There are “cat” people, there are “dog” people, and then, there are those who favor both. Can cats and dog really get along? Do they, in fact, fight like, well, cats and dogs? The answer to both questions is yes, and no, and the outcome depends on a number of variables. As in most issues involving pet behavior, the pet owner is responsible for integrating the animals and laying the foundation of a long and happy friendship!
The single most important factor in building peaceful relationships betweens cats and dogs is respecting the “space” of the pre-existing pet when introducing a new member of the family. Older pets, whether canine or feline, are territorial and resent the invasion of their space by pets of any description. It is important, then, that initially the new addition be confined to a specific area, rather than given the run of the house. This is particularly important when mixing cats and dogs! When a puppy is introduced into a household with an adult cat, the puppy should always be kept either in a separate area or crated when unattended. This protects both the cat and the puppy. The puppy’s hyper-activity will either frighten or aggravate the cat. Either way, the cat’s claws will come out and can do serious damage to the puppy’s eyes or other exposed areas. Puppies are generally bigger than cats, who will defend themselves against any intruder. In many cases, the cat will simply disappear into the far reaches of the house. Always make sure the cat has plenty of “escape” routes and high places to perch where the puppy can’t reach her.
Care must also be taken when bringing a kitten into a home where an adult dog is already in residence. Kittens can be extremely rambunctious, and an adult dog, already jealous at the intrusion, may react in anger at the kitten’s repeated attempts to play. A leaping kitten grabbing at a jealous dog’s tail can be a recipe for disaster. Better to keep the kitten in a separate room or cage, and allow the two to get to know one another slowly, in measured doses! At first, keep the dog on a leash as he investigates the new addition. Let him sniff a bit and get used to this invader before allowing him off the leash. Look for signs of aggression in the dog and, if necessary, keep the two separate until the dog seems adjusted. Some dogs react to kittens as though they are toys, and rough play can seriously injure a kitten. Monitor the animals as they play to ensure that they do not get out of hand. Encourage interaction, but keep an eye on both animals early on. Never leave a small kitten and dog alone together unattended.
Jealousy breeds contempt, and this is as true with pets as it is in human relations. It is natural to pay attention to your “new addition,” but do not neglect your older pet, be it a dog or a cat. Cuddling with kitty or romping with the pup is great, but try to balance this with attention to the older animal. Take the older dog for a ride, or give the adult cat a good brushing. Treat them as you would treat an older child when bringing a new baby into the house. Never show favoritism and continue your normal routine with the older pet.
Be very careful when it comes to arrangements concerning food. Dogs are especially protective of their food and eating areas, and some get nasty when their bowl is threatened. Watch that the kitten does not attempt to eat from the dog’s bowl when the dog is nearby. This could be disastrous. Try to feed the kitten in a separate room, in an area where the dog cannot get to the kitten’s food. Dogs will gobble up a bowl of cat food in a split second, leaving the cat hungry and mad! Make sure the kitten has her own water as well, since a dog may not even want to share his water bowl with her.
Puppies attempting to eat an adult cat’s food may also be in jeopardy, but, as a rule, cats aren’t quite as protective of their food as dogs are. Still, this is about space and respecting an animal’s territory. An animal’s food is one of its few real possessions. Cats will play with just about anything while dogs have special toys. Keep the cat away from the dog’s toys and bones. This is a quick way for kitty to learn her place in the pecking order!
Introducing adult dogs to adult cats is probably the least favorable set of circumstances. If a dog has never lived with a cat before, there can be problems on both sides. Although it is possible to maintain peace, early impressions are lingering and cats generally make the first strike! The same rules apply – space, separate quarters and eating areas – but the adjustment period may be much longer. Some cats and dogs just never learn to get along.
The good news is that if animals are raised together, in most cases they will learn to get along and peace will reign in your household. It’s up to you to set the stage for peaceful relations!
