It may appear that a dog’s territorial nature and a cat’s timid nature are incompatible. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t cohabitate or become best friends. You can create an environment where both pets feel comfortable and learn to love (or at least tolerate) each other’s differences with some positive reinforcement and the appropriate introduction.
A cat needs to have access to a dog-free sanctuary before they ever meet, regardless of whether it is a new member of the family or a longtime one. Giving your cat a secure space of their own is a good idea because cat-dog relationships can take weeks to fully develop.
Giving your cat a room with everything they need, including their litter box, cat toys, food and water bowls, is an even better addition than towers, perches, and cubbies for keeping it out of a dog’s reach. This will not only let you take your time with introductions, but it can also help maintain a peaceful home.
Because cats are typically more at risk from dogs than vice versa, it’s crucial to keep your dog under control with a leash or other form of restraint. Keep a firm grip on them until you’re certain they’re both at ease and get along.
Dog obedience training beforehand is also a good idea. Dogs will chase anything that moves quickly out of instinct due to their stronger hunting instincts, especially cats. This problem can be lessened or resolved by teaching them to obey commands rather than engaging in this behavior.
These steps can help you minimize issues in a developing cat-dog relationship and train your pets to get along peacefully.
Getting a new pet may require a lot of work, but in the long run, it can be very rewarding. Your pets’ lives will be fuller and more fulfilling if you teach them to love and appreciate their new companion. You will also benefit from adding another furry family member to your household.
Do Dogs and Cats Get Along? Ask the Cat! Dogs and cats living together get along most of the time, but it’s the cat’s level of comfort with the dog that is the defining factor, according to research.
| Photo: Plastique/Shutterstock |
I am considering adopting a cat, but was told I should adopt two cats. Why?
Cats are family-oriented and usually live with their relatives. Within family groups, cats will cuddle, share feeding stations, and groom one another. For this reason, cats often do well adopted in pairs.
However, there is a caveat to this statement. According to studies, households that adopt two kittens from the same litter are much more likely to keep those cats in their homes for the long term than households that only adopt one kitten.
Contrarily, most adult cats are not very tolerant of adult cats who are not part of their family group. If adopting an adult cat, it might be best to keep the family at just one cat.
Is Two Really Company?Any time you have morethan one dog or cat, you run the risk of a conflict. That goesdouble if there are differences in age, size, activity levels or species. Old dogs or cats mightjust want to kick back and take it easy, but puppies and kittens have moreenergy than they know what to do with — and they often use it to bounce off the senior member’s head. And we’ve all seen the big galoot of a puppy who pesters atiny old dog — or cat — to the point where the smaller animal prefers to stay inhiding rather than get pounced on again by the youngster. Choose a new dog or catwho will mesh well with your current pet. For instance, it can be helpful if your new puppy — whenfully grown — is the same size as or smaller than your senior dog, so the former doesn’t beat up on the latter too much. It’s also a good idea to get a pet of theopposite se Even when pets are spayed or neutered, opposite-sex animals tend to get alongbetter than those of the same se Are you bringing adog into your older cat’s happy home?
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FAQ
Should I get 2 cats or a cat and a dog?
Two cats are less likely to engage in bad or destructive behavior, which results in less damage to furniture and belongings and happier pet owners because two cats tend to live happier and healthier lives. The best justification for adopting a bonded pair is the increased affection.
Is it better to get a cat then dog or dog then cat?
In the broadest sense, however, the best approach would be to adopt a kitten who has grown up in a home with friendly or indifferent dogs around, followed by a middle-aged, well-behaved dog who shows little interest in cats.
Do cats and dogs actually get along?
Most cats can coexist peacefully with a dog if they have enough time to get to know one another. If a puppy and kitten are raised together, they will typically learn to tolerate one another right away, and some cats and dogs develop into true friends who play and cuddle together.
Will my cat be nicer if I get another cat?
It is advisable to think about giving another cat to cats who are left alone for extended periods of time each day. A social cat companion can greatly improve their daily lives. The likelihood of them getting along most of the time increases with their age when they are first introduced.