CATS & DOGS LIVING TOGETHER? SOME THINK ITS MADNESS; WE JUST CALL IT “HOME”

Let’s get right to the point. Dogs and cats can live together in harmony. In fact, statistics show that 40% of all dog owners (including us) have at least one cat in the home as well.

“That’s easy for you to say,” you might think. Perhaps you’ve heard stories of dogs attacking and killing neighborhood cats, or of cats drawing blood from the nose of a curious puppy.

Letting your own pets fight it out seems unacceptable, but what can a pet owner do to help their own cat(s) and dog(s) get along?

Reinforce Good Behavior.
Managing pets so that they get along may involve some training. Like any other type of training, you should praise and reward good behavior. Stock up on cat & dog treats ahead of time. Small treats make great rewards and can distract pets headed for trouble.

Avoiding a CATastrophe

Consider your situation carefully.
Most dogs can be taught to live in harmony with a feline family member, but there are always exceptions. If you’re planning on adding a dog to your family and you already have a cat, you might consider researching dog breeds. Some dog breeds are naturally more inclined to hunt and may never accept a cat in their home. The breed of the cat may also be important because it may indicate how the cat will react to a dog.

What can you do as the “Ringmaster” to help nurture this bizarre friendship?
Since most dogs can be taught to be friendly with their feline friends you should plan ahead and be cautious at first. First teach your dog that the cat is “off-limits.” Your pooch just wants to please you, and he will be more likely to leave Fluffy alone when he understands that you want him to. Adult cats must also be taught to leave a puppy alone, but then again, cats make it their business to ignore you. A firm “NO!” or a squirt from a water pistol may be needed.

When introducing your dog to a cat, do it slowly and in a controlled environment.

Each time the dog shows any inclination toward growling, barking, or charging at the cat, firmly command “Leave it!” or “Stay!” Simply saying “No!” won’t help because your dog already associates “no” with other actions. You need a command that applies specifically to not hurting the cat.

Be prepared.

Your dog may be very excited and curious about your cat, and the cat may be very frightened. Excited dogs can easily get out of control, and frightened cats may try to claw and bite to escape.

Use common sense.

Remember what your darling little puppy did to your shoes? Or, perhaps your newspaper or the legs of your chairs? Keep in mind that your innocent pooch is a natural predator, and your cute little kitty could be his prey…or vice versa! The conflict between cats and dogs is easy to understand. Before dogs were domesticated by humans they survived by hunting small, furry prey that look just like Fluffy the cat. A dog’s natural instinct is to pounce on fast-moving objects or animals that excite its curiosity. On the other hand, a cat who feels cornered is likely to hiss, scratch, and struggle to escape. Dogs tend to take this behavior personally. When you understand why your pets act as they do, it will be much easier for you to control their behavior. Initially, supervise all interaction between your cat and dog until you are confident that they will behave. At first, you may even have to keep your dog on a leash whenever your cat is present. Make high places accessible only to the cat so that it can flee a conflict without injury, or simply hide from the dog when it feels threatened.

Do opposites attract?

While it may not be puppy love, your dog and cat can become good friends. They may even become so close that they play together, sleep next to each other and even groom one another.

Many cats and dogs who live together will play together.

Playtime is an effective bonding tool and should be encouraged. You must be cautious in the beginning, however, because dogs naturally want to attack things that move—and Fluffy can definitely move. Before you allow your pets to interact, make sure that your dog will respond consistently to a command to “leave it,” in case your cat ends up captive between its jaws. Begin playtime by firmly holding your dog’s leash and letting him watch the cat play. When your pooch is behaving properly let him play with the cat, but keep him on the leash until you are certain he will not harm the cat.

Tips for maintaining harmony:

• Feed the pets in separate places and at different times to reduce the likelihood that they will fight over food.
• When introducing a puppy to an adult cat, keep an eye on the cat. Puppies aren’t “cat wise” and don’t realize the potential danger. The puppy will probably annoy an older cat, prompting a claw to the nose.
• Give your pets equal time. Your pets may become jealous and resentful when another pet receives more attention.
• The more obedient and trained your dog is, the more he will listen to you and will leave your cat alone.
• Keep both cat toys and dog toys nearby. Rambunctious dogs and cats can pounce on toys instead of your other pet.