Is it more expensive to own a dog or a cat, all things considered?

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   Laura Schneiderposted 11 years ago

   Is it more expensive to own a dog or a cat, all things considered?
   
   

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   Lavender Jadeposted 11 years ago

   I think a dog, they need more attention and care, bath, comb, clip, yearly injections from the vet, if a large dog, food bills, collar and lead, bed, and anything else you might want. Cats look after themselves, you still need the vet but it seems to be less expensive for cats, they clean themselves, groom themselves and generally look after their self. I think dogs are more expensive, and have had both dogs and cats

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      DrMark1961posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You should not be giving your dog yearly vaccinations.

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   lburmasterposted 11 years ago

   From my experience, dogs cost more. If you walk them, you need to pay for bags. They tear through toys more than cats. Because they go outside, you need to buy creams, liquids, or bath supplies that keep bugs away. Not to mention the training lessons if you get a pet who hasn't been trained. That could cost a fortune and waste your time. After getting a cat, all I had to pay for is litter with food about once every two weeks, and the occasional toy or two every few months.

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      DrMark1961posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Are you really saying that spending time with your pet is a waste of your time?

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      lburmasterposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      If it is a dog, yes. They are very excited, which excites me. That's not what I want in a pet. An animal that can calm me down and make me laugh, a cat or turtle or fish, is what I need in my home. Not a stress causer with a schedule of his own.

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   DrMark1961posted 11 years ago

   I agree that dogs are the more expensive of the two.Lavender Jade pointed out all of the extra expenses you will run into. If you really want to save, a hamster is a great alternative. They dont cost much, they dont eat much, and you almost never have to take them to the vet.
   Hmmm, then again, isn´t there an old saying about "you get what you pay for"?

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Oo-Kay, I think Dr. Mark1961 is definitely a dog person, not a cat person, based on his comments :-). Hedgehogs are another great calming pet. They are nocturnal but make no noise. They're not for everyone, though, and few vets treat them.

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   ParadigmEnactedposted 11 years ago

   More often than not a dog would be. Most dog breeds are considerably larger than cats, and even the ones that aren't are extremely dependent on humans for everything, need more shots, and are lousy hunters. People that own cats, usually go to as much trouble for them as dogs, but they really don't need to. Cats are very capable and self-reliant.
   
   If I had a cat, I'd probably just let it roam around freely outside for a period during the day instead of buying it food and it would be ok. Dogs are good for nothing when it comes to doing things on their own. But if I had a cat, I'd spend a lot of money replacing the furniture and the carpets every three weeks to keep the living conditions bearable, so maybe a cat would be more expensive

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I love your ending about the carpets and furniture. Too true!
      
      "Dogs are good for nothing." I trained one and worked with many service dogs who do MANY things on their own initiative--if trained. Even life-saving things. :-) At $20k+ they're pricey.

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      DrMark1961posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I am glad you do not live close to me, since if you had a cat you would leave it hungry and let it kill all our wild birds.

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   BChild75posted 11 years ago

   Dogs in my experience are more costly and I have both. My reasoning for this, dogs have more accesories I.E. collars, leashes. And more variation in toys/ treats and there food is more pricey as well. Where the things for cats are less costly altogether.

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