Should You Choose a Cat or a Dog? An Ecological Geneticist from IPB University Explains the Differences in Their Personalities
For some people, dogs are friends who are always ready to join in on activities. For others, cats are comfortable companions that don’t demand much attention.
Behind their popularity as companion animals, dogs and cats have very different personalities.
In celebration of International Dog Day on August 26, Prof Ronny Rachman Noor, an expert in ecological genetics at IPB University, emphasized the importance of understanding the personalities of dogs and cats before deciding to adopt one.
“Dogs are known for being loyal, expressive, and more social, while cats tend to be independent and more selective. When it comes to communication, cats are generally more subtle than dogs,” said Prof Ronny.
Over the past ten years, the trend of keeping dogs and cats in Indonesia has continued to grow. By 2026, the number of dog owners is projected to reach 12 million, while cat owners are expected to number around 9 million.
The trend of dog ownership remains relatively stable and is common in rural and suburban households, primarily for home security and as companions. Meanwhile, cat ownership is rising rapidly, especially in major cities, with adoptions of stray cats accounting for 38 percent.
This growth has also fueled the pet food industry, which is valued at over Rp3,2 trillion. About 80 percent of pet food purchases are made by owners through online platforms. Prof Ronny estimates that the number of cat owners will exceed that of dog owners within the next 10 years.
Different Personalities, Different Needs
Dogs were domesticated about 40.000 years ago for hunting and guarding homes. These animals are known to be social, expressive, and enjoy interacting with both humans and other animals. They communicate through body language, facial expressions, and sounds, including barking.
“Dog owners need to frequently take their dogs for walks, play with them, and provide physical and mental stimulation. Because of this, dogs are highly dependent on their owners for attention, food, and activities,” explained Prof Ronny.
In contrast, cats were domesticated about 12.000 years ago to control pests on farms. Cats are obligate carnivores that require a high protein diet.
“They tend to be more solitary and independent. Their communication is more subtle than that of dogs, through scent (pheromones), tail movements, and soft sounds like meowing and purring,” he said.
These differences mean that their needs are also different. Dogs are better suited for owners who are active and enjoy outdoor activities, while cats can be a good choice for owners who are busy, introverted, or live in limited spaces.
Prof Ronny emphasized that owners need to align their expectations with the natural traits of the animal they keep. “If we enjoy outdoor activities, dogs are a better choice as pets. Conversely, if we’re busy and need a pet that’s independent, a cat is the right choice,” he advised.
By understanding each animal’s character and needs, the decision to keep a dog or a cat becomes not just a matter of personal preference, but also a step toward building a harmonious relationship between humans and their beloved pets. (*/Rz) (IAAS/HNY)
