Pets are huge in The Netherlands, realy!
I have a dog and a cat.


I love them both.
Sorry, i do not believe dogs, generally speaking, are smarter than cats. Maybe some dogs, like the Border collie.
My cat is way more cautious and mindful than my dog.
The cat comes to me when he needs security and warmth, but he also has a point when he had enough and he goes again his way. The dog never has enough.
The cat had a lot of toys, but his favourite is a piece of rope. From time to time he brings it to me as a gift, so that i rub his head.
I am sorry you are allergic to cats, otherwise you could have been a dog and cat person.