Before trying to answer the question of whether cats are more sassy than dogs, it’s important to make sure we’re all on the same page, because the word sassy is a bit imprecise. According to Wechsler’s Dictionary, sassy has three meanings-impolite, perky, and funky-and none of them accurately describe cats In addition, the word even has a bit of a negative connotation.
Since we’re talking about one of the most enigmatic creatures on the planet, we’ll venture to create a new definition:able and very willing to use precisely calibrated behaviors to elicit the desired human response. In short, cats seem to be more hip than dogs because they use different strategies to get what they want.
Wait, are you saying cats aren’t rude?
Technically, rudeness implies not only rudeness, but also a certain lack of respect, including some sort of moral failing But that’s assuming that cats are somehow required to live by human rules and standards of behavior.
They actually aren’t. Cats behaving like cats is not a breach of etiquette, even if they fart under the dining room table, jump into grandma’s lap, or urinate on the floor when the litter box is dirty. None of these behaviors are examples of cats being morally bankrupt, because all of them are perfectly acceptable in a cat’s world.
Orange cat walking on the wall
Now you would say that cats are not active!
Cats are cats; some are young and active while others have more moderate activity needs. While kittens are usually active, not all adult cats have the desire to run around and wreak havoc. For example, Bengals and Savannahs usually require more physical activity than couch potatoes like Ragdoll cats.
Older cats and those with joint problems usually spend more time napping in the sun than running around chasing imaginary mice. The canine kingdom is equally diverse, including pugs that don’t require much activity, like the Russian toy, and serious athletes like greyhounds and border collies.
Cats and dogs need physical activity and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy, which we call even.
See also:Will my cat’s odor chase away mice?
Cats and dogs are different!
Cats have a different relationship with humans than dogs. Humans and dogs have been living and working together cooperatively for thousands of years. On the other hand, cats have not been domesticated as long as dogs. Domesticated cats can successfully live independently without human help or happily live indoors in the company of their favorite people.
Since being domesticated, cats have largely maintained a cooperative relationship with humans rather than a completely dependent one. Feral cats often stay near human settlements where they can scavenge for food from garbage and catch rodents that are attracted to them. Others move indoors and become companion animals. But there are no genetic differences between pet and feral cats.
Because dogs evolved primarily to work and live with humans, the two species have a symbiotic relationship. If there is little interest in human contact, cats will be more opportunistic and happy to do their own thing. Cats are good at communicating their needs and are not terribly inclined to care about human rules and restrictions if there is no motivation, such as kissing, cuddling or hospitality.
Woman sitting on couch with dog and cat
Independence and Dependence on Humans
It makes sense for cats to behave in ways that make them feel good. Remember, human affection is the only thing humans can give these incredible animals that cats can’t arrange for themselves. However, indoor cats rely on their human companions for food, fun, and to create a cat-friendly environment. Pet cats seek love and affection from their favorite people, and will even mourn the loss of those with whom they have developed a deep bond.
Cats will take steps to make sure their needs are met, such as sitting on a laptop keyboard to keep warm or sleeping on your head when they want a little cozy company. Dogs usually act more cooperative because they have evolved to enjoy pursuing common goals with their humans. Needless to say, dogs deeply love their human companions.