It actually sounds like you're praising cats and putting down dogs in this statement, Ceti Alpha, not the other way around.
haha. Maybe the "special needs child" reference didn't serve my case well.
It really depends on your perspective though. If you want a pet that needs attention and love then a dog is what you want. Dogs are pack animals and want to feel like they belong. Cats, on the other hand, are generally extremely independent and really don't need too much attention.