It is a completw falacy that cats have less emotions for humans than dogs. A cat chooses a person to love, admitedly generally the person who feeds but not always. Two of my friends cats love me more and can hardly wait for me to visit. One of my cats hates all people other than me and will bite anybody who attampts to touch her. Take a dog on the other hand a friendly dog, approachable to all with wagging tail. Many people treat cats as a piece of furniture and do not communicate with the cat. Dogs by necessity require walking, i.e. human interaction. Believe me, I know cats very well. They talk and communicate if the owner is prepared to listen and respond. Cats are far more individual than dogs and I know dogs too. There is too much predudice against cats.

I read with interest your reasoning of why dogs get more medical care than cats. As the caregiver of my own 13 cats (all altered), the numerous strays that I feed on a daily basis, and the cats and kittens I foster on a regularly, I cannot afford vet care on a regular basis. I live on a limited income and do the best I can for them. I figure anything I can do to give them a better quality of life is better than just turning my back and pampering just one. I just spent $250 Saturday getting a stray patched up from a dog attack, $50 yesterday at the SPCA getting a rescue spayed. Don't make me feel guilty for not giving the best - I'm doing the best I can. I do enjoy your daily blogs. Keep them coming!!

Not me! I have 2 dogs, 2 ferrets and 4 cats.
The dogs sleep downstairs and the cats sleep with/on me.

I HAVE BLACK CAT LIKE TO SLEEP AT ARE BEDROOM DOOR AND AT 4:00 AM SHE CRYES AND STACHES AT ARE BEDROOM DOOR WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO HELP HER

I am the proud mama of 2 cats. They are my family, and it angers me when people make derogatory remarks about cats. My cats are as affectionate as dogs. They greet me at the door, sleep near me at night and during the day, follow me from room to room & chair to chair... They are as devoted to me as I am to them. They are not standoffish or uncompanionable at all!

On the food thing, is that cost per pound of cat/dog or of food? Considering the relative size of the average dog and cat, one would expect dogs to be larger and thus eat more. If the price per pound of food is the same, then feeding X number of dogs will cost more than feeding (same) X number of cats.

Collars. Dogs go out in public more (on average) than cats, so are more likely to have the need to wear a collar, period. My personal dogs tend to have pretty basic collars for everyday wear, although I often have 2 per dog so I have one to use while the other is in the wash. Other people tend toward more variety and ornateness in their collars. Dogs may also have different competition collars for various sports they compete in (in most competitions, tags are not allowed on collars). Cats tend to be involved in fewer organized sports than dogs.

Grooming. Since most people don't socialize their cats to car rides and new experiences, going to a groomer is traumatic and tends to be avoided. Also, if one sticks to shorter-haired cats, the cats themselves and simple brushes are usually enough to keep the cats looking good. I have seen a good number of longer-haired cats who can't really cope with their hair and could use a good grooming, though.

Why don't we encourage cat owners to socialize their kittens and take them out and about like we do puppies? I think kitten kindergarten would be about the cutest thing ever! Seems like it would make going to a groomer or a vet less traumatic, if the car ride getting there weren't such a big deal first.

I think Delores put her finger on one possible reason why cats get less vet care than dogs: people who have cats tend to have more of them. A checkup for one cat costs as much as a checkup for one dog, no matter what the size difference. It's rare to see a person who owns more than one or two dogs, but not at all uncommon for people to care for multiple cats.

For me, this underscores the importance of really thinking before adopting a cat or adding cats, about the practical consequences of that decision. I have three (incredibly loving, devoted, affectionate, and downright dog-like--don't tell them I said that!) cats right now, all of whom get regular vet care and a very high-quality diet. Although I have room in my heart for a dozen cats, I know I couldn't afford to provide proper food and vet care for a dozen (or even four) cats.

So, ultimately, between the resources available issue and the general attitude you describe (cats are fine on their own, blah blah blah), I think you've got your answer on why cats get less care all around.

I agree with "all of the above." Supply is probably the biggest contributor. Cats are fecund, many people don't spay/neuter, or there is an "oops" litter, much more so than dogs. One usually has to go out and *get* a dog but cats are thrust upon one.

In my experience a huge, HUGE factor of cat dislike is not having a good experience with cats. If your only experience with cats is with ferals, strays, or poorly socialized "porch cats" then you get a bad impression of the whole species. Then you meet someone's friendly, neutered, flea-free indoor pet cats and it's a revelation! I've done that for people - they've met my cats and said, I didn't know cats were this nice, and clean, and quiet, etc.

There is hope. The status of cats has risen since the 1970's when most cats were outside only, didn't get taken to the vet *period*, didn't get neutered *period,* stood practically zero chance of adoption from shelters...we really have come a long way since then, at least on the coasts.

Great article, Dr. Patty. I have both dogs and cats and the dogs-to-cat going to the vet ratio is about 8:1, but that's just because the dogs seem to get sick more often. The cats just seem much healthier and dont' get ear infections, or skin stuff, or anything, really... They're just healthier. My dogs, Lord, it's always something ....

I think that's a pathetic and prejudice reply about cats,i do prefer cats but i love all animals i have two dogs. At least cats have enough class not to sniff each others rears,and they also do not leave a bad odor if the slightest bit of water gets on their fur. Dogs are smart, but cats aren't any less intelligent if a vet is going be partial to a specific animal then put up a sign on your door or etc, saying no cats allowed they will be shot on site. A true animal lover truly cares for all animals. Also they understand that whether large or small they all have feelings and know whether their liked or not,and open hearts waiting to be loved.