For years a sometimes fierce - but mostly fun - and vocal debate between dog and cat lovers has ensued over which pet is best. Of course, many pet lovers have both animals in their household or at times have owned one or the other, but like many stereotypes there is an element of truth to determining the difference between a ‘cat' person and a ‘dog' person.

Dog lovers will say that dogs are interactive and fun whereas cats are passive at best and totally indifferent at worst. ‘What is the fun in stroking a cat that purrs and dribbles on your knee?' say dog lovers, ‘when you could be out in the great outdoors having fun with your pet.' ‘You can't train a cat,' says the canine lover, ‘so therefore it must possess less intelligence than my clever pooch.' ‘Felines also don't love mankind in that way that the loyal and grateful hound does' is another argument of the ardent dog lovers.

However, those devoted to cats will say that canines are high-maintenance creatures whereas felines are highly independent and therefore require little owner care and attention. A cat will take a cursory glance out of the window when the weather is atrocious and decide to curl up into a ball until it is more pleasant for an outing. No such luck for dog lovers as their faithful hound will always demand a walk, whatever the conditions outside! Additionally, dogs are only loyal and obedient because they know their place in the pack and that love would be easily transferred to another owner or leader of the pack, according to the cat devotee.

The debate rages on and many points could be considered moot by both sides. Most are made only in jest and the most important consideration as to which pet is best would actually be determined by the personality and lifestyle of the owner. People who are rarely at home would have problems keeping a dog happy, whereas they could easily care for cats. On the other hand those at home alone may love to have a dog to keep them company and also be in a position to be able to adequately look after their pet.

However, one thing on which responsible dog and cat lovers both agree is that they are passionate about the care of pets. Many will obtain a pet insurance quote when taking a puppy or kitten into their household and subsequently take out a pet protection policy. They know that their ‘little baby' will immediately become one of the family and therefore want the same access to healthcare for their pet as they would expect for their children.

The cat versus dog debate will continue forever, but not open to debate is to treat a pet with care and love, whether they are moggie or pooch!

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.