Cats and dogs may seem like natural enemies. However, as with many things, the truth is a little more complicated. The simple answer to the title question is yes, you can have a cat and dog, but the situation needs some nuance and understanding.
Here we’ll explore just how it can be done. This includes the steps you should take and how you can overcome some common challenges. Let’s get started!
Understanding the Differences Between Cats and Dogs
Cats and dogs do have a few key similarities, but it’s important to understand the differences between them. Cats are independent and territorial. They enjoy having their own space and can be sensitive to sudden changes in the environment. They also rely heavily on scent to mark and establish boundaries.
Dogs derive from pack animals and are therefore generally more social and excitable. They are more eager to interact with humans and other pets. Their energetic nature can sometimes overwhelm more reserved animals, such as cats.
It’s important to recognize and respect their differences. They won’t become best friends overnight but if you create an environment where both can coexist, there will be much less stress between them.
The Right Temperament Matters
Before you get a cat and a dog, you should consider the temperament of each animal. Some dog breeds are more cat-friendly than others. The best dogs are calmer breeds such as labradors, and the worst are terriers or hounds, as they tend to have a higher prey drive. Also, puppies and high-energy dogs can stress out cats due to their exuberance.
Cats vary in personality as well. If you have a cat then it will more likely be a better match for a dog if it’s outgoing, curious, and tolerant. On the other hand, skittish cats are more of a challenge. If you get the right match, your pets could well end up becoming best friends.
Preparing Your Home for Both a Cat and Dog
There are several things you can do to create a peaceful home for cats and dogs. The first thing to do is give them separate spaces. Your cat especially will need somewhere they can retreat and feel safe away from the dog. This could be a separate room, high perch, or a place only your cat can access.
Resources should also be kept separate, such as having food and water bowls in separate areas. This also extends to the litter box, bedding, and toys. This will all help to prevent resource guarding and territorial disputes.
You may also wish to place a physical barrier between them, such as a baby gate. You can even buy baby gates with cat flaps if you want an area where your cat can retreat to, but your dog can’t reach.
Introducing a Cat and Dog: First Steps
Many people just dive straight into the deep end when they get a cat and a dog, but a more gradual process can be better. The first step can be smell familiarization, which includes exchanging bedding or toys. When they do meet, they can do so without feeling threatened.
The first visual introduction should be completed with either a barrier or restraints, such as a baby gate or having your dog on a lead. This will allow you to see if they are calm in each other’s company or aggressive.
If they are uncomfortable, you can repeat these stages until they are. If they are content, you can then go to supervised meetings. Here you get them to interact in the same room but be ready to intervene. If your dog shows any negative signs, keep them on a leash as the last thing you want is a fatal bite.
Introducing a Cat and Dog: The Final Steps
You should pay close attention to their body language during these interactions. You’re looking for your dog to remain calm with no chasing or pestering. Your cat should not hiss or swat. You want to look for signs of anxiety or anger from your cat such as shaking or having a puffed-out tail.
As both pets grow accustomed to each other, you can relax a little, but you’ll still want to supervise until you can be confident, they will live harmoniously together. Ensure their body language is relaxed before you leave them alone.
Cats usually require the most care as they are likely to be more scared, especially if there is a significant size difference. However, also appreciate that some placid dogs can be scared of cats as felines are more aggressive and territorial.
Managing Challenges
Even following all the steps above, sometimes integration can be a challenge. Perhaps the most common issue is chasing. If your dog does this, they most likely need a little extra obedience training. You can reward good behavior if they don’t chase. Keeping them on a lead in the first few weeks can also be a good idea.
We mentioned it above, but you also need to look out for resource guarding. If they aren’t kept separate, one can stop the other from accessing food, toys, and sleeping areas. For both, make sure to reward positive behavior in shared spaces.
Cats will be stressed in the presence of excitable or boisterous dogs. With time, this anxiety will ease as they learn the dog is not a threat. However, until then, make sure your cat has places to retreat where your dog can’t get to.
What If It Doesn’t Work Out?
If they simply don’t get on, you have a few options. The first is a little extra patience. Dogs and cats are both intelligent creatures but can be too stubborn. They perhaps need a little more time with the steps above before they become content. Keep trying for a little while longer.
Consulting a professional trainer can be your next port of call. They can help you to train one animal, usually the dog, to change their behavior. The other positive solution would just be to keep them in separate areas of the house permanently.
The final solution is an obvious but sad one, which is giving up one of the pets for rehoming. This is a last resort but can sometimes be in the best interests of the pet if you have tried and failed every other avenue.
