A lifetime of both feline and canine companionship has led to the following species-specific observations. Of course, these won’t apply to every cat and every dog (as each personality is unique and special), but here are some typical furry-friend scenarios I have seen and wanted to share, maybe you can relate!
There’s A Piece Of Paper On The Floor…
Dog: Walk around.
Cat: Sit on the paper.
There’s A Box On The Floor…
Dog: Sniff for possible treat inside.
Cat: Jump into the box.
A Door Is Ajar…
Dog: Paw at, causing the door to close.
Cat: Claw and hook, causing the door to open.
The Bed Needs To Be Made…
Dog: Jump, spin, wiggle, surf the sheets.
Cat: Lie in a lump in the middle of the bed.
The Screen Door Is Closed…
Dog: Sniff the fresh air, signal desire to go outside.
Cat: Claw sharpening opportunity.
Kitten: Climbing opportunity.
A Human Is Approaching…
Dog: Move out of the way.
Cat: Move not an inch, and complain if one hair of the coat is touched.
A Human Comes Home.
Dog: You’re home! Bark, spin, wiggle, wag tail.
Cat: You’re home.
A Human With A Sleeping Animal On Their Lap Needs To Get Up.
Dog: Jump up instantly and vacate.
Cat: I’m made of putty.
The Shoelace Situation.
Dog: Lace these up so we can go for a walk.
Cat: I’ll discipline these.
The Refrigerator Opens.
Dog: Sniff inside.
Cat: Expect cat food.
Kitten: Climb inside.
The Doorbell Rings.
Dog: Charge toward the door and bark with excitement.
Cat: Flee to the closet.
Human Turns Off Computer Or TV…
Dog: Jump off lap.
Cat: So what.
Car Ride…
Dog: Jump into car, wag tail, stick head outside window.
Cat: Oh no.
Visit To The Vet…
Dog: Unsuspecting, jump into car.
Cat: Not going in that carrier. (At the vet, not coming out of my carrier.)
Of course, there are also many commonalities that dogs and cats share. One of the best is that human laps are warm and a great place to take a nap! And no matter how different they might act in different situations, dogs and cats deserve to be loved and appreciated in all their silliness and quirkiness!
Kay Mackenzie is a longtime Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter volunteer and dog person, despite a constant stream of foster kittens.
The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission shelter which welcomes any animal in need 365 days a year. The care and shelter of lost, unwanted and rescued animals is the core of our mission. Dedicated staff and volunteers provide compassionate care for each animal who comes to us. Animal living areas are kept clean, warm and comfortable. Frightened animals are reassured, and sick or injured animals receive medical treatment or a humane end to their suffering.
Animal care staff provide veterinary care, food, water, clean bedding and a clean and sanitary environment to approximately 6,000 animals every year. Services provided for animals include physical examination, health and behavior assessments, medical treatment for special needs, vaccine and parasite treatment, rabies quarantine observation and humane euthanasia. We also provide low-cost community clinics, free vaccine clinics and work to educate our community on better animal welfare. You can foster, adopt, volunteer or donate at scanimalshelter.org
