Cats, Dogs, and Culture: Embracing Our Differences to Thrive Together
Cute companions or mortal enemies?
Have you ever noticed how people can be instantly labelled as “cat people” or “dog people,” as if there’s no middle ground? It’s remarkable how one simple question—“Do you prefer cats or dogs?”—can spark passionate debate (and plenty of good-natured teasing). But that very conversation also highlights a deeper lesson about human nature and organisational culture. We often sort ourselves into different camps, each with its own perspectives and preferences. Yet, it’s completely possible for these different camps to exist side by side in harmony, provided we focus on what truly matters.
Cats, Dogs, and the Bell Curve of Preference
In the UK (and many other places), people are known to be slightly obsessed with their pets, whether they’re cats, dogs, rabbits, or something a little more exotic. Owners shower their furry companions with affection, lavish them with accessories, and treat them like they’re an integral part of the family. It’s easy to see why. Pets bring so much joy and comfort, and it’s natural for people to feel strongly about the animals they love.
Within this broader pet-loving community, though, you’ll typically see a bell curve of preferences:
On one end, you have people who adore only cats and can’t see the charm in dogs.
On the other end, you have people who are strictly dog lovers and don’t understand what’s so fascinating about cats.
In the middle of the curve, you’ll find the largest group—people who like both, or can at least find something to appreciate in each.
Then there are the outliers who might not be fond of pets at all.
No matter where you land, does it really matter? If someone at work loves dogs, and you’re 100% a cat person, that doesn’t have to stand in the way of collaboration, teamwork, or friendship. You can still talk about shared interests, negotiate a project plan, or have a laugh over lunch. Your choice in pets doesn’t define your value as a colleague or friend.
Lessons for Organisational Culture
In an organisational setting, you’re guaranteed to encounter a variety of preferences, viewpoints, and personalities. People differ by:
Background: nationality, ethnicity, religion, language.
Appearance: shape, size, gender, style.
Working style: morning lark vs. night owl, detailed planner vs. big-picture thinker, and everything in between.
When organisations foster a culture that allows for these differences—without letting them interfere with core values—teams tend to thrive. The key lies in finding ways to bridge any potential gaps. Here’s how the cat-versus-dog analogy can help illuminate a healthy cultural approach:
Acknowledge Differences: Just like there’s no point in forcing a cat person to like dogs, it’s equally unproductive to force everyone at work to think or behave the same way. A strong culture celebrates the variety of preferences, personalities, and skills that people bring to the table.
Seek Common Ground: Even if two people bond over their fondness for completely different types of pets, chances are they share something else—a love of animals, for example. At work, keep returning to those core values or collective goals. Whether it’s delivering exceptional customer service or innovating new solutions, focusing on shared objectives helps teams navigate individual quirks and disagreements.
Respect Boundaries: If a cat person doesn’t want dog slobber in their house, that’s fair enough. In the same way, if a colleague works best in a quiet space, respect that preference and don’t insist on open-plan brainstorming sessions every day. Accepting boundaries and finding compromises is essential for organisational harmony.
Stay Curious: Many people who grow up with a specific pet (say, a dog) eventually find they have room in their hearts for a cat too. Likewise, in a diverse workplace, staying open-minded and curious about how others do things can broaden your perspective. If you’re a team member who thrives on big-picture brainstorming, learning more about detailed project management from a colleague could improve your own skill set—and vice versa.
Embracing the Differences, Focusing on the Core
The beauty of any good culture—whether it’s in your local community or a multinational corporation—is that it understands the importance of shared values while leaving room for personal differences. You can be a cat person surrounded by dog enthusiasts and still have a great time working together, as long as you all share a commitment to respect, collaboration, and empathy.
That doesn’t mean ignoring the fact that differences exist. It means actively acknowledging and celebrating them, using them as a strength rather than a point of friction. After all, the best teams are often those with diverse perspectives, because they can tackle challenges from multiple angles.
Celebrating Choice and Joy
At the end of the day, it’s wonderful that everyone can have an animal they choose to love and spend time with. Some will choose cats for their elegance and independence, others prefer dogs for their loyalty and playfulness, and some just love all animals. The important takeaway is that these differing preferences need not (and should not) create wedges in the workplace or in our day-to-day interactions.
So, what if we apply this same thinking to people?
Different backgrounds? Fantastic—that could lead to richer, more creative discussions.
Varied communication styles? With a bit of patience, you can learn a lot from someone who thinks differently than you do.
Divergent opinions? That might be the spark needed to drive innovation or solve a long-standing problem in a new way.
Final Thoughts
Just like we can learn to appreciate both cats and dogs—or at least respect each other’s preference for one or the other—we can learn to thrive with people who don’t share every single characteristic or viewpoint we hold. A strong, positive organisational culture isn’t about making everyone the same. Rather, it’s about recognising the differences, uniting around the core values that bring us together, and letting respect and understanding guide the way.
So whether you’re #TeamCat, #TeamDog, or cheerfully neutral on the whole matter, remember that these small preferences don’t define our ability to work together, share space, and support each other. After all, it’s in embracing and celebrating our variety that we discover the true potential of a united culture—both in the office and beyond.