The Difference Between Raising Kittens & PuppiesAt first glance, those roly-poly balls of love known as kittens and puppies seem very similar. But, as your fur babies grow, you’ll experience some critical differences, especially in behavior, grooming and potty training.Behavior
Cats and dogs are different: It’s part of our everyday language. People “fight like cats and dogs” and are “cat people” or “dog people.” What this comes down to is basic behavioral differences programmed by millions of years of evolution.

Dogs are social animals. In nature, they are pack hunters with a strict pecking order and complex, lifelong relationships that include labor specialization and sharing. In short, their lifestyles are very similar to primates’ (that’s us).

Cats are small, solitary predators. They aggregate (form groups to defend a common territory or for mutual protection), but do not usually hunt or eat together like dogs. Their primary relationships are between mothers and young.

What this means for you is puppies are highly trainable and view you as a member (hopefully the alpha!) of their pack, while kittens view you as a protector and a resource, but will not necessarily care very much about pleasing you.

As they grow up, puppies will vigorously defend your home with barks and try to greet people with jumps and rude sniffing, while most kittens will respond to interlopers by hiding.

FYI, when training your kitten or puppy, their natural hunting style is key. Dogs follow prey for hours: They will work for food, even if they are not immediately rewarded or can’t see the treat. Cats are ambush predators: They do not look away from prey, ever. They need to see the treat to work for it.