do need lots of stimulation, regular walks, and fresh air and hence they are best suited for an individual who has a garden or have access to a park.
Trained dogs can even be taken on trips as they enjoy days out travelling, unlike cats who are naturally solitary animals. Dog should not be left alone all day, so in case you work for long hours, you should set aside some time that you will be spending with your dog, taking it for a walk and grooming it. There are different types of dog breeds available in these shelters, ranging in size, hairiness, and even preferred temperatures you should take all of these things into account, especially if you are considering of getting yourself a dog.
Signs that a cat is your best option.
Do you have a limited indoor space, busy lifestyle, and simply desire an independent pet, if that’s the case, then you are best suited for a cat rather than a dog. This is because cats are relatively quiet and are always happy by themselves all day to sleep and entertain themselves. They are mainly suited for less active people as they don’t need you to take them for a walk. But despite all that, they do also enjoy social interaction and love being played with.
Regular grooming is also quite important, especially if they are a long haired cat. Unlike dogs, cats do not need much indoor space, especially when they have access to the garden. Even without the outdoor access, they can be quite content as long as they are well fed with an appropriate diet and have access to a litter box, scratching post, and some toys to keep their body and mind busy. Although they might not have the same boundless energy as dogs, they are affectionate, relaxing, and entertaining pets.