Cats Are Better Than Dogs & Here Are 17 Reasons Why

If you're deciding between a cat and a dog as your next pet, we must remind you that cats absolutely rule, while dogs do, in fact, drool. There are endless reasons why cats are better than dogs, including the obvious that they're quieter, smell better, live longer, and don't need to be walked. Consider these 17 reasons to get a cat over a dog, because felines really are the cat's meow.

Cats make all sorts of unique sounds, like purrs, chirps, and meows, but they're nothing like a dog's bark. Cats are simply quieter than dogs, which means they're far less likely to prompt a noise complaint from your neighbor.

Cats don't really need baths because they spend 30 to 50 percent of their day licking themselves. That's seven to 12 hours of meticulous grooming! This means your cat will always stay squeaky clean, and you won't have to worry about bathing them. That sounds like a win-win to us.

Want more years with your best friend? Get a cat. Cats live an average of 12 to 18 years or more, which is significantly longer than most dogs.

Don't feel like going outside today? No problem. Cats don't need to be walked like dogs do, which means cat owners aren't forced to bundle up or face the scorching sun (or worse, partake in awkward park small talk) while they give their pet some exercise.

Unless you plan to take your cat outdoors - which you totally can do - they don't need a harness, leash, poop bags, portable water dish, or any of the other equipment dogs need. Cat gear is fairly minimal, so you won't need to spend a ton on it or make room in your home for all their supplies.

When it comes down to it, cats are less expensive than dogs. Not only is the initial cost of purchasing or adopting a cat lower (depending on the breed), but upkeep is less costly, too. Cats eat less than dogs, need fewer vaccines, and don't require an expensive dog walker.

If you work a 9-to-5, you might have to leave your pet at home during the day. As long as your cat has access to water and a litter box, that shouldn't be a problem. And we hate to be bearers of bad (or good?) news, but they'll probably snooze the whole time and not even notice you're gone …

This might sound a little "woo woo," but a cat's purr is believed to have healing properties. The frequency of their purrs falls between 25 and 150 Hertz, which is the same frequency that is found to stimulate bone and muscle repair. Cool, right?

Cats just smell better than dogs. They don't roll in smelly things like dogs do, and cats spend half their day grooming, so they keep their fur absolutely pristine. Who likes wet dog smell? Not us.

Got mice? Annoying insects? Not anymore. Cats are natural hunters, which means they'll keep your home free of pests and rodents. Even if your cat doesn't catch any critters, their presence definitely keeps them at bay.

Cat ownership isn't just good for your soul. It's actually good for your heart. Studies show that people who have cats are less likely to suffer from heart attacks or other cardiovascular conditions than those who don't.

If you live in an apartment or small home, a cat is a much better option than a dog. Cats don't need a ton of space to thrive. Just make sure you give them plenty of vertical space in the form of cat trees and perches to fulfill their natural climbing instincts.

Drool is kind of gross. Fortunately, cats don't slobber the way dogs do. You won't have to worry about your pet cat wiping foamy drool all over your hands or pant legs. Ew, thank goodness!

When you adopt a kitten from the shelter, there's no risk that you'll end up with a 100-pound cat. The same can't be said for a puppy of unknown origin. Cats are all around the same basic size - 6 to 15 pounds, depending on the breed - so you know what to expect. No big surprises here.

Looking for a pet-friendly apartment or hotel can be a challenge, but the good news is that more accommodations allow cats over dogs. This is due to the fact that cats are smaller, quieter, and less likely to cause damage compared to dogs.

Cats are more independent than dogs, which means they aren't nearly as clingy. Dogs might follow you around and lick, bark, or paw at you constantly for attention. Cats, on the other hand, enjoy their own space and won't aggressively invade yours.

Don't assume you can't experience the outdoors with a cat. These playful pets make incredible adventure buddies. With early training, your cat can learn to walk on a leash and stroll down the block, hike, backpack, or even kayak by your side just as confidently as any dog could.

If you've owned both cats and dogs, you know there's something special about pet cats. They're cuddly, comforting, intuitive, and even a little spicy. But that's why we love them so darn much.