Is there a significant difference in health between cats and dogs? Which species is usually healthier? Cats have nine lives, giving them an obvious edge (in their opinion anyway). But there are a couple of big variables at work, so let’s take a look at those first.
Breed
Many purebreds have specific health problems common to their breed. But, there are certain breeds in both cats and dogs with particularly bad health problems. As a handy rule of thumb, any big physical differences in a breed which are not normal to the species can indicate health problems.
Here are a few examples of problematic physical traits in cats and dogs:
Flat or overly short faces
Super long backs
Unreasonably short legs
Hairless
Pets which are much smaller or larger than the standard size of the species
While stubby-legged cats and long-backed dogs may be the most adorable furbabies in the world, their abnormal bodies can cause them to suffer side effects to their health.
That's not to say that the only breeds with significant health concerns have odd physical characteristics. Some very popular breeds are predisposed to major health issues, as well. If you are considering which purebred to choose for your next family member, be sure to check out the health issues which are common to the breed. Or better yet, adopt a healthy mixed breed from your local shelter or rescue!
Age
Ah, the great equalizer. At a certain point, you are not going to see much of a difference in any elderly animal, including humans! While each species and breed has different life expectancies, old is old at a certain point.
Every senior citizen has special needs. Whether those needs are just extra naps, or more serous health problems are brewing, you should always expect a senior pet to require extra TLC and increased healthcare needs.
We Have A Winner
After compensating for these differences, which pet is healthier?
Cats!
(Sorry dogs)
Cats experience fewer and less expensive health needs over their lifetimes, statistically speaking. Does that mean cat parents can skip planning for the costs of their pets unexpected health needs? No, definitely not.
While cats may be healthier statistically, they are not without their own health problems. Plus, there is no guarantee that your cat is going to be basically healthy and problem free forever. It boils down to a genetic lottery: either your pet got (very) lucky, or they didn’t.
You won’t know if your pet is one of the super lucky few until they have lived their entire lives, and passed away. Until then, they can still spring unexpected medical needs on us.
How We Can Help
Medical Cost Sharing is a community of people who rely on each other to pay their medical bills. We provide the first Pet Medical Cost Share, where pet parents combine forces to improve their pet’s lives on a long term basis.
Since cats tend to have fewer health needs, our Pet Memberships for cats cost less than it does for most every type of dog on the planet (so far).
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we do not accept compensation for our blog posts, nor for reviewing, recommending, or linking to others.
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