However, there are limits to the formation of camps and quite a few people simply have both as pets. To ensure that the two do not become arch enemies under the same roof, a few rules must be observed. Then people's two favorite four-legged friends can live together in a friendly manner.
Content: Getting dogs used to cats - is that possible?
- The differences
- Cat vs. Dog
- Getting a dog and a cat used to each other - is that possible?
- Planning the introduction of dog and cat correctly
- Further coexistence
The differences
The reason for the often open conflict between dogs and cats lies in the evolution of both and the resulting opposing body language, which often leads to misunderstandings. Cats are also generally very distrustful and show this to almost everyone. Anyone could be a predator and dogs in particular are often not averse to the idea.
But when it comes to living together, it is the different body language that causes problems. Some gestures are so contradictory that, upon closer inspection, it is not surprising that the two four-legged friends usually do not get along.
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There are many such errors in translation. It is understandable, then, that the neighbor's cat always runs away when it sees your own dog.
Getting a dog and a cat used to each other - is that possible?
It is possible and not as rare as the differences between the two would suggest. There are many families in which both dogs and cats live together peacefully. It is called socialization when two different species of animals are to live together. But certain conditions must be met for this to happen. Animals that have already been traumatized by previous encounters with the other four-legged friend will find it difficult to make new acquaintances. The following points will help to encourage mutual acceptance or even friendship between the two:
When young cats and young dogs meet and grow up together, this is probably the best prerequisite for a peaceful friendship between dog and cat. As they grow up together, they learn to understand each other's language and the misunderstandings mentioned above no longer occur as often. They understand that the other person is not a threat.
The same applies to adult dogs and cats that come into contact with puppies of other four-legged animals. Both simply do not recognize the young animal as a threat and provide puppy protection, so to speak.
So if you have to choose, you should go with the pet that already lives with you. An old house cat will have fewer problems with a young puppy than with an adult dog. And that goes both ways. An adult dog usually has no problems with young kittens.
But of course no general statements can be made here, because our beloved four-legged friends are different, whether they are dogs or cats. The encounter between dogs and cats can also be problematic. Especially when young dogs do not yet listen to commands and are significantly larger and stronger than the cat.
Cats can also defend themselves and with their sharp claws a dog’s eye can easily be injured.
Planning the introduction of dog and cat correctly
To ensure that dogs and cats get along well, it can be very helpful to plan ahead, especially for the first contact between the two. The deciding factor is which four-legged friend lives in the household first. The territory is then essentially already taken and any stranger, especially four-legged intruders, are naturally seen as a threat. Of course, dogs, as pack animals, are the most open-minded, but that's just a side note. Cats can also take in a new family member.
This works best when both cat and dog are prepared for each other's smells. It is certainly strange for both of them when the strange smell of another four-legged friend suddenly appears, without an associated furry friend. But it actually helps to smuggle the smell of the new dog or cat into the existing territory in some way. This also applies to noises such as barking or meowing, which can be quickly recorded on a smartphone and then played to the "first" pet as a kind of advance warning. This way the dog or cat can already adjust to the new smells and sounds. In order not to scare the animals, you should work with sensitivity - and play the noises quietly at first. Otherwise the animals will be traumatized before actual contact can even be made.
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To ensure that the actual "first contact" is not as exciting as in a science fiction film, it should not take place in critical places such as near the food bowl. The litter box or the dog's sleeping place are also not suitable places for the encounter. It is also a good idea to let both opponents start the encounter well fed, not so that the dog does not feel hungry for the cat, but so that both are simply more relaxed. After all, when we are hungry, we humans are usually not very diplomatic. If both parties are also a little exhausted, that certainly does no harm.
When cats come to a new home with an existing dog, they should initially stay in their carrier while the dog remains on a leash . Conversely, it is a good idea to give the cat some space. Ideally in an observer position from which it can easily escape if things get too hectic.
It is important that both volunteers approach each other. It would be a huge mistake to put both of them in a small space. If possible, you should stay out of the situation and only intervene if things get tough. But then do so with a confident demeanor, because the animals sense your nervousness and conclude that the situation is not as relaxed as you would like them to believe. In order not to cause too much stress in the animals, the first encounters should not last more than a few minutes.
Further coexistence
You shouldn't be surprised if it's not love at first sight. It's even to be expected that both will fight a little. But most dogs become cautious after the first few cat claw attacks on their noses and then leave the cat alone, which also makes the cat more relaxed. It usually takes some time until both have agreed on dividing up the territory.
If everything goes well, both four-legged friends deserve special praise. However, they should be given treats separately, otherwise food envy can arise between the two. This is also an important point for their continued coexistence. The feeding places should be spatially separated if possible.
The following are important points for a successful coexistence of dogs and cats:
Experience of the animals:
The respective experiences of the dog or cat are a major factor in whether it works or not. Dogs and cats that have been socialized with the other four-legged friend at a young age usually have no problems and tolerate dogs or cats in their own territory.
Character:
Even with our four-legged friends, character is essential for a good relationship. If dogs and cats are so fundamentally different in their nature, the odds are against them having a good relationship.
Separate areas:
Food jealousy is not uncommon among cats and dogs. Having separate rooms and the same feeding times can help to relax them. In some cases, it may be enough to place the cat bowl so that the dog cannot reach it. And that is important, because as we all know, friendship ends when it comes to food!
This also applies to the dog bed and the litter box, which are both private areas. If the dog and cat get along so well that they sleep together on the sofa, that is of course perfect.
Race:
This is not so important for cats, but with dogs there are sometimes considerable differences in their hunting instinct and general behavior depending on the breed. Golden retrievers, Labradors, bulldogs and beagles are suitable breeds of dogs, for example.Dog breeds that have a strong hunting instinct, on the other hand, are not recommended for living with cats. But there are of course exceptions here too.
Conclusion
If, despite all your efforts, dogs and cats do not get along and both of them only sneak around the house with the utmost caution, you should seek professional help from an animal trainer or vet. It does not help anyone if living together is forced and leads to suffering for both animals. Ultimately, it will only stress you out. Perhaps redesigning the apartment will help so that both can live peacefully under one roof.
In the worst case scenario, however, you should say goodbye to one of the two four-legged friends, even if it is difficult.
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