Tips For Bringing Cats And Dogs Together

If you are a true pet lover, you are unlikely to be satisfied with only one cat or one dog in the house, not to mention other animals. The stereotype that cats and dogs are the worst enemies is widespread. However, it is not so bad. And if you decide to get a cat and a dog, then remember that the behavior of pets is wholly and entirely dependent on their upbringing.

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There may be many concerns about how pets will get along with each other and whether they will cause harm? Can cats and dogs not coexist in the same space? What difficulties arise between such neighbors? And what determines the outcome of the situation more: animal instincts or the influence of the owner?

Well, answering this in short - everything depends on the nature of the pets, their age, and attitude to the owner. And a lot depends on you, too, because it is your presence in the house that sets the whole atmosphere. The first thing to do is take care of the life insurance of your animals: there are separate for dogs and cats at PetInsuranceFinder website.It does not mean that you should expect the worst outcome, but it is worth to be ready in case of a conflict between your favorite animals!

Cats And Dogs Claiming The Territory

Often, conflicts between a cat and a dog are based on territorial claims. When their both place is located on the lower tier, they really may lack personal space. The solution here is straightforward - let the cat master the upper level of the apartment by nailing comfortable shelves for moving vertically and arranging rest places on cabinets.

Make sure that neither the dog nor the cat is in the victim's position, otherwise the other animal will begin to attack and show aggression, following its instincts. Also, do not let one pet pinch another into a corner. Friendship cannot be built on fear and hatred.

Isolation Is Not A Choice

At the initial stage or in the event of a conflict of communication, it is worth distinguishing the hot spots. Place cat bowls high, and dog bowls on the floor. It is important not to let them eating food from someone else's bowl: firstly, it creates competition, and secondly, it is not healthy for both animals. Besides, the cat should be able to calmly use the tray without being attacked or by the dog's persistent attention.

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If your goal is a good or at least neutral relationship between animals, they should communicate. The role of the owner, in this case, is to exclude the factors provoking the conflict as much as possible and help the pets get a positive experience of interaction.

Lack Of Attention As The Main Reason For Unfriendly Behavior

There is an opinion that animals will not be able to get along because of jealousy related to the owner. Indeed, you can't cultivate such jealousy without giving reasons by depriving one of the pets of attention. Nobody likes to be either expelled from the community or lose the position of the leader. Therefore, it is essential to provide care and attention to both animals, taking into account their needs.

As you can see, of course, there are reasons for conflicts between cats and dogs. But almost always, they are solvable and not critical. The exception is aggressive dogs, which consider other animals as prey and feisty cats, which will not ever allow anyone else to get your attention.

First Acquaintance

The first meeting of a cat with a dog should take place under your full control. It is advisable to walk and feed the dog first if it is your first pet. Seat her next to you, taking on a leash, praise. Now you can run a cat into the room and demonstrate your peaceful attitude to it. The dog should not react violently and rush after it if the dog behaved correctly, praise and treat it. Five minutes for the first acquaintance will be enough. After the meeting, place the animals in different rooms, give the cat something delicious too. Repeat such meetings, gradually increasing the duration. If both pets react to each other normally and do not show aggression, try introducing them closer and maybe let them play.

Useful Tips

Clearly define the hierarchical order in the house, in which the cat will be one step above the dog. In fact, the cat is allowed much more. Besides, it definitely will not obey strict rules. It will be easier for a dog to adapt to specific rules.
Take care of training the dog, so it will not begin to pressure the cat and encroach on its territory. If the cat feels confident and safe, then it will not go into conflict with the dog.
Since dogs, as a rule, are more active and tend to communicate, it is essential to make sure that it has the opportunity to release energy through walks, runs, and full-fledged games in the fresh air. Then at home, the dog will not be obsessed with the cat.
Cut the cat's claws.
Play along with both animals, let them play neatly with each other. The first such games should be held under your supervision so that you can determine the permissible boundaries. In essence, there should be no potentially traumatic or aggressive actions on the part of both animals. It is permitted, for example, for a cat to "hit" a dog with a paw without claws, without hissing and not pressing its ears.
Treat animals with delicious food, reinforcing positive experiences, and healthy behavior.

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What Should Not Be Done:

Never use physical force against animals: dogs will be afraid, and cats can also take revenge. Punishing cats is generally an ineffective way of adjusting behavior.
Do not allow fights, do not allow animals to hunt each other, and pinch in a corner.
In the event of a conflict, it is not necessary to take the side of the victim. This will only exacerbate the conflict, which will later erupt with renewed vigor.
Do not encourage aggression between animals; do not bleed them in any case.

The abundance of resources (food, love, attention), the presence of personal space, the upbringing of the dog, and the adequate reaction of the owners to the root of the problem will prevent the issues of competition for the benefits.

At home, in zoos, national parks, and near social housing, animals can make friends with unexpected neighbors, which is entirely impossible to imagine in the wild. So the human factor can not only have a negative impact.