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Cats and Dogs
Many dogs love cats and many cats love dogs. Usually those that sleep or play together have grown up with the other. Many just live together or tolerate the others presence. It is estimated that 40% of dog owners also have cats.
Nature is natural
We domesticated dogs that survived by hunting small furry animals. It is not uncommon today to hear of a dog surviving “in the wild” by savaging through garbage and hunting. A dog’s natural instinct is to pounce on and chase fast moving objects and animals.
Most dogs can be taught to live in harmony with a cat, but there are exceptions. There are certain dog breeds that do less well, particularly breeds that hunt or are labeled “predators”. Even dogs of these breeds may often be trained from a puppy. There are some dogs which will always chase and harm cats; these will not make good roommates with cats, regardless of the training.
Introducing a New Pet
Start slow; do not force a dog and a cat together. Do not let them fight it out. Reinforce good behavior, stock up on treats and use them to reward both the cat and dog for a calm relationship. Step one is to teach the dog that your cat is off-limits. Some adult cats must also be taught that the new dog or puppy is off-limits. A water pistol may be required, if a firm “No” is insufficient.
Always leave your cat a place to escape the attention of the dog. Baby gates may help the introduction of a new pet, by allowing a dog to become accustomed to a cat as a family member, but prevents the chase. Cat scratching posts placed in appropriate locations also work well.
Often a dog becomes excited at the sight of a cat and this excitement turns calmness to fear and claws. Most dogs do not take kindly to attack and this should never be allowed to happen. You want a tranquil relationship, not confrontations. Also do not allow your dog to growl, bark, chase or spend too much time sniffing. “Sniffing” is an acceptable dog behavior, but an unacceptable cat behavior. Do not allow either to tease. Some cats particularly enjoy this activity.
Tolerance is Good
Most pet owners are happy with quiet tolerance between their cats and dogs. Cats and dogs that just tolerate need to have secure places to sleep and rest without being disturbed by the other.
Dog & Cat Food
The nutritional attributes of dog and cat food is very different. Neither should be allowed to share. Food can also be a source of tension (food aggression is a natural instinct for dogs) between cats and dogs, so feed them separately.
Litter Box
Litter boxes must be off limits to your puppy or dog. What your dog finds in the litter box is not good for their breath, their diet and their health.
Great Stories
There are many great stories of dogs protecting cats, playing and enjoying each other’s affections. Send us a picture of a great pair and we will add it to our scrapbook.
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