Difference between Cat and Dog

Key Difference: Cats and Dogs are the most admired pet animals on Earth. They differ greatly in appearance, behavior, nature, size, etc. Cats are small, furry, domesticated and carnivorous mammals. They are more patient and require less attention. On the other hand, dogs are big, furry, domesticated and omnivorous animals. They are hard working, loyal and require more attention.

Cats and Dogs belong to totally different species. Cats are mainly carnivorous mammals, whereas dogs are omnivorous mammals. It is believed and observed that dogs chase cats. Let’s focus on the further article regarding what are the actual differences between cats and dogs.

Cats Cats and dogs are classified in the class “mammalia” and order Carnivora in the animala kingdom. Cats belong to Felidae family, whereas dogs belong to Canidae family. Felis catus or cats are small furry, nocturnal animals that are popular house pets, most popular due to their ability to get rid of rodents and pests, along with providing great companionship. On the other hand, dogs are used for both their domesticated and untamed capabilities, and they are mainly popular due their hard work, versatile skills and cleverness. Like all felines, cats have strong, flexible bodies with quick, sharp reflexes and retractable claws. They also have a heightened sense of sight and smell. Whereas, dogs have physically powerful, complex bodies with powerful muscles and sharp claws.

Dogs Dogs and cats differ greatly in behavior. Cats in the wild are solitary hunters that are more close to their environment than they are to other cats. This is why cats are very self satisfactory. As long as cats are in their own environment they are happy. In contrast, dogs are pack animals and they are happy in many different environments as long as they have their pack with them. This pack frame of mind allows people to train dogs to do tricks. They desire the attention that they get from their performance.

Dogs can be trained quickly, whereas cats are difficult if not impossible to train. Cats can jump and climb wherever they want, which gives them more options when they need to hunt for food, or when they feel threatened. On the other hand, dogs are earthbound, so they need their pack to hunt efficiently. Cats do not need bathing, but they should be brushed regularly if they have long hair. In contrast, dogs especially those with long hair need grooming and bathing frequently.

Comparison between Cat and Dog:

	Cat	Dog
Family	Felidae	Canidae
Scientific Name	Felis catus	Canis lupus familiaris
Kingdom	Animalia	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata	Chordata
Class	Mammalia	Mammalia
Order	Carnivora	Carnivora
Genus	Felis	Canis
Lifetime	12 to 25 years	7 to 20 years
Weight	Usually, 4 to 5 kg	It varies from different breeds of dogs.
Size	Cats are small in size as compared to dogs.	Dogs are large in size as compared to cats.
They are	Solitary animals	Pack animals
Cared	Cats do not need to be cared for; they are independent animals.	Dogs need to be cared for.
Role(s)	Cats play a good role like they get rid of rodents and pests, along with providing great companionship.	Dogs play good roles like hunting, herding, pulling loads, protection, assisting police and military, companionship, etc.
Space	Cats are happy with small spaces.	Dogs need lots of space to run or for other activities.
Affectionate	Cats are less affectionate.	Dogs are more affectionate.
Teeth	Cats usually have 30 teeth.	Dogs usually have 40 teeth.
Hunt	They catch their prey by surprise.	They catch their prey by running it down.
Claws	Cats have retractable claws that stay sharp because they are protected inside the toes.	Dog’s claws are always extended and become blunt from constant contact with the ground when they walk.