CATS

CAT ancestors were solitary hunters. (Dogs evolved from pack-hunting wolves.) Even today, domestic cats are seen as more "independent" than dogs. This is among the reasons that many people find cats appealing as pets.

A CAT'S purr is created by the muscles that control the opening and closing of the vocal cords. As kittens, the purring reminds mama cat to keep nursing them; later in life, domestic cats purr to encourage you to pet them. Not only does a purring cat in your lap reduce stress, but also it is believed (by cat scientists) to have therapeutic healing effects on human muscle and bone tissue. House cats also "meow" in order to get attention.

PROS

CATS MAKE AWESOME YOUTUBE VIDEOS—THEY RULE THE INTERNET.

CATS are arguably less work than dogs; they can stay inside and be happy.

CATS chase a flashlight or laser on the wall. This is entertaining for you and the cat.

IF a cat does purr or meow or rub against you, you know that it is expressing affection.

CONS

YOU never really liked those floor-length curtains anyway, did you?

CATS don't fetch. They may leave a dead mouse at your feet, but that's about them, not you.

KITTY can be passive-aggressive; that broken lamp was no accident. And if cats could text, they wouldn't.

LITTER BOXES. ENOUGH SAID?

Illustrations: Getty Images