Can Your Dogs and Cats Coexist?

You are probably familiar with the phrase ‘fighting like cats and dogs’. It is a well-known fact that having a dog and a cat in the same home can be a recipe for disaster. If your felines and canines don’t get along, they might hurt each other, hurt your kids and even damage your property.

The age-old question is, can you have dogs and cats living together peacefully? Can they coexist in the same household without fighting? The answer is yes, they can! While some cats and dogs just naturally coexist, others need to be taught to live together safely and peacefully.

Planning to introduce a dog to a cat or a cat to a dog? In this article, you will learn how to enhance the possibility of dogs and cats coexisting in Denver.

Why Dogs and Cats Might Not Get Along

Here are several reasons why cats and dogs don’t usually get along:

•  Instinctive behavior: Naturally, dogs have the tendency to chase smaller animals such as cats. On the other hand, cats have a natural instinct to flee from dogs when threatened. At times, cats will react with actions such as arching their backs, hissing and swiping at the dog.

• Competition: When cats and dogs live together in the same home, there is likely to be a sense of competition over the available resources. This usually results in antagonism between the two animals.

• Different languages: The behavior and body language that dogs and cats use to communicate friendship, fear, dominance and aggression are very different. These different ways of communicating can cause confusion and conflict between felines and canines living together.

Tips for Helping Your Cats and Dogs Get Along

The following are suggestions for building an amiable relationship between your dog and cat:

1. Introduce dogs and cats properly

   Introducing a new cat to a resident dog (or vice versa) is a delicate process that can take a long time. The Animal Humane Society suggests keeping the animals separate for at least 3 days. You can then feed your dog and cat on opposite sides of a closed door. Once they are able to eat calmly in close proximity, you can initiate a face-to-face meeting. Keep the dog on a leash and allow the cat to walk in and out of the room. When the animals start being comfortable in each other’s presence, you can then set them loose.

   At times, cats and dogs can get on well for a long time, but a change like a new home or a new baby can disrupt this peace. In such situations, you might want to reintroduce them from scratch.

2. Consider the breed

   Due to their natural characteristics, some dog breeds might struggle to live with smaller animals like cats. For example, terriers and hound breeds have a predatory instinct and might not adapt very well to living with a cat. If you’re looking for a dog, it would be more advisable to go for sporting breeds or toy breeds which are more affectionate and friendly.

3. Provide privacy

   Dogs and cats are very territorial in nature. Therefore, make sure each animal has its own private space which cannot be intruded upon. Keep feeding and toileting areas separate and inaccessible to the other pet. Resources such as water and food bowls should never be shared.

4. Give equal treatment

   Resentment and jealousy over attention, treats and toys can have a major effect on the relationship between your animals. To maintain peace in the home, be sure to give your dog and cat equal access to resources and attention. This will assure them that they are equally loved and prevent envious feelings.

5. Seek professional help

   Getting your dog and cat to get along can be a very frustrating and time-consuming exercise. The good news is that help is just a phone call away. Veterinarians, pet trainers and animal behaviorists can offer valuable advice whenever your dogs and cats are struggling to coexist. The sooner you seek professional help, the easier it will be to fix the problem.

Conclusion

Though many people cannot imagine dogs and cats as friends, it is very possible. Millions of homes across the nation have dogs and cats getting along just fine. But it usually takes a lot of work for this to happen.

Take time to understand your pet’s individual preferences and personalities. Be patient with the introduction process, offer privacy and treat your animals equally. And whenever you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Keep in mind that whether your cats and dogs get along, we always groom them separately!