Do not be swayed by the emotional desires of a child. A wrong choice can lead to an unhappy family and an abused or neglected pet. Through education, a child can be very happy with an adult's pet decision and most of the time is merely concerned about having a new friend. Cats and dogs both offer companionship, love and affection but in different ways. They tend to be more able to entertain themselves and can be left alone longer than most dogs.
Cats offer a very special kind of love to their owners.
These are significant benefits, especially to first time pet owners. Cats are indoor pets and should never be let out unless on leash. Dogs require more maintenance but are more versatile. Dogs are great companions for travel and outdoor activities. Dogs tend to be more interactive and trainable.