It's an age-old question which often separates people into two opposing groups: dog or cat person?
The immediate stereotype associated with those who like cats is the crazy cat lady.
When it comes to those who like dogs, there is a negative stereotype for those that love an animal as if it was a person.
But whether a person loves cats or dogs there always seems to be a degree of separation.
Hilary Johnson, freshman in radio, television and film, is an avid cat lover.
"Cats you can just leave alone," Johnson said. "They don't require as much, and they basically just sleep and snuggle all the time."
For Lindsay Porter, senior in anthropology, cats are her worst nightmare.
"Cats are just creepy," Porter said. "They give me a creepy feeling whenever I see them."
Although Auburn's psychology department doesn't focus on this area, Sam Gosling, a psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, conducted research about the differences between cat and dog owners.
The research included a questionnaire about peoples' personalities.
According to Gosling's results, people who like dogs are more social and outgoing, whereas those who like cats are more open and neurotic.
This doesn't necessarily mean all dog and cat owners fall into this pattern.
Some pet owners simply have allergies to either dogs or cats, making them dislike the animal.
There are also personal differences in the type of pet an owner wishes to handle.
"Dogs are fun, but I can't really control them," Johnson said. "They're hard to train."
But for some, previous experiences may have left them psychologically effected.
"When I was little (a cat) scratched me," Porter said. "The movie the 'Lady and the Tramp' also had Siamese cats that freaked me out."
This seems to have left Porter with a highly negative outlook on cats.
"Cats are associated with the devil in my mind," Porter said.
Luke Farmer, sophomore in political science, was also effected by his childhood experiences with pets.
"I got my dog Leo when I was four or five," Farmer said. "I didn't have any other brothers or sisters, so he became my best friend. I have loved dogs ever since."
Cats or dogs? Choose wisely.
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