It’s rating cats and dogs
Which is the better woodshop pet; a dog or a cat?
Which is the better woodshop pet; a dog or a cat?
We’re an animal family and have always had pets, and while I did own a dog many years ago, I’ve been a cat person for most of my life. I’ve told you before about my shop cat, and I’m thrilled that she’s such a good companion for me while I work.
The shop is never lonely, and I think my work is the better for it.
Depending on whether you’re a dog or cat person, there can be certain advantages and disadvantages to choosing one over the other. After painstaking research, I’ve compiled a handy guide every woodworker should have.
As you can see, there are distinct pluses and minuses to both, and they look to be pretty close. The way I see it, cats have the edge. But then, I’m a cat person. Your mileage may vary.
I think everyone can agree, though, that dogs and cats are the two top pets for a lot of good reasons. They both bond with their owners, are never judgmental, they don’t care if you make a mistake while working, and think everything you do is perfect.
As long as you look out for their safety, having a loyal pet in the woodshop can be extremely rewarding.
A.J. Hamler is the former editor of Woodshop News and Woodcraft Magazine. He's currently a freelance woodworking writer/editor, which is another way of stating self-employed. When he's not writing or in the shop, he enjoys science fiction, gourmet cooking and Civil War reenacting, but not at the same time.
