[CM30]

I wonder how much of this is an introvert/extravert thing? I mean, the article already points out that dog people will likely have more friends and cat people are more likely to be single, so I suspect the difference in preferences may depend on that aspect of someone's personality.

Cats are perfect for introverts; they look after themselves, don't tend to do much in the day, don't need walks and hence can be mostly left alone (or left to sit next to you) while you browse the internet or work at home.

Dogs require more excercise, commitment, etc. So if you gain energy from being around others, what better way than to go for two walks a day round the streets/local park?

So extraverts likely choose dogs, and introverts likely choose cats.

[vacri]

I think this is the right track, but perhaps not intro/extro, and simply what people want from a pet. Want a constant companion? Get a dog. Want another thing sharing the space, that can look after itself? Get a cat. Want something pretty to look at that knows it's place? Get a fish...

[nhumrich]

I'm very much an introvert but I love my dog, and absolutely am not a cat person.

[brokenmachine]

I'm the same. I'm generally introverted but I loved my dog (RIP) more than anything.

I feel like a battered spouse when I'm forced to take care of an ungrateful cat.

[nol13]

I walk my cat..