Dogs and cats can become best friends even if their temperaments are like night and day. According to cat specialist and “Animal Planet” host Jackson Galaxy, if pet owners provide a “positive, loving, encouraging environment,” feline and canine pets can live harmoniously under the same roof.
Dogs and cats living together peacefully can be achieved with the help of these few tips:
Prepare for the New Arrival
Socialising dogs with cats whilst they are young is easier than introducing them as adults. Whichever is the case, you need to do a few things before you let your furry friends meet for the first time.
Tip #1
Consider your pet’s temperament and activity levels rather than his breed. The energy level and personality of the new addition, whether a cat or a dog, should match that of the resident animal.
For example, if the one you have at home is an ageing pet, he may not get along with a rowdy young companion. To help you get a good match, learn more about dog breeds.
Tip #2
Exercise your dog regularly so their energy level is more manageable. A lack of physical and mental stimulation can turn a pooch rowdy and high-strung. They will be harder to control when introducing them to a new furry pal.
Allowing them to expend their energy using doggy exercise activities turns them into calmer and more amenable canine companions. If you are unable to exercise your pet daily, have a dog walker or pet sitter cover for you.
Tip #3
Assign safe areas for both animals. Having separate spaces where they can get away from each other helps retain peace in the household. It also helps your furry pal feel safe and secure when eating, drinking, resting, and going to the toilet.
For cats, set up shelves that allow them to travel from one part of your home to another without stepping on the floor. Set their beds on high places and provide cat trees or other furnishings that allow them to stay beyond your dogs’ reach.
You can also use a crate big enough to contain a scratching post, litter area, and bed, but a small-enough door so the dog cannot get in.
On the other hand, you can use baby gates to keep the dogs in their place. Their respective toys and food must also be kept separate.
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Give Your Dogs and Cats Time
When housing dogs and cats together, how you introduce them to each other makes a big difference. Do not negligently place them in one room without any plans since it is a recipe for disaster.
Unsupervised interactions during their first few weeks together must be avoided. You do not know how they would react to each other’s presence, which can result in a hostile situation.
Here are some steps to follow when you introduce a cat to a dog and vice versa:
Step 1: To help satisfy their curiosity, allow your cat to smell your dog’s scent using his belongings such as his doggy blanket, bed, or toys before the actual meeting. Do the same to your dog.
Step 2: After a few days, let your cat and dog sniff at each other, but keep both pets separated to avoid dangerous confrontations. Thus, this step should take place from their respective sides behind closed doors.
Your pooch must be on a lead to lower the risk of him pulling and barging into your cat’s room.
Mealtime is the ideal setting as both felines and canines love food. Letting your pets connect their respective scents with food helps positively reinforce their encounter. Keep doing this for the next several weeks.
Step 3: Start introducing the visual aspect of both pets’ mealtime meetings. Instead of a solid door, use a screen or a dog gate to separate them.
Gradually take out the screen when they consistently eat in peace without angrily vocalising at each other. By this time, they should be comfortable eating next to each other. Your dog must remain on the lead until you feel that they can control their impulses.
Reward your dog if they show calm and relaxed behaviour. If they begin to bark or try to chase the cat, you can use food as a distraction and move them away. Always praise him when he behaves appropriately.
FAQs About Dogs and Cats Living Together
1. How Long Does It Take for a Cat to Get Used to a Dog?
The length of time it takes for a cat to get used to a dog will vary differently depending on both of the animals’ temperament and experience in dealing with other pets.
Cats with a laid-back and welcoming personality do not take long to get on well with their canine companion. It can happen within a few weeks.
Felines who are highly protective of their territory will take longer to adapt to the new change, which can take several months.
Keep in mind that not all cats will become the best of friends with dogs. However, proper introduction helps increase their tolerance towards them.
2. What to Do If Your Cat Hates Your Dog?
If your cat hates your dog, try introducing them to each other once again, but do it gradually. Do not rush since it will only cause stress to both pets.
Seeking help from an animal behaviourist can also aid in making the introduction process easier for your furry pals.
If these strategies do not work, rehoming one of your pets is your last solution to maintain a peaceful household.
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3. Do Dogs See Cats as Prey?
Some dog breeds, particularly those with strong prey drive, see cats as prey. We do not recommend housing them with felines to avoid dangerous accidents.
If you intend to have a multipet household, choose a breed of dog that is known to get along well with cats.
4. Will an Older Dog Accept a Kitten?
Some older dogs accept a kitten whilst others do not. If you plan to own a young cat, test how well she will get along with your pooch before officially welcoming her into your home.
Let them temporarily meet each other and observe their interactions for a couple of days. Keep your dog on a lead even if he is old for the cat’s safety. If the play date goes well, then your pooch is likely okay with having a kitten as a companion.
Conclusion
Since dogs are naturally predatory, ensure that your dog gets enough exercise every day so that his energy will not overwhelm your cats. When cats are scared, they engage in defensive behaviour that brings out the chasing instinct of your dog.
As such, it is very important to keep the energy levels amongst both animals balanced. This is your primary responsibility as their pack leader.