Kids & dogs are so alike it's scary. Labrador Retrievers in particular have often been called “permanent two year olds.” I used to tell an old joke that Kids & Dogs are alike because: they're always on the wrong side of a door (which is true, BTW)
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But there's more....
and...
I appreciate the "dog whisperer" comment, but I disagree with Mr. Millan's theories and methods. The producers focus only on the spectacular successes, and edit out the horrendous failures, giving a skewed impression of his abilities.

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I'll leave off now with some additional thoughts on
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Doc

Cats are very much like children also. I read in a website on cat anatomy that this is because the limbic system in cats (emotions) is very similar to humans. They have less frontal lobes however, but still seem to be able to plan in a minor way.
Predators have to plan to catch things to eat.

Our cats when young, before one year old, respond and learn just like a baby does. They show delight when doing a new thing, and look for reinforcement for their successes--loving praise. Our Houdini, in fact when he wants my attention taps me with a soft paw on the hand or leg. I've seen him tap both of our other cats this way, as an invitation to play. He will also tap a bare foot. He leaves presents... a special toy in Weezie's bed, a special toy in Oreo's bed, and a disc for me to put in his shooter to leap for. He once brought me a toy and dropped it in my lap when I woke up one morning. Just like a dog!
All our cats know "all done" as a sign that something is over, or a treat is gone, or they are leaving the vet. They visibly react to "all done". Weezie still fetches, and Houdini fetches 1 in 5 throws now. I have a large basket with all their toys in it..and a Xmas stocking I've not delved into. The other day both Houdini and Weez were sorting out things they wanted to play with. It was funny to watch. They also go thru our to be washed laundry basket with great pleasure! We leave it on the upstairs landing to be added to for the wash, and they love to play in it!

Weezie still has some baby characteristics and I think they will be more or less permanent...but Oreo being much older does not. But she is still like a child, afraid of thunder or firecrackers, and the garbage truck. Oreo makes a special meow for OUT...
ooooouuuuuu....and sits by the door. Not a meow, not a cry, and not a moan. All that is missing is the "T". She does this in her cage going to the vet too. Sheba used to say "ma" for me.

Cats and dogs are very smart, if we listen to them and watch their body language. A nod of my head in a certain direction, and ours will follow.

I think the differences are in neediness, and clinging type behaviors. Cats do not display this much at all. While they will be close to you as company, they do not "beg" for attention unless hungry (or wanting play when kittens). Cats do not like a dominant human, and prefer quiet type interactions. They will do wonderful things, if they want to please you though.

Since I retired, I am enjoying our cats much more. I really noticed much less, when I was working so many long hours!
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While Oreo is afraid of big trucks, she loves them when they are NOT moving. The past road work the city did down in front... is a case in point. Here is a photo of her conquering the digger!
She visited ALL the machines over the few months this project was active! LOL

I should have footnoted these two. IME, when educated, dogs are much better at these than kids!
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Or maybe they don't really belong on the list and are differences between kids & dogs!
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Doc

Ok, so let's get it out there:
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That sounds like a similarity with dogs.
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Aside from lions, cats are solitary hunters. Wolves/dogs hunt in packs, which requires planning, communication with, and aniticpation of, their fellow hunters.

Cats DO plan by lying in wait on top of the refrigerator until some hapless human comes by to be pounced upon, or darting out in front of a human's path to.... I'm not really sure why they do that;
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I just know they do it, and it's intentional, whether planned or spontaneous. I've known a couple of small dogs who play that same game.

All our dogs (and those they've been educated with) know "All gone", "No", "Leave it", "Wait", "Ok" (the general/universal release word) and on average, 125-250 other words. They fetch until the human ends the game. They have a container of toys, and in addition to fetching each by name, will put them all away again when instructed. Dogs can be fairly easily taught not to engage in certain behaviors; cats just wait until no-one is around.

For the most part, dogs have 3 basic kinds of games they play innately:
1. Chase & retrieve (fetch, tag)
2. Possession (includes "tug-o-war" and "I've got it and you don't")
3. Shake & kill

Depending on the dog's role/function/job, some are best avoided to prevent aggressive behaviors; others, if channeled sensibly, can be a lot of fun.

Dog noises have different meanings as well. Cats are claimed to be able to make over 100 distinct sounds, while dogs are alleged only a couple dozen (I am dubious of the latter having watched countless YouTube videos of talking dogs & cats) but I'm not terribly concerned until
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. It's also advisable (and easier) to curb most dogs' vociferous abilities/proclivities earlier than later. I don't know if curbing a cat's vociferousness is even possible other than shoving a bowl of food under its face or letting it through the door. Our dog's protective instinct just kicked-in about a week ago (he's 2-1/2) so now he has an alarm bark as well as the many others we've identified & channeled. He knows the difference between "speak" and "whisper" (many dogs learn that easily) and when to apply each.

Desmond Morris wrote (at least) two books on the subject:
Dogwatching
Catwatching

I think that's what a cat person might say; a dog person might say that dogs are more social and family oriented. I might say the differences are that cats are aloof and narcissistic, whereas a cat person might say independent.

I think it's as silly to make these comparisons as it is to make comparisons between cat and dog people, because they're entirely different species, many of the "traits" compared are anthropomorphizing, and I doubt they (in the case of people) completely accurately fit anyone here.


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I beg to differ. (pun intended
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) Our cat would walk around the house vocalizing for no reason at all other than she felt like it. She'd beg to go out or come in (whereas the dogs waited quietly and patiently by the door), complain if she wasn't getting petted NOW, or if someone was sitting in HER chair, etc. She had her own taste in music as well, and was not shy in her criticisms.... (Though she liked sitting on my lap when I played the guitar, she had utter contempt for DW's banjo.
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Dogs do not like a dominant human either; this is old information and a myth. They want, and feel secure with, a LEADER or pair of leaders. They do wonderful things all the time, and LIVE to please you, especially working and sporting breeds, but all breeds instinctively. It's their nature, and contrary to what some people think, it is not from any sense of insecurity.

Dogs will go to great and imaginative lengths to illicit laughter from humans. Ours have all been called, "Laugh Magnets" for good reason.

That's probably a good thing. Small animals (like cats) like machines for the warmth they provide. Many auto mechanics (though hesitant) may relate stories of cats wound up in fan belts, etc. because they were napping someplace warm under the hood of a parked car when the engine suddenly started. Last time I went for a blood draw, there was an unusual sound under the hood as we pulled into the lab parking lot. When we got out, a chipmunk scooted out from the engine compartment - it had ridden the whole six miles (undoubtedly in terror) from home to lab.

Doc

I can assure you Dr. Smith... Oreo was not looking for a warm home in summer on the quiet machines. She explored them all when hubby went for his after dinner walks. She goes with him for those, and checks out the neighborhood. We have many photos. While I am aware of feral wild cats and animals seeking warmth to SURVIVE outdoors in cold weather, our cats have a nice snug back porch with pet door, and second story pet door window to come and go safely.

I only offer MY experiences as a cat owner for 40 years. We have enjoyed out cats and feel honored that they stayed with us and had very long lives. They have been our friends...and I'd like others to have this same wonderful experience too.

You should research the different dog breeds thoroughly. Just one example is a Border Collie. They are a herder and very energetic. They will herd anything including children. One of our family members has one and that is true about herding children. Much too energetic for us.

Dogs101 Animal Planet is a good site to look at. Just use your search engine. Very interesting and full of information concerning dogs in particular. Of course dogs have different personalities and so not everything is true for all. German Shepherds were wonderful for us. They were not aggressive just good dogs. We are looking now for another dog.

Our cat used to love to play hide and seek. And most all cats who catch a mouse in the house will bring it on to your bed to show you or leave it by the side of the bed. Not every time but they will. Not a pretty site.
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Many a story to tell of our experiences with other dogs we have had and the cats we have had. Enjoyed them all.

My cats know what "all done" means, too. If I'm running the vacuum they hide. If I turn it off they still stay hidden. Once I say "I'm all done" they reappear!

My orange male kitty, Tigger, is smart and he hears the same phrases over and over again from me. I talk to them all day and usually say "Momma loves you" quite often throughout the day.
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Yes, I do talk to them like they're people. I noticed last year that Tigger will make the "Momma" sound when he meows. Two short little meows close together. I believe he's copying what he hears from me. Might not be.....but it's fun to think he's trying to talk!
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Ditto! Dogs and cats for about as long. If my allergy hadn't returned, we'd probably still have a cat. It'd cut down on the chipmunks!
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Doc

Well Kitty, not all of our cats have tried to talk.

We had an orange/white cat who said "goooooinnnng" every time she was in her cage in the car.

Sheba said "Ma" when I was not home, usually inquiring of hubby. This started when our son would come home from school, calling me... "Mmmmaaaaaa" you know like they do.
Sheba was the most bonded to me of all our cats.

And Oreo says "ooooooouuuuu" when she wants out.

But I do believe that some do try to mimic us. Weezie doesn't meow at all. She squeaks, trills, chirps and makes the most amazing sounds! Her MEOW is when desperate only. Houdini says practically NOTHING. He is the quietest cat ever so far!

Our cats constantly surprise us! Seems there is never a dull moment around here lately! LOL

If you type in "talking cat" into YouTube there are some surprising videos. Also "talking dog". We did that once at a dinner party, after the meal and everyone had a great time, laughing.
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If you do a talking cat search expect your felines to react...ours get rather agitated by the sounds.

Thanks all. I liked reading about the kids and dogs. Cute.
From true pet lovers whether a cat or dog many do treat them like children. My mom has a whole conversation with her animals. I always say how they are treated better then kids. I think it helps her to chat with them and the animals like it to.
Mrs D your cats have nice patches of color. I agree with you on the difference/similarities of dogs/cats.
Kitt I agree about the resarch of breed and you know this is for anyone. My family dog was a Cavalier King Charles. This was a long time ago but my mom saw a picture showed me and I said I wanted one. I was young so anyhow we went and got one at a breeder with no research. He was an amazing dog.So sweet and loving and lived to 14 but we found out towards the end of his life that so many have major heart problems etc that are extreme and cause early passing. So even from health aspect of the dog and also of course personality etc.
Well thank you again