Are dogs and cats natural enemies? The answer is yes, they are. Dogs and cats are very different species. They see each other as potential prey. But it does not mean that they can not get along.
If you already have a dog and are considering getting a cat or vice versa, you might be wondering what you are getting into. Are your cat and dog destined to end up as enemies or are there some tricks you can do to help them to become friends?
While many cats and dogs don’t get along, there are ways to help them adjust to living with each other. By understanding what both of your pets need, you can create a peaceful and happy home, with both the cat and the dog.
TIPS TO GET CATS AND DOGS TO GET ALONG
Here are some tips that can help to make cats and dogs get along well.
GO SLOW
Keep the pets separate at first, and wait for three to four days before actually introducing the animals to each other face to face. Because animals need time to get to know each other’s smells before they can deal with getting to know another animal. Cats and dogs are more likely to fight with each other or be unhappy if you try to force them together suddenly.
So keep them in separate rooms and out of sight of one another until they both feel comfortable with each other. Begin mixing the animals’ smells by caressing the cat and then caressing the dog or vice versa.
SUBSTITUTE THE ROOMS
Alternate the rooms in which you keep the animals. So they can sniff where each other has been without the presence of another animal. Because smells are a very important way that helps the animals to get to know each other.
Let your animals get to know the other animal’s smells before they actually get to know each other face to face. you can also rub a towel on your dog and then put it under your cat’s bowl. This will help your cat to get used to the dog’s smell and accept it.
WAIT TO INTRODUCE YOUR CAT AND DOG
Wait to introduce your cat and dog until they seem relaxed and ready. If the cat frightens, runs, and hides whenever the dog gets near the door to its room, then you need to give the more time. When the cat is adjusted to the sounds and smell of the dog, then it may be the right time to let them see each other.
EQUAL AMOUNT OF LOVE
Show your pets an equal amount of love as you introduce them to each other. Just like people, animals get jealous when a new animal gets more affection than them. Show both your pets that they are loved by you equally and that the other animal is not feared by you.
SEPARATE YOUR PETS ONCE AGAIN
Don’t force them to interact for too long at the first meetup. Because it may exhaust them, which can lead to conflict. Make the first meeting a good one by keeping it pleasant and brief, then increase the length of these sessions gradually.
KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY FROM EACH OTHER WHEN YOU ARE NOT HOME OR WITH THEM
Separate your pets when you are not at home or with them. So should do this for quite a while. This will prevent your pets from injuring each other.
REDIRECT NEGATIVE BEHAVIOR
Redirect the negative behavior that your dog redirects at your cat or vice versa. The negative behavior may include rough play and barking. To prevent negative behavior give your dog another activity.
Do not scold your pets in such situations. Keep the situation positive and the pets are more likely to have positive associations with each other in the future.
REWARD YOUR PETS
Positive behavior may include friendly behavior or simply not hurting the other animal. Always praise and reward your pets for positive behavior. This will encourage your pets to not get aggressive with each other. In this way, they will learn to associate pleasant feelings with each other.
PROVIDE A SAFE PLACE
Provide your cat with a safe place where it can always get out of the reach of your dog. This may include a cat tree or anything else that allows your cat to escape from the dog. Cats generally attack a dog when had no way to avoid the dog.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
If your dog and your cat have never lived with any other animal before, then it will not be easy for them to accept another animal easily. In this case, do not hurry and try to give your pets proper time to adjust according to the situation. Moreover, you will not know until you introduce your pets to each other whether your dog will see the cat as prey or play, or whether your cat will see your dog as a curiosity or a danger.
