How To Improve Coexistence Between Dog And Cat
These two pet species are known to embody one of nature’s most famous rivalries. So what if you want a cat and a dog together? Here is an exhaustive guide with some practical tips that will allow you to improve the coexistence between dog and cat.
Dog and cat: the most famous enemies in history
Since we are little, starting from cartoons to fairy tales and animated films, we witness countless scenes of hatred between cats and dogs. We are talking about two species that we can certainly consider “opposite”. But, in reality, their relationship doesn’t always trigger aggressive behavior.
At the root of the complicated relationship between the two species, there is a relationship of hunter and prey. This explains the dog’s need to chase and attack any cat he finds in his way.
The attitudes of both animals also reveal their precise role within this natural binomial. While the roles are rarely reversed, hate often turns into friendship, not to mention love. It all depends on the personality of the various specimens and on the predisposition, or not, of certain races.
But then: why are there dogs and cats living together as brothers? What is the reason for this change, in a balanced relationship based on the roles of hunter and prey? The answer is simple. In addition to personality and race, the key to living together is only one: education .
The secret of coexistence between dog and cat
If you love both species and are determined to live with both, we certainly don’t blame you. They are wonderful, friendly pets and keep a lot of company. You can learn a lot from them. So don’t despair, patience is a great requirement to be able to live together.
The first step is to understand the personality of your two animals. Remember that there are a large number of cats with a shy or unruly temperament, just as there are others who are more friendly and quiet. Likewise there are dogs that are more aggressive and dominant, as well as more docile and tolerant dogs.
The elements that define the psychic characteristics and behavioral modalities of your dog or cat are the basis for starting to experience coexistence. Which, of course, will be completed through education.
Introduction process
So that the family can adequately welcome a new member, here are a series of suggestions that will help to promote the good coexistence of both species :
Introduce a cat to your dog
This possibility is usually the most frequent. First of all, follow these tips that will allow the cat to get used to its new home. Then, when the meeting takes place, let the dog sniff the cat so it can gradually get used to it.
Introduce a dog to your cat
Let the cat free to move around the house. Conversely, keep the dog tied up to prevent it from frightening or trying to chase the feline. Over time, you may be able to give your dog more and more freedom, as long as the two seek contact, but without showing any kind of aggression.
A dog’s arrival at a cat’s home can be considered an offense, so you need to pay close attention to any signs it may show.
It should be noted that the intuition of the cat is greater than that of the dog upon entering. So you will know what is happening long before the dog crosses the threshold. Depending on the cat’s personality, it will decide whether to hide or stay still, in its place.
The dog, upon arrival, will smell the whole of the house and will notice the presence of the cat. Given this circumstance, we advise you to always remain present to closely observe the behavior of both.
The most normal thing in these cases is that the dog will prefer to focus on new objects and smells. Only occasionally will the search for the other animal resume. Once this “exploration” phase is complete, he will accept the cat as part of his new home.
What to do if the coexistence between dog and cat does not work?
In this case, you will have to do everything possible to improve the relationship between the two animals. If you are stroking either of them, don’t stop. The message that needs to be clear is that they are both accepted and loved equally. Never dedicate yourself exclusively to just one.
In fact, the other animal will almost certainly also approach, asking for his ration of cuddles. It is an easy way to limit or avoid the conflicts of jealousy that could arise as a result of a recent cohabitation.
We also invite you to try the warm cloth technique. It consists in placing it first on the fur of one of the two and then moving it on the fur of the other. By doing this, you are trying to create some sort of odor association between the two roommates.
And above all: have patience. Not all animals are the same, so this process can take days and even weeks before you can see any results. Try not to force the interaction between the two too much.
