How to make friends with a cat and a dog in an apartment

Without the owner's supervision, the first meeting of the animals in most cases ends miserably also because the same signs of attention are interpreted wrongly:

How to make friends with a cat and a dog

Few people know, but in fact, befriending a cat with a dog can be much easier than befriending a cat with a cat. The fact is that intraspecific aggression in cats is much stronger than interspecific aggression. And, although, in nature, canines are natural enemies of cats, a cat who has had no negative experience with dogs will be much more likely to make friends with a calm and friendly dog than with another cat.

In this article, I am only qualified to talk about how to work with a cat, since I am not a dog expert. But taking a one-sided approach to the problem would be completely wrong! So I will also give some advice on how to work with a dog, based on my experience and the experience of fellow dog handlers.

So, the first thing we must determine before we choose a strategy for introductions is who's an old timer and who's new . The old-timer should always get most of the territory and the newcomer less. The old-timer should get more attention and the newcomer less. This can be difficult to maintain when a kitten or puppy arrives at home, but you should try to keep at least a balance and give the old-timer at least half the time for personal interaction with you.

The second thing we have to decide is. Is this an adult or a baby? . This has its own pitfalls. For example, cats, it will be easier to find common ground with an animal that is smaller than or equal in size to them (that is, a puppy). A large dog can be intimidating even solely because it is big and scary.

On the other hand, dogs may not recognize a kitten as a friend, but take it as a prey to be caught and eaten. An adult cat will be easier for them to recognize an animal of equal status.

But an adult dog will be easier to control, prohibiting unauthorized contact with the cat. With a puppy, in this sense, there will be problems, he will be constantly pestering the cat with games and trying to chase it, not realizing that he is frightening it.

A dog and a cat together – but how different they are!

Even a young child knows that a dog and a cat don't get along together. But not everyone understands the reason for this hostility. And it lies in the fact that these animals have a completely different way of life and view of the world. Dogs need to communicate and play, because in the wild they lived in packs. And the graceful moustached predators are creatures who need their own personal space. And they don't really want to see other animals in their territory. That's why a curious dog will hear hissing in response to his kindness. And, of course, will not want to communicate with the cat. Constantly watching this confrontation between two beloved animals is quite difficult. And any owner will want to befriend them.

Cats are very free-loving. They do not like invasion of their personal space. They are affectionate, and don't mind being stroked, but they rarely seek their owners' attention themselves. They like to mind their own business. Dogs, on the contrary, demand attention, while giving all their love and devotion to the owner. We must remember that a dog and a cat together at home, they are like children: jealous, they will demand attention. In order for them not to feud, you need to give both enough time.

Dependence on humans.

Cats differ from dogs on a huge number of points, but not all and not always. Many people believe that a cat chooses a human. And the human chooses the dog, which to some extent is really justified. After all, a cat, unlike a dog, cannot be trained. And they don't get attached to everyone, choosing benefit and comfort in the first place. Cats can gather in packs if it benefits them. Although because they are very good hunters, they are generally independent loners. This is why you can't train a cat, because he doesn't need to. And he won't want to obey you as the head of the pack, and not because he's sillier than a dog. However, some trainers successfully use the imitation method of training. Then the dog and the cat in training together can even help each other in this.

It is wrong to think that cats have absolutely no affection or love for humans, which dogs have in excess. Cats, unlike dogs, do not tolerate mistreatment. And if your cat doesn't purr at your side and leaves for weeks, you should probably reconsider your attitude to him. Also, unlike dogs, cats are much less dependent on humans. After all, even in urban conditions, they can get their own food.

A cat's strong attachment to humans can also occur. If the latter was near it from an early age and cared for it well, showing his love and tenderness. It happens that the cat has been in unfavorable conditions because of people. Then it will treat any person with caution in the future. And will attach only if she feels that she is safe.

And how to make friends with a dog and a cat to live together calmly?

Option 1: the easiest

Get a puppy and a kitten at the same time. Babies are curious, playful, do not know anything about the complexities of the world around them. Both are torn from their mothers and families, the animals will be happy with the company.

Of course, not to leave alone, otherwise the puppy will wear out the new friend with endless fun. At the same time, the little dog has only teeth for protection, and the kitty has claws in the set. The little beast does not yet know how to remove them, but he knows perfectly well that the weapon is used to eliminate the eyes of the enemy.

Over time, he will learn how to escape to a height where a stubborn fellow cannot reach.

The animals grow up together and perceive each other as an integral part of life, because they have never seen anything else.

Option 2. It's more difficult when an adult dog is brought a kitten

To begin with, it is advisable to show the dog the cats in the street, to see how it reacts. In the case of too aggressive, think about whether it is worth the risk at all. But here the conclusions do not always turn out to be correct. Alien animals and your own pets are often a big difference.

But still decided to get one. You shouldn't run into animals galloping and from the doorstep. Yes, the dog is always open to contact. That's why it jumps, fusses, pulls its nose and immediately wants to get acquainted. But a kitten is not at all eager to be socialized and is afraid of everything. The safest action for him is to crawl into a corner.

Therefore, let the dog sniff the new tenant in a closed carrier, which is then best taken to a separate room. If there isn't one, leave it in the kitchen, slamming the door.

Of course, the dog will settle under that door day and night. Give him a hand that smells like a kitten. Don't let him bark, but encourage him to behave calmly. It sounds ridiculous, but talk and explain exactly what happened.

Conclusion

As a result of consistent actions, the problem of how to befriend a dog with a cat can usually be solved quite successfully. Animals perfectly understand that they live in the same territory, build boundaries, learn to reckon with each other, because the eternal confrontation is not necessary for anyone, by and large.

The main thing is that the owners do not single out anyone. If one is petted, the other one must be petted, because animals are jealous, and everyone fights for attention and a place near the leader. Sometimes they act very cleverly.

For example, our first sheepdog, Erna, saw a cat on the owner's lap and came right over to lick it. No, she didn't ask for privileges, she just licked the cat. And licked and licked, but for some reason, suddenly, instead of purr-face was an innocent dog's face.

Usually such different animals get along well together. Most often they were friends, less often they just retained their neutrality. In any case, they do not cause serious behavioral problems.

Why cats and dogs sometimes can not make friends?

The first thing to understand is that cats and dogs are not just different animals, but very different creatures with individual instincts and behavior. Cats tend to be more independent and can be aggressive if they feel threatened. Dogs, on the other hand, tend to be more social and are so social that they like to socialize with other dogs as well as people.

Despite these differences, however, cats and dogs can get along just fine if given the right conditions.

How to successfully bring a cat and a dog into a friendly relationship: effective tips and advice

• Choose the best timing. If you already have a cat or dog, decide when is the best time to get a second pet. For example, if your dog has puppies, this is the perfect time to get a kitten. Small puppies have not yet formed their behavior, and it will be easier for them to get used to a new friend.
• Provide your own space for each animal.. Cats and dogs need to have their own personal space where they can feel comfortable and safe. Make sure each pet has its own area where it can rest and sleep.
• Be attentive to the animals' behavior. Cats and dogs communicate in their own language, so it's important to learn to understand their signals. If you notice that one of the animals is frightened or aggressive, it's best to separate them temporarily.
• Introduce the pets gradually. Never put a cat and a dog together right away. Start by letting them get to know each other from a distance. Transparent partitions or fences can be used for this.
• Encourage positive behavior. When the cat and dog begin to socialize, encourage their positive behavior. Give them a treat or praise them with words. This will help them learn that good behavior is good.

Cats and dogs can live together just fine if they have the right environment. But don't forget that each animal is an individual, and some may not make friends. If you want to get a cat or dog, be sure to consider their individual characteristics. Choose the right time to introduce a second animal, give each animal its own space, monitor their behavior, introduce them gradually and encourage positive behavior.

How do I make friends with my kitten and dog?

Hello. Before introducing them to each other, separate the animals into different rooms for two days to get them used to the new smells in the house.

It's important to create a private space for each of them. Place cat litter trays out of your dog's reach.

Introduce the cat to the dog when they are both fed and calm. For safety purposes, it is better to take the dog on a leash. At first, the animals get acquainted at a distance. If the dog responds calmly, encourage him. Then you can let the animals sniff each other out.

Control the interaction between the animals at first and prevent any conflicts by directing their attention to something positive, such as their favorite toys. Give each an equal amount of attention.

If you have not been able to make friends with your cat and dog, do not despair. You can always enlist the help of a pet psychologist who can handle the task.

Note that cats and dogs have different nutritional needs. Therefore, each of them should have a different food. For example, cat food necessarily contains taurine, while dog food does not. Try to eliminate the possibility of eating "someone else's" food. You can organize their meals at different times, in different rooms, or put the kitty's bowls on a high surface where the dog cannot climb. Also, each of the animals should have their own toys and treats.

Common mistakes

It is easier to properly organize the pets' communication from the beginning than to try to reconcile them after a conflict later. To do this, it is important to familiarize yourself with the most common mistakes when introducing a dog and a cat:

• Animals should not be pressured or forced into companionship.
• No one should feel left out – both the cat and the dog must be given equal attention.
• In case of a conflict, one should not scold the culprit and use physical force against him. Punishment causes long-lasting fear in dogs, and cats start to be vindictive and revengeful.
• It is not recommended to have pets in cramped housing circumstances. Animals should have a private area to rest and enough space to move freely.
• Since dogs need companionship more than cats and are more active, you should take them for regular walks and play outside. This way they won't pester their neighbor demanding attention.

Cats and dogs can be friends, but only if there is a separation of feeding areas and personal space where they retreat to when they have run out of space. It should be remembered that it is not always possible to establish friendship between a cat and a dog, even taking into account all the peculiarities of these species. In this case you should not pressure the animals and try to make them "friends" by force. The best thing to do when the coexistence is strained is to try to bring their relationship to a neutral level. Peace is achieved by moderately isolating the pets from each other. Over time, they will stop openly feuding, becoming accustomed to mutual presence.

First acquaintance and adjustment period

You should not suddenly bump a cat and a dog nose to nose: when suddenly encountered, fear is the first and natural reaction. At first, the "newcomer" must be closed in a separate space. Animals will gradually get acquainted through the door, get used to each other's scent. And when the stress level decreases – you can bring them together. At the same time, do not leave them to live in isolation for a long time. If there is a conflict, don't keep them in separate rooms for long periods of time – limit it to a couple of hours – the pets need to have a reconciliation experience. You won't be able to speed this process up, it has to come from them.

To help bond the animals, give them treats. When they are together, play with the dog in front of the cat (and vice versa, with the cat in front of the dog). This way the animals will understand that they don't have to compete for food and your attention – on the contrary, that the best things happen when they are together. Pay more attention to whoever is causing the most trouble. If the dog has trouble communicating with other dogs, work it out with a professional. If the cat avoids interaction with the dog, but is not afraid – leave it alone.

A person's influence should be gentle. If there is a conflict – intervene and break up the quarrel participants, but you don't need to punish the offender. Your job is to make sure that there is no reason for conflict, and if it is ready to start – distract the aggressor with a treat or a toy. You don't need to pull him away forcibly.

Don't scold the cat in front of the dog – if the dog has a history of hunting cats, he may think you are inviting him to join in. The consequences will be immediate and scary. Basically, scolding the cat is useless, so don't waste your energy. You don't have to yell at the dog either: it will interpret your yelling in the same way. If the dog is trained in commands, then repeat one command: in a calm voice, confidently and clearly. Better yet, stand between your opponents and push the dog aside.

Choosing pets according to breed

There are some pets that get along well with all family members. Sometimes they quarrel over nothing, but more often they play, have fun or relax together.

Cat breeds that get along with dogs

Among members of the feline family there are quite a few breeds that coexist well in the same territory with other cats, dogs and ferrets. If you want to have a moustached friend, and there is already a dog living in the house, it is better to look at the following breeds:

These curious and energetic fuzzies love to spend time with everyone in the family. They will gladly play with their congeners, people or four-legged friends. But we must remember, every cat has individual character traits that it can demonstrate at any time.

Dog breeds that get along with cats

By nature, dogs are gregarious animals, so it is much easier for them to get along with people or pets. However, there are some breeds that will be especially happy to socialize with a mustachioed neighbor and even recognize him as a sibling. The most cat-friendly breeds are:

Playful and good-natured dogs of the above breeds easily get along with purrs. They are calm enough to react even to the irritable nature of the fluffy and try to avoid conflict situations.

Peace and quiet in the house, where different pets live together, depends on many circumstances. First of all, the age of the pets is important. The ideal is considered the simultaneous purchase of a puppy and a kitten, but the communication of different-aged individuals can be unpredictable. The task of a loving owner is to organize the first meeting and further accommodation of the four-legged without conflict and jealousy.

How to introduce a cat to a dog

Contributor(s): Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a veterinarian in Minnesota. She specializes in companion animals and large animals and has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1998.

Number of sources used in this article: 7. You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

Having a new pet can be such an exciting and welcome event, but when you already have another pet at home, it's important to take a number of precautions. When introducing a cat to a dog, take your time. At first, when the cat is free to move around the house, keep the dog in a cage and then on a leash. It may take hours to months for the pets to get along with each other. But when the process is complete, it will definitely be worth the effort!

Getting the animals to know each other's scent

• When leaving your cat in the bedroom, be sure to provide her with everything she needs, including food, water, a litter box and toys.
• When you first bring your cat home, it's best to lock up your dog beforehand or even take him out of the house. This way she won't jump around the cat carrier and scare the cat when she first gets acquainted with her new home.

• If the dog gets overexcited or tries to create a dig under the door, take him away and repeat the procedure later when he has calmed down.
• Don't move on to getting to know your pets in person until communication through the door is no longer a concern for them both.