Ah, the battle of the most beloved house pets. We hear about their incompatible relationship all the time! Despite the hostility associated with this pair, we insist on throwing them together. According to recent studies at American Veterinary Medical Association, 44% of American pet owners have multiple-pet households, and the most common combinations include dogs and cats. Believe it or not, there are many healthy and friendly cat-dog relationships — some are even loving! Unfortunately, though, some cats and dogs can get defensive and aggressive with one another. So as a dog and cat lover, you may be wondering: how can I make my cat and dog get along?
Fighting Like Cats And Dogs
You can’t always predict how your pets will react to one another. The first few weeks is a crucial time, as the dog and cat are learning how to communicate with one another. A common problem between the two animals is dogs chasing cats. It may be playful on the dog’s part, but a fearful cat isn’t going to laugh it off. If it’s a fierce chase or biting is involved, that’s going to make matters worse. If neither of your pets are very aggressive, you’re going to have a better chance at getting them to tolerate each other. Either way, minimizing the aggression as much as possible is extremely important, for your animals’ safety and your own peace of mind.
What Can I Do?
You set the rules. As a pet owner, you must teach your dog self-control. Do not allow the dog to chase the cat. It might be hard to differentiate between play mode and attack mode, but if your cat is sensing danger, you’ll know. Make sure your cat has enough safety areas to climb and perch to escape from your dog and nap undisturbed. If possible, it would be helpful to match personalities and temperaments. An active, fun-loving dog would be better suited to an active, fun-loving cat, and so on. If your cat or dog is very timid and fearful, don’t get an overly domineering pet, or there’s bound to be chaos. Ideally, your new cat should be socialized to dogs, and vice versa.
At the end of the day, it depends on the similar or clashing dispositions of your pets. There’s nothing you can do to make them get along completely. They may never reach best friend status, but you can definitely train them to behave. Hopefully, they’ll grow to love and depend on each other, and when that happens, make sure you snap as many pictures as possible of them cuddling on the couch!
The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill is here to assist you and your feline pal with the highest-quality medical services. Contact us by calling (856) 662-2662 and set up an appointment today! Our caring doctors are eager to meet you and your pet.
megan porter says
having problem with introducing my new kitten to my 2 year old lab ridgeback mix . very scared to do on my own cause certain situations both any have certain behavioral problems and bee introducing them from a distance with dog on training collar and leash and i never let them close to each other I get scared. i basically want to know if anyone around will help me introduce dog and kitten together at same appointment?
Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill says
Hi Megan! Thanks for sharing this with us. Please give the office a call so we can discuss your situation and determine the best solution: (856) 662-2662