Most people would describe dogs as friendly and outgoing and cats as standoffish and reserved.  However, for me, though cats can “cop” an attitude quickly, I’ve had cats for all of my life, and they’ve proven to be affectionate, smart, funny, and playful, most of them loving almost everyone they meet. 

I had one cat, that as soon as she suspected you weren’t a cat person, she set about to annoy you.  She would jump in your lap, lick your face, cuddle, head butt you, follow you around, and try to eat out of your plate.  She was determined to win you over, but I always suspected she just enjoyed the “annoying.” 

However, for the most part, over history and time, cats have been labeled as the less friendly of the two pets.  Dogs and cats personality differences can be traced back to the ancestors of teoday’s domestic pets.  Dogs are the descendants of wolves, which are social animals that live in packs.

Within the pack, each member knows its place in relation to the others.  The most important pack member is the leader, or “alpha” (beginning or “first”) wolf.   Other wolves look to the leader for direction and treat him with respect, which is often shown by licking or nuzzling.  So when your dog jumps up and licks your face, he may just be thinking of you as his alpha wolf. 

Either that or he’s enjoying the jelly on your face leftover from breakfast…

The ancestors of today’s domestic cats on the other hand, lived and hunted alone.  Because of this, they did not need to develop the social behaviors necessary for life in a pack.  This is why cats seem more independent and less friendly than dogs.  Again, there are exceptions.

Though most of their behavior is dictated by nature, environment plays an important role in what your dog or cat will do and how their personality will adapt and develop.  My cats quickly realized how much I loved and enjoyed them, and our radar-like communication was soon established.

Never under estimate your pet’s ability to learn and please you, they just might surprise you with what they can do!