The big debate
Are dogs better than cats?
A surge in pet ownership has
reignited this age-old debate.
What you need to know
● There has been a big rise in pet
ownership in the UK during the
pandemic. Between March and
September 2020, 5.7 million new pets
were bought in the UK. Around 2.2
million of these new pets were dogs.
● Animal charity the RSPCA says that since
the first lockdown there has been a
114% increase in the number of people
DID YW OU
on its website looking for cats to adopt.
KNO ? et
p
, the UK
● A new study by researchers in Japan has
In 2020tion stood at
found that cats, unlike dogs, don’t avoid
popula llion cats and
strangers who have behaved badly
10.9 mi illion dogs. Are you a dog person
towards their owners. 10.1 m or a cat person?
“
T hey’re fighting like cats and dogs” is a common
phrase, often used when two people are having
a fierce argument. It comes from the belief that cats
Yes – they’re man’s best friend
There’s a reason why dogs are known as man’s best
friend. They’re loyal, loving and look after us. Whether
No – only cats are worthy of our worship
Throughout history, cats have been just as important
to humans as dogs, if not more so. For example, in
and dogs are natural enemies. This apparent rivalry it’s a guide dog, sniffer dog, therapy dog or just a ancient Egypt cats were revered as sacred animals and
has inspired a similar divide among humans, with friendly pet dog, canines make great companions. Dog treated like gods. Also, cats are far more independent
many people describing themselves as either a “cat owners stay fit and healthy too, thanks to the daily than dogs, which makes them easier to own. They
person” or a “dog person”. In 2020, a survey by YouGov walks their pooches require. In fact, studies have found don’t need constant attention and can look after
found that nearly 50% of people in the UK considered that dog owners generally get more physical exercise themselves. Dogs are demanding, and need to be
themselves a dog person, compared to just over 30% than other people. Scientists have also discovered that taken on walks every day, whatever the weather. Cats,
who preferred cats. Now a new study, published dogs are much smarter than cats. This is because dogs on the other hand, are much more self-sufficient and
earlier this month in Japan, has reignited the debate have twice the number of neurons (cells that process don’t make as much of a mess. This was proved in a
over which animal is better. It showed that cats were information) in their brains. This means that owners 2010 study, which found that cats splashed less water
far less likely than dogs to ignore people who had can teach their dogs new tricks and build a stronger around while drinking. Another study, in 2017, found
been mean to their owners. So what do you think? relationship with them. Thanks to their big brains and that cats preferred human interaction over food, which
Are dogs better than cats? big hearts, dogs are far better than cats. shows they can be just as loyal and loving as dogs.
Three reasons why dogs are better
YES than cats NO Three reasons why dogs aren’t
better than cats LAST WEEK’S POLL
1 1
Dogs are man’s best friend. They’re loyal, Throughout history from ancient times, cats Last week, we asked if country
loving and always look out for us, making have been revered in societies. life was better than city living.
Most of you preferred
2
them great companions. Cats are easier to own than dogs. They’re the fresh air
2 Dogs keep their owners fit and healthy with
daily walks, no matter the weather.
more independent, less messy and don’t need
to be taken on walks every day.
and open
spaces of the
26%
NO
3 Dogs are smarter than cats, and you can teach
them tricks, which leads to more rewarding
relationships.
3 A study has found that cats prefer people to
food, showing they can be just as loyal and
loving as dogs are.
countryside to
the hustle and
bustle of a city.
74%
YES
What do you think? The aim of the Big debate page is to present two sides of an issue fairly and
objectively, in order to stimulate discussion and allow our readers to make up Junior
Listen to our
podcast to hear
Now that you’ve read a bit more about it, tell us what you their minds. The views on the page do not reflect those of The Week Junior, SH W Bex from Fun Kids
think by voting in our poll at theweekjunior.co.uk/polls. and the page is not funded by third parties. The page is created in association radio and three members of The
REX SHUTTERSTOCK
with the English-Speaking Union, an educational charity Week Junior team bring this
Vote YES if you think dogs are better than cats, or NO if you helping young people discover their voice and realise their debate to life. Find it at
don’t. We’ll publish the results next week. full potential. For more information, please see esu.org tinyurl.com/TWJpodcast
