Now that we have a house, there's a debate going on for us to get a dog. I don't want one right now but the kids do...so I ask, which are you, a dog or a cat lover?

I like most all animals.  I could live quite happily without a dog.  I do love cats, and that would always be my first preference in a pet.  Kids always want a dog...lol!

Actually both...but you didn't give that choice. Currently have 2 cats, Had to have my dog Sam put to sleep a few years back and haven't gotten another dog. Spouse says no.

Who likes to pick up dog "bombs" from the yard in your family?

No matter what the kids say, YOU will end up cleaning up after the dog.....

I love them both dphilip. They bring so much joy into your life. For now I have two parakeets. I would love to have a cat, but will have to wait. 

Didn't vote cause I have and love both.

Seesh, there ain't many dawg lovers on here! I actually perfer cats 'cause they can do a lot fer themselves if ya let 'em. Mice problem? Getta cat. Snake problem? Getta hatchet, LOL! Where I live, ya need a permit tuh own an animal, an' if yer gonna have somethin' like a cat or dawg it's really better tuh have some land where they can roam free.

I voted dog lover because my dog leaves brown presents on the carpet whenever I come home. She does it with love. And poor bowel control. 

As I am sure you know I have 3 dogs and 1 cat. I chose the dogs and the cat chose to claim my home as hers...LOL! I prefer dogs since they do not claw furniture nor wander if you have a good fence.

Now, you can get a small dog and you can't even find the droppings as a rule. Fenced yard plus dog door = freedom for you.

With the right sauce and seasoning, either animal is okay.

Kids and dogs belong together.  They MUST have a dog, but only watching many shows of the 'Dog Whisperer'.  They must know that it is a huge responsibility and it must be walked everyday, sometimes, twice a day.  Dog food is expensive now and going up all the time.  It would be a great project to learn for them to make their own wholesome dogfood.  And there must be a doghouse in the backyard with a run.  They give more love than anyone can handle.  A rescue is much better than a puppy that chews up everything and leaves puddles and piles behind.  Everyone should know how much it hurts when they die.  I personally would adopt an old dog because they are so mellow and not much trouble.

Well...gee....cats or dogs...let me think long and hard.... LOL...DUH - CATS of course. While some people are cat people and some are dog people strictly - some do prefer both. Those that feel strongly one way or other - like either cats....or dogs....I THINK...because of the needs of the owner.

I think that dog owners are more needy people who want to be validated regularly - and dogs certainly do that. Dogs get and give love ALL the time.

I think that cat people are more independent and assured of themselves - cats are very independent creatures and "let" you love them on their terms. At the same time, they can be very loving to - when they feel like it.

Probably those who like both are well balanced people...ha, guess that omits me.

What I don't like about the neediness of dogs - You have to go out and walk them unless you have a fenced in yard where they can go out and run freely. Dogs also get fleas, ticks and always have a dog smell to them. You have to wash them regularly - and sometimes they drool. If you leave for the weekend for a trip - you can't just leave the dog in the house - board them or take them with you.

What I love about cats is the litter box - We can take a few days off for the beach, fill the water, food bowl, and litter boxes - and they are fine since they will end up sleeping most of the time. I'd never own a cat that wasn't inside all the time, so we never have fleas. I love their curiosity. We never have a single bug in the house - they take care of that. They also clean themselves, so no need ever wash them. Downside to cats - they can get to almost anywhere they please in the house. So no precious breakables on shelves, mantles, etc. - no burning candles in the house - no plants coz some are poisonous - and they tend to throw up hair balls.

So it just depends on the kind of person you are and what your needs are. If I were to ever get a dog, it's be a tiny little adorable one about the size of a cat so it could sleep on my bed...but because dogs have to go outside - the flea thing I cannot STAND. I don't even like dog owners coming in my home because they often bring fleas with them...lol.  I doubt I'll ever own a dog.

Whatever you do - please go to your local shelter and save a life there. Or to the SPCA - ours is no kill, so unless people adopt from there, they don't have room for more - but shelters kill are overflowing and kill every single day. That's where we got our two boys from. Love love love them.

I love both about the same and have had both as pets through the years.  I have only cats now because having a dog here is not feasible.

Dogs have to be walked or have a fenced area.  You may take that into consideration when deciding.   Good luck!

I pretty much like all animals, but I have a cat now. (She adopted me in 2005) Over the years I've had dogs, cats, guinea pigs, squirrels, parakeets and fish. Fish are by far the easiest to take care of.

Damn, don't see the option for both.  I have both.  I must say though, the cat has the lead for showing affection and loyalty...lol.  Who knew?

Well, normally I'd say start with a dog, since it's easier to find one with a good temperament for kids, particularly the types of kids that are none too gentle with animals. But since you already have a cat, unless you really want another mouth to feed and something to take care of, stick with it.

Regarding the neediness theory, cats and dogs don't always fall into those neat categories, and neither do the people who adopt them. And keep in mind that their personalities can change once they become comfortable in your home. But yes, in general both species have their strengths and drawbacks. Carefully consider which drawbacks you are willing to live with.

Lastly, if you have any doubts about adopting a pet, and/or won't have time to spend with it to acclimate to its new environment, just say no to the kids.

get a cat.  cats are great.  they are independent, take care of themselves, are happy if you give them food and water.  one thing though.  you will own a dog but you will never own a cat.  the cat will own you.

This cat is the love of my life. ♥

I have had dogs ad cats. Dogs are more loveable. I prefer dogs as pets.