How to peacefully bring together dogs and cats in the same house

By The Inspirer writer.

Tips for living together between dog and cat

Some might think that dogs and cats are not meant to live together under the same roof. In fact, this is not quite the case because so many people have both dogs and cats in the same house, without any problem. Following some small advice, four-legged friends can live more than happily together. The easiest way is undoubtedly to adopt dogs and cats both puppies and get them used to living together from the beginning. (www.petinsurance.com)

Assessing the feasibility of living together

If we already have an animal in the house, dog or cat, we evaluate well if it is feasible to take another one (cat if we have a dog and vice versa). If we know well the animal we already have, we will certainly know if it is able to accept more or less with difficulty another animal within its own space. There are races, which by their nature, are better able to allow this and others that instead have more difficulties. Then the nature of the animal counts, which should make us understand whether or not it is appropriate to adopt another.

Make known dog and cat respecting their times

Dogs and cats need their time to get to know each other and generally the cat poses more difficulties in this regard, being an animal jealous of its territory. Usually, the first contact does not take place in the presence but with an exchange of smells (making the dog smell something that smells like the cat and vice versa). When the animals learn about each other’s smell, you can try to make them meet physically, taking the necessary precautions.

A space dedicated only to the cat

Both dog and cat need their own space but the cat, from this point of view, needs it even more. For this reason, it is necessary to dedicate one to him that can only feel his own. When the two animals have enough confidence with each other, they will have no difficulty spending moments together, even of affection and cuddles.

However, relationships between cats and dogs are possible, depending on their personalities and their owners’ patience and understanding. And while the initial introductory period can be tricky, this unique relationship can be quite rewarding both species. By nature, dogs are predators and often chase things smaller than them—including cats. (www.msn.com)

Dog and Cat Behavior

By nature, dogs are predators and often chase things smaller than them—including cats. However, this doesn’t mean that dogs and cats are not able to live in harmony. As the two most common household pets, the way dogs and cats relate to each other have a lot to do with their temperament, and whether either have had any adverse reactions to members of different species in the past.

For example, a dog raising his paw to a cat may mean he wants to play, but a cat can take it as a sign of an attack, prompting the cat to swat her paw at the dog, sending her into a hissing fit. Likewise, a cat that tries to rub up against a dog may be acting friendly, but a dog can interpret that as a threat—especially if the cat is near his toys or food—and can cause the dog to growl or bark.

However, getting a puppy and a kitten at the same time and raising them together is an option: that way neither has previous fears of each other, unless one of the animals is overly-aggressive and domineering.

Coexisting Peacefully

It is possible for cats and dogs to coexist together and build a friendship, says Bobbie Cooper, director of partnership marketing for Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI).

“When we first got our dog, Pearl, our cats hissed and put up a fight; as a small puppy, Pearl was somewhat intimidated by them,” she says. “But as time passed, they became friends, and before long, the dog and our two cats were curled up sleeping together on the couch.”

Cooper says that Pearl, her six-year-old Schnoodle (a cross between a schnauzer and a poodle) even cleans Cleo, her 12-year-old tabby’s, ears. “You see Cleo sitting there with her eyes closed as Pearl licks her ears, and you can just tell she is in heaven.”