compare

Wallace 1

Jessica Wallace

Composition I

Comparison Contrast Essay

15 October 2014

Cats are the Purrfect Companions:

Why Cats Make Better Pets than Dogs

The debate over cats versus dogs isn’t exactly a hot-button issue, but most of us probably know

someone who is either a self-proclaimed cat person or dog person. Few people would deny that cats are

more independent than dogs, while dogs tend to be more obedient. But which of these popular animals

is really better when it comes to choosing a pet? Actually, there is no contest: Cats are better than dogs

because of the noise level, the exercise requirements, and grooming habits.

When it comes to noise, cats win every time. Cat owners don’t have to worry about their guests

being accosted by loud barking—or worse, growling—every time they come over. Even if a canine

companion isn’t acting aggressively, it will often beg for attention in a frenzy of barking, whining, and

leaping at anyone who is in the room. Cats, on the other hand, are more likely to observe from afar until

they are in the mood to say hello in the form of a polite “meow.” In fact, it would be safe to say that

even the loudest cat is quieter than most any dog. Certainly, cat owners never have to worry about the

neighbors calling to say that the cat’s hissing is keeping them awake.

Aside from the potential noise level, another reason why cats make better pets than dogs is the

exercise that dogs require. Imagine this scenario: Work lasted longer than expected, it’s already late, a

thunderstorm is raging outside, but there is no getting around the fact that the dog needs to be walked.

Find the leash, bring the poop bags, and get out the umbrella all because Fido demands a walk.

Meanwhile, the cats sits patiently on the windowsill and stays dry while the dog goes out to do its

business. A quick trip to the litter box is all the cat needs, and the owner can simply scoop out the

Commented [SL1]: Note the formatting of this heading: It is double-spaced, just like the rest of the essay, and the date is in proper MLA format—Day Month Year.

Commented [SL2]: Try to create a catchy title. This two- part title (first part is more creative, second part is more straightforward) is a good way to get the reader’s attention

Commented [SL3]: This paper starts with a bit of background, and then goes into the specific thesis.

Commented [SL4]: Remember to underline the thesis!

Commented [SL5]: This is the topic sentence of this paragraph. Each paragraph needs a topic sentence, and then the paragraph itself should elaborate on and support that topic sentence

Commented [SL6]: Dashes should be used very sparingly. They are used to interject parenthetical words that you really want to emphasize. Again, do not overuse them. In this case, the writer really wanted to emphasize the fact that dogs might growl at guests, so dashes were used instead of parentheses.

Commented [SL7]: This transition sentence helps the paper move smoothly from the previous topic to this one

Commented [SL8]: Here are the two grammar rules for colon usage: 1. Colons should be used only after complete sentences. In this case, we have an understood “you” as the subject. 2. The words that follow the colon should explain, define, or elaborate on the sentence before the colon. So in this case, the words after the colon explain what the “scenario” is.

Wallace 2

results. True, some people may not enjoy scooping litter boxes, but it beats going out in a thunderstorm

to take the dog for its nightly walk.

Fortunately, scooping the litter box is one of the only things cat owners need to worry about

when it comes to cleanliness, which brings me to the final reason why cats are better pets than dogs:

Cats clean themselves, while dogs require baths and, depending on the breed, regular grooming. There

is a reason why we don’t talk about a “wet cat smell.” Cats simply do not emit bad odors like dogs do.

Maybe this is because cats groom themselves daily, while dogs roll in the dirt and simply wait for their

owners to take care of their filth.

Cat lovers can surely come up with many more reasons why their beloved pets are the better

choice when compared with dogs, but the three simple reasons described here are evidence enough. Of

course, some people don’t mind excessive barking, nightly dog-walking, and bathing their pet every time

it gets dirty. Then there are those of us who prefer the soft purr, the calm demeanor, and clean fur of

the feline.

Commented [SL9]: In this essay, you might use some first person, but do be aware that overuse of this point-of-view can make your writing too informal. As long as you balance the tone, some first person is okay.

Commented [SL10]: This paragraph reiterates the main points without repeating them verbatim