Although both cats and dogs can make great pets, dogs are generally more popular among humans. I cannot personally understand that, since cats are so cute and adorable and they don't scare you by barking, and some cats very rarely meow. But it all boils down to one's preferences, I suppose.

There still are some very special reasons for which a cat hater could easily be turned into a cat lover. These creatures have had it rough ever since medieval times, when they were seen as the perfect companions for witches and wizards. The funny thing about black cats is that people still fear them nowadays, suspecting the poor creatures of having malicious intents like bringing them bad luck. Yet they can be very beautiful, with their silky, dark coats and their vivid green eyes. And if you own such a pet, it's a great way to test your friends' and neighbors' level of belief in superstitions on special occasions like Halloween.

Although dogs are considered man's best friends, due to their presumed loyal nature, cats prove to be even more loyal if we come to think that they do not respond to a stranger in the same way they respond to their owners. They are in fact loyal strictly to the ones that have raised them, taken care of them and shown them affection. They are regarded as independent and distrustful, when they are in fact trustworthy if we consider the fact that they would immediately run away and hide if they don't know you as their master. So they are somehow wiser than dogs.

Apart from all that, cats can be also extremely intelligent animals. They can be very amusing for their owners, unlike pet fish, hamsters, turtles or guinea-pigs. If they have toys, even ones that contain catnip, they won't get bored and they may feel very happy to let you join their joyful games.

Most people would agree that cats are simply incredibly cute, in everything they do, how they sleep, play with their toys, twist their bodies in the funniest ways, jump, etc. For those who live either in the countryside, or still in town, but in a house, not an apartment, owning a cat for a pet is really great, since this animal can catch mice and insects, and therefore requires very little attention from the human part. And of course, they would most probably not refuse some milk whenever offered.

Unlike dogs who need a lot of grooming and special food in order to look healthy and nice, cats are low maintenance. All you need for them is a litter box, that needs to be cleaned almost every day, a food bowl, some toys, and if you really insist on taking good care of your pet, a hair brush. Cats don't really need to be bathed very often, despite the fact that many cat owners feel obliged to wash their pets, to spray them, perfume them, and so on. Some cat owners even wash them only at a few months' distance, because cats take care of their personal hygiene themselves.

As for dogs, they are not so easy to maintain, they need a lot of expenses. The dog also needs to take baths regularly and to be walked at least twice a day, so it's ideal for retired people who have plenty of spare time. Dogs can certainly make wonderful companions, as they adjust their daily routine to their owners', notorious for their self-sacrifice spirit which makes them "man's best friends". Many people don't like cats because they think they are self-centered and show fake affection and devotion. In my opinion, cats are really honest animals. When they are hungry, they honestly ask for food, when they don't like something they leave the room. The thing is dogs are more obedient than cats, which are generally highly self-sufficient. If you want to be friends with your pet cat, you have to "respect its cattitude".

Despite their reputation as selfish animals, cats can give amazing displays of affection and gratitude towards humans. They get sad when their owners leave home for longer periods of time, and show their genuine joy upon their masters' return.