Cat vs dog: The rivalry dividing Brisbane

IT’S northside versus southside when it comes to Brisbane’s favourite pets, with cat lovers more likely to live on the opposite side of the city to those who favour dogs. WHICH SIDE DO YOU SIT ON?

CRAZY cat people are more likely to live in Brisbane’s inner-city and northern suburbs, while dog lovers prefer to settle south of the river.

In new research sure to reignite the city’s eternal northside-southside debate, Spring Hill, Bowen Hills and Herston have been outed as feline-friendly neighbourhoods, with Inala and Richlands the suburbs where man’s best friend is likely to reign supreme.

The data, from comparison website Finder, uses microchipping data to uncover which pets are most common in areas of the city.

Tracey Pankhurst, 31, lives in an inner-city unit with Eli the Ragdoll cat in Fortitude Valley. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Felines reign supreme in Brisbane’s inner-city, with more locals choosing cats over any other animal.

Brisbane City, Spring Hill, Bowen Hill and Fortitude Valley are decidedly cat-crazy suburbs, while Herston, Newstead and Kelvin Grove also made the list.

Tracey Pankhurst, 31, from Fortitude Valley has had her ragdoll cat Eli for seven years and said she’s not surprised cats are the pet of choice in the city.

“I’ve had cats my entire life, I think they are a popular choice in the city because they’re a bit more convenient. They’re all right at home with toys while you to go work,” she said. “I love dogs too but they’re definitely more work.”

Michael Beatty from RSPCA Queensland agrees it’s perfectly healthy to keep cats in apartment blocks.

“Given the damage cats can do to wildlife, they’re actually ideally suited to indoor life in apartments. They’re fine and happy in there so long as they have toys,” he said.

And when it comes to dogs and apartment life, bigger can be better.

“Dogs can be good in apartments, but it’s not just down to size,” Mr Beatty said, “Great danes and greyhounds are great options as they’re more chilled and need less constant stimulation, whereas young Jack Russells just aren’t suited, they’re working dogs, high energy and need a backyard.”

Brisbane’s southwest is where you’ll find dog lovers, particularly around Inala and Richlands where dogs make up about 85 per cent of all pets in the area.

Overall, staffordshire terriers are the most popular breed in Brisbane, followed by labradors and maltese.

The Logan and Moreton Bay areas are also staunch dog territory with most owners choosing dogs over any other pet in suburbs such as Greenbank, Spring Mountain, Browns Plains and Park Ridge.

BRISBANE’S CAT-LOVING SUBURBS

1. Brisbane City, Spring Hill, Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Herston, Newstead

2. Kelvin Grove, Red Hill

3. Auchenflower, Mt Coot-tha, Toowong

4. New Farm, Milton, Paddington

5. Highgate Hill, South Brisbane, West End

DOG LOVERS

1. Inala, Richlands

2. Doolandella, Durack

3. Algester, Parkinson

4. Heathwood, Larapinta

5. Willawong, Pallara