Let’s break it down to simple health-care and one author’s confession. She loves both dogs and cats but does she treat them equally?

Basic veterinary care – dog vs. cats:

My dog sees a vet annually for a wellness exam. He also sees a vet several times a year for various issues that never fail to come up, so we’re in there about every other month (and blessed with a $250 bill each time). He also gets vaccinations every few years and an annual heartworm test.

On the other hand, I don’t bring my cats to the vet unless there’s an obvious problem. Since there never seems to be a problem, we don’t go, not even for wellness exams.

Major veterinary expenses – dog vs. cats

Thankfully neither of my cats have needed any major medical procedures.

And then there’s our dog …We spent $1,800 on Ace one time (ER visit for pneumonia). I’m not sure we’d spend that much on a cat. I think we probably would, but there would be much longer discussions about it first.

Diet – dog vs. cats

I feed my dog a variety of natural dry and raw brands. I spend a small fortune on his food, usually around $100 per month.

My cats, on the other hand … Sometimes I buy them a cheap, corn-based dry food. Sometimes I buy them a higher-quality brand, along with a natural brand of canned.

I know I should feed my cats the same quality of food Ace gets, and it’s something I am working on.

Do people value dogs more than cats?

I think they do, in general.

Is this because cats are a dime a dozen and you can barely even give them away for free? Maybe.

Is it because dogs cost more (in many aspects) so we value what we spend money on?

I love my cats very much. I love playing games with them. Scout and I play a chasing and wrestling game almost every evening. I like buying them toys and beds and food because it makes me feel good.

Of course there are cat lovers who will tell you they have spent thousands on the care of their cat. We have no doubt it rings true. Honestly, we have a friend with a cat who broke out the mega $$$ when her cat had an ear infection.

However, when push comes to shove, we tend to believe our dogs will win out when it comes to the care controversy. That is not a bad reflection on naturally independent cats but ultimately it shows that we show much respect to our much lovable and reliant dogs! To read more about this author's opinion on this topic, visit That Mutt.