Dr. Ruth Roberts | August 3, 2021

Dog Person vs Cat Person: What Your Pet Choice Says

If you’re thinking about adopting a pet for the first time, understanding the dog person vs cat person dynamic can help you make a more thoughtful decision.

Knowing your own personality traits, can guide you toward the pet that fits your lifestyle. Dogs and cats offer very different kinds of companionship, and choosing one that aligns with your needs increases the chances of a strong, lasting bond.

So if you're asking yourself, "Should I get a dog or a cat?", you’re not just picking a pet. You're choosing a partner whose temperament complements yours.

Dog Person vs Cat Person: What the Science Says

In a study by Sam Gosling, a psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, researchers explored the personality differences between people who prefer dogs, cats, both, or neither. The study surveyed 4,565 participants, asking them to self-identify as dog people, cat people, both, or neither—and then assessed them using the Big Five personality traits.

The Results:

46% identified as dog people
12% as cat people
28% liked both
15% chose neither

Gosling concluded that the types of pets people gravitate toward may align with their psychological profiles. So this dog person vs cat person dynamic isn’t just cultural—it’s rooted in personality science.

Dog vs. Cat: Which Pet Fits You Best?

If You...	🐶Dog Might Be Better?	🐱Cat Might Be Better?
Enjoy structure, routines, and daily schedules	Dogs thrive on routines like walks, meals, and training	Cats are flexible and don’t need a set schedule
Love being outdoors or staying active	Dogs make great hiking, walking, or jogging buddies	Cats are homebodies who prefer indoor exploration
Want a companion for social activities	Dogs are social and love meeting people and other dogs	Cats prefer calm, familiar environments
Prefer loud, enthusiastic affection	Dogs express love with tail wags, kisses, and excitement	Cats are affectionate in quieter, more subtle ways
Want to train your pet or teach tricks	Dogs enjoy training and learning commands	Cats can be trained—but on their own terms
Work from home and want interactive company	Dogs may sit at your feet, follow you around, or nudge for play	Cats often sit near you without being clingy
Live in a small apartment or quiet space	Dogs need space and outdoor time	Cats adapt well to small, quiet indoor spaces
Travel frequently or work long hours	Dogs need daily care and attention	Cats can be left alone longer and are more independent
Like a calm, low-maintenance companion	Dogs require more daily care, grooming, and exercise	Cats are lower maintenance overall
Are emotionally sensitive or introverted	Dogs are empathetic, but sometimes intense	Cats offer quiet companionship and space
Have allergies or sensitivities	Some dogs are hypoallergenic	Cats shed dander more, but some breeds produce less
Have young children at home	Many dog breeds are great with kids and playtime	Some cats may not tolerate noise or rough handling
Prefer a quiet home and don’t like a lot of fuss	Dogs can be noisy and excitable	Cats are quieter and more self-regulating
Enjoy nurturing or caretaking roles	Dogs need regular feeding, walking, and grooming	Cats need care, but are more self-sufficient
Value personal space and independence	Dogs may follow you everywhere	Cats often entertain themselves and give you space

Final Thoughts

The connection we share with our pets goes far beyond companionship—it’s a relationship shaped by mutual understanding, energy, and personality. Whether you're adopting for the first time or considering adding another furry friend to your home, asking yourself whether you're more aligned with a dog’s enthusiasm or a cat’s quiet independence is a powerful first step.

Choosing between a dog and a cat isn’t about which animal is better—it’s about which one fits your life, your rhythms, and your emotional needs. If you crave daily structure, outdoor adventure, and visible affection, a dog might be the perfect match. If you appreciate solitude, subtle bonding, and a more relaxed pace, a cat could be your ideal companion.

Take time to reflect on your lifestyle: