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5 Real Reasons Why Cats Are Cleaner Than Dogs (2023)

Are Cats Cleaner Than Dogs

There are many debates about dogs and cats. 

However, 1 thing is certain…

Cats are cleaner than dogs. 

But why do felines love being neat? 

And why can’t pups clean themselves like kittens?

Before curiosity licks the cat… 

Here’s the surprising truth behind all this mystery. 

Continue reading to find out:

  • 3 fun facts about dogs and cats.
  • Which animal is the cleanest furry companion.
  • 5 real reasons why cats are cleaner than dogs (#3 and #5 are mind-blowing.)
  • And a lot more…

Why cats are cleaner than dogs – 5 reasons


#1: Cats have sharp tongues

I remember when my cat licked me for the first time. 

And instead of feeling all warm and fuzzy…

It felt like rubbing sandpaper on your arm. Gee, what’s up with that?

Ah, that’s right. Unlike dogs, cats have sharp tongues. 

That’s because felines have brush-like spines on their tongue. 

But why? 

Well, a study explains: 

The sharp spines in a cat’s tongue are called papillae. And felines use those bones to: 

  • Groom.
  • Drink water.
  • Hold their prey. 

Fun fact: Science says that cats use the tip of their tongue to drink. And they do it by pulling the water up. Meanwhile, dogs curl their tongue backward. That’s how pups hold water to drink.

With this, you can almost say: 

Cat tongues are like built-in hair combs. And they work just like toothbrushes. 

After all, those sharp bristles can reach even deep corners.

Thanks to that, felines can clean their whole body with ease.

Now, if you compare this with dogs…

It’s clear who has the advantage. 

I mean, Fidos have soft and smooth tongues. So when pups lick you, all you’ll feel is their drool.

You might also like: 7 Reasons Why Your Dog Licks Your Arm So Much + 3 Tips

#2: Dogs are more active than cats 

Cats Are More Cleaner Because Dogs Are More Active Than Them

Dogs are known to be hyperactive

That’s why many people often say: 

“If you want a playmate, get a puppy. 

But if you only want to chill, find a kitty.” 

Now, that’s true in most cases. 

However, cats could also be playful. Though, they’re usually not as active as canines. 

Just watch your pup’s daily activities.

As they run, jump, or roll around

Dogs can quickly catch a lot of dirt. 

But why are these canines so active? 

First, vets found that smaller pups are more hyper than big ones.

Aside from that…

Fidos worked for humans too. And they did a lot of jobs, such as:

  • Hunting.
  • Herding.
  • Chasing.
  • Tracking.
  • Guarding.
  • Pulling carts.
  • Delivering goods.

With these 7 tasks, you can say dogs are busybodies. 

That’s why they’re often moving around. 

But of course, every pooch is different. And the same applies to cats too. 

However, Dr. Coren adds: 

Some dogs might have ADHD 

That means some Fidos have higher energy levels. Plus, they’re easily distracted too. 

Besides, even without ADHD…

There are naturally hyper dogs, such as:

  • Border Collies.
  • Smooth Collies.
  • German Shepherds.
  • Spanish Water Dogs.
  • Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

But whether your pooch is 1 of these breeds or not…

Many pups are just active and playful. And that’s why most of them tend to get dirty.

Meanwhile, cats spend most of their time relaxing. 

But that doesn’t mean they’re just lazing around.

You see, it’s just common for cats to save their energy. So when they run into prey, kitties are always ready to catch them.

Moreover, sleep experts also reveal: 

60% of cats sleep for 12 to 18 hours a day

And the remaining 40% could sleep longer than that. 

Meanwhile, vets say that most Fidos spend 50% of their day taking naps. In total, they could sleep for 12 to 14 hours per day. 

Now, that’s a bit shorter than what 40% of cats can do. 

But how’s this related to their cleanliness?

Just imagine it this way: 

While kitties are doing nothing in their beds… 

Some active Fidos might be out playing with dirt. Or just running into all sorts of untidy places. 

So, when it comes to getting messy, it’s easier to catch dogs than sleepy cats. 

Find out more: 15 Weird Reasons Why Your Dog Is So Hyper All Of A Sudden

#3: If dogs pant, cats lick (to cool down) 

Many dogs roll around in the mud. And they seem to enjoy it too.

But it’s rare for cats to do such a thing. 

I mean, the mud isn’t neat at all. 

So why do pups love playing with that kind of dirt? 

Fun fact: Dogs and kitties don’t sweat like humans. And that’s due to the fur all over their body. Instead, both animals sweat through their paws or noses. 

But aside from that, how else do cats and dogs cool down? 

Well, you guessed it: 

1 way Fidos do it is by rolling in the mud. 

So when the dirt dries on your dog, it gives them a cooling effect. That’s why some pups love playing in the mud. 

Aside from that… 

Panting is also a way for Fidos to cool down. So during summers, dogs might pant even more.

But wait, why don’t cats do the same? 

Interestingly enough… 

Cats cool down by licking their body

Though, they’re not just spitting on their skin. 

When cats lick their body, it’s like they’re taking a shower. 

Basically, these felines spit on their body first. Then, they’ll use their tongue to wipe the saliva away. 

Once cats do that, it leaves a cooling effect. Just like mud for dogs.

So if kitties can have a free shower using their tongues… 

Then, they’ll just stick to that option instead. After all, mud can be hard to clean off too.

Curious about your cat’s grooming habits? You can learn more from this cute clip: 

#4: Felines spend half of their day cleaning 

You’ve read about dogs and cats sleeping all day. 

Now let me tell you about their cleaning habits. 

Professionals claim: 

Cats spend 30% to 50% of their day grooming. 

So if they’re not sleeping…

Kitties are just licking their bodies instead. Well, that sounds like a hobby they’ll never get bored of. 

But at what point does grooming turn unhealthy for them? 

Specialists say that too much licking in cats could be a sign of issues like:

  • Pain.
  • Fleas.
  • Stress.
  • Allergies.
  • Hair loss.
  • Boredom.
  • Ear mites.

Warning: If your kitten is grooming nonstop, you should consult a vet. And the same also applies to your pooch. You see, Fidos that lick too much could have health issues too.

That aside… 

Cats are also more flexible. 

Now, there’s a saying that goes: 

“Felines always land on their feet.” 

And there are studies proving this quote. Though, that only works when kittens don’t jump from very high places. 

But how’s this related to being cleaner than dogs?

Well, since these cats are so flexible… 

It’s easier for them to groom their bodies. 

Just look at the many jokes on the internet that says: 

“Kittens are liquid. They can shapeshift to fit into any box.” 

And what people don’t know is…

Cats are born that way so they can run faster.

Now, that’s something your pooch doesn’t have. 

But in defense of dogs:

There’s a reason why they’re not so flexible. 

As you can tell, most Fidos have more strength, not speed. That’s why their bodies are sturdier than cats. 

Due to this… 

It’s not easy for dogs to reach every part of their body. 

But why aren’t they bothered by the dirt? 

You’re about to find out in the next section…

#5: Cats bury their poop out of instinct

Cats and dogs are both predators. 

But they have 1 big difference. And it’s the fact that kitties bury their poop. 

That seals the deal of what makes cats cleaner than Fidos.

Though, you might also wonder: 

“Why don’t dogs hide their waste?” 

First of all, pups can’t use litterboxes.

Now, the rest of the answer lies in your dog’s instincts. 

So to explain further, let’s talk about Fido’s cousins. 

And yes, I’m referring to wolves. 

You see, these wild dogs live in packs. With that, they feel safer with their groups. 

Plus, to protect their furry pals… 

Wolves mark their territories. And they do that by peeing everywhere. Or by leaving their poop behind. 

After all, their scent serves as a warning that says: 

“Back off. This area is our hunting ground.” 

With that, their rivals can stay away. 

And lastly, these wolves know their strength. 

I mean, if you’re 1 of the strongest creatures… 

You might hardly fear anything too. That’s why these wild Fidos don’t need to hide their scent. 

But wait a minute.

Cats are top predators too. So, why aren’t they like dogs? 

Well, the main reason is: 

All cats hunt alone, except lions

Unlike pups, most kittens work by themselves. 

And that applies to their wild cousins, too, like:

  • Tigers.
  • Lynxes.
  • Jaguars.
  • Panthers.
  • Leopards.
  • Cheetahs.

Fun fact: Science says lions are the only big cats that live together. Moreover, a group of lions is called “pride.”

As you can tell, most cats don’t have allies. So when they run into other threats, they could face death. 

And to give you ideas, here are some enemies of felines:

  • Bears.
  • Foxes.
  • Eagles.
  • Wolves.
  • Snakes.
  • Coyotes.
  • Cougars.
  • Raccoons.
  • Their fellow cats.

Now, this is why kittens are more careful, unlike dogs. 

But this doesn’t mean felines are just scaredy cats. 

On the bright side… 

Hiding their scent also avoids scaring their prey. 

For example, mice know the smell of cats. Especially a kitten’s poop. 

So to catch your kitty’s prey…

Felines know it’s easier to hide their presence. You know, like a sneaky assassin. 

And that’s why kittens prefer burying their poop.

With that, you now know why cats are cleaner than dogs. 

Read more: What Do Dogs Think Of Cats? 5 Mind-Blowing Facts

Are cats the cleanest pets?

Cats are one of the cleanest pets you could have. Along with other animals like:

  • Pigs.
  • Rabbits.
  • Betta fish.
  • Hamsters.
  • Parakeets.
  • Chinchillas.
  • Guinea pigs.

Now, that’s just only a few examples. 

Truth is, many animals are clean. So it’s not just cats. 

And while dogs aren’t as neat as kitties…

It doesn’t mean that Fidos are always dirty. In fact, they’re still part of the cleanest furry friends you could meet.