We had a cat that whipped the crap out of a beagle that was getting aggressive with my little sister. The same cat, all seven pounds of her, took umbrage one time when the Dalmatian got a little too close. She jumped on his back and rode him down the street, smacking him on the head. When they got to the corner, she jumped off and made the poor dumb brute turn around and give her a ride back. The Dalmatian pissed himself every time she was near after that.
We had a cat that whipped the crap out of a beagle that was getting aggressive with my little sister.
I have no doubt your feline reacted that way in defense of a family member. I once had the sweetest little tomcat who arched his back and rushed at a male friend who raised his voice at me, though there was no danger whatsoever. There's no "better" between the species; they are different, and different human personalities prefer one or the other for whatever personal reasons. Not to mention that cats are easier in the maintenance department.