In America today, no less than 85 million families have opened up their homes to a pet. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of these pets are puppies and kittens.
While it can be easy to get caught up in the fluffy moment and leave a pet store with more than you bargained for, the truth is that owning kittens and puppies is a huge responsibility. That’s why it’s so important that you consider which type of pet is right for you before your purchase.
So how do you decide between a kitten or puppy for your new best friend? Follow along to discover the factors that help you decide which pet suits your household best.
The Costs
First things first when it comes to the kittens vs puppies debate is the cost of ownership.
It’s important to remember that there will be more costs involved than just the initial purchase of your puppy or kitten. You’ll need to budget for food, toys, a place to sleep, grooming, vet bills, and more as your pet grows. While these costs are relatively comparable, kittens are often more affordable pets to keep than dogs.
This is largely due to the number of toys and training materials a dog requires and their larger food intake overall.
The Training
A more consuming aspect of pet ownership is the time you will spend training them.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance pet, puppies probably aren’t your best choice. While they are often more interactive than kittens, they do tend to need more training than their furry rivals.
While dogs will need to learn about barking, chewing, and peeing outside, cats pick up on litterbox habits rather quickly and maintain a pretty independent lifestyle from there. However, if you’ve got the time and energy to train little rover, the investment is definitely worth the reward!
The Activities
What’s your idea of a fun Sunday afternoon? Are you one to hit the beach or mountains for a day in nature or does curling up with a cup of tea and a movie sound like the perfect fix?
If you answered outdoor activities, you may be better suited for a puppy in your life. Pups love a good adventure and can tag along on your hikes, walks, and beach excursions with ease. On the other hand, if you love a good day at home, your kitten will love your company.
Time Spent at Home
Apart from activities, how much time during the week do you typically spend at home? If your workweek will leave your furry friend unattended for 8 hours a day, you may want to consider kittens vs puppies.
Because kittens are more independent, they tend to fair better with being alone for long stretches of time. Dogs on the other hand are far more interactive and will need you around to exercise, play, and let them out for a pee.
Of course, it is possible to keep your puppy happy and destruction-free while your away by adopting crate use and asking friends and family to stop by for bathroom breaks. Check out these awesome crate training tips to keep your pup safe and happy while you’re out and about.
Puppies and Kittens for Your Home
Now that you know the key things to consider when choosing between puppies and kittens, you can make an educated decision for your needs. Whatever you decide, we’re confident you’ll love the attention and affection of your new best friend.
Want more tips and tricks for raising your household pets? Check out our other articles to discover everything you need to know to be a fantastic pet owner.