Did you know that YouTube was actually invented as a platform to upload cute animal videos? It’s true. Everyone loves a good ‘awwwww’ over a tiny kitten asleep in a sock or a puppy with big, sad eyes.

Through boredom (or because I’m your typical weirdo), I decided to upload a video of my babies (the fur variety). I dressed them up in baby-grows and even taped them watching a rather heated Brexit debate on Newsnight. I had no idea one of my cats was a remainer and the other a leaver. The resulting scrap exposed a Bo-Jo tattoo under Tilly’s fur which I’m guessing she picked up at that rally she went to under the guise of ‘going out for the evening to sniff cat bums and howl.’

Throughout the video my hapless dog can be seen staring into the camera and at me simultaneously with her cute, wandering eyes and I was shocked to read some of the comments on the video:

‘Cats are better. That dog looks like it needs a stiff drink and a therapist.’

‘No way! Cats would try to murder you in your sleep then convince the police that you brought it on yourself.’

Before long a heated debate had arisen as to whether dogs or cats were better-all because I wanted to showcase my cat’s fashion choices and political leanings. Apparently, every person MUST have a preference….

It got me thinking-did I have a preference? I’ve always loved both. When it comes to cats and dogs I swing both ways. It works well in our house-the cats poop, the dog eats it. The cats sarcastically paw snacks off the table whilst staring at me, the dog eats it. All of them leave food in their bowls, the kids eat it.

I weighed up the pros and cons of both animals:

Cat pros: cute, poop in a confined space (sometimes), entertain themselves.

Cat cons: judge you with their satanic-looking eyes, try to bite my toes off, have destroyed my furniture.

Dog pros: great exercise buddy, want to cuddle, always happy to see you even if you’ve gained a few pounds.

Dog cons: great exercise buddy, lick bum then want to lick your mouth, likes to get frisky with kid’s stuffed toys (and YES, my dog is a girl).

I couldn’t decide if I preferred one to the other! Both had their good points and both were capable of sitting on my knee so that the kids couldn’t annoy me with their annoying demands for affection-that’s why I loved them both.

“But cats scratch!” One mate voiced.

“Well dogs can’t look up!” Another chimed.

“Is that true?!”

“It said on a film it was.”

I was then blasted and bullied into choosing one or the other-apparently having no preference is ‘unnatural.’ It was more stressful than that time I got locked in Asda after closing.

Still no further on with my intense, philosophical musings I began to get ready for bed and all 3 pets followed my upstairs like an obese, blonde Snow White and watched as I snuggled down for the night. One by one they draped over me and slowly fell asleep.

Why did I have to choose one? Why can’t I be greedy? Heaven know my waistline shows I’m inclined to that. So in the end up I did decide. Do you know what I chose? Love. Cats or dogs I’ll love them both. The kids? Oh well, at least they have the grandparents for a cuddle.