People usually claim that cats and dogs have always been enemies. However, there are many reasons to disprove this statement, considering that they are occasionally seen cuddling together and enjoying each other’s company. What we need to know, however, is that the two animals speak different languages and it can be very difficult to get them to become friends!
First of all, you need to understand that cats are aloof by nature and are easily frightened. This is in contrast to a dog, who is sociable and territorial and therefore wants to be the king of the jungle. Indifference doesn’t necessarily mean that the two can’t live in the same place; they just need your help to get along. Luckily for you, this article will help your cat and dog live in harmony.
Want to help your cat and dog get along? Well…. Continue reading!
Consider personality rather than breed
Many people are firmly convinced that certain types of dogs or cats will never get along with others, no matter what they do. However, we should not let their origins stop us from recognizing their true personalities. Although some dogs are difficult to bond with, you should familiarize yourself with which dog breeds get along best with cats to avoid difficult times in your home.
What determines the degree of their bond is their energy level and temperament. So if you find an aggressive dog that wants to proclaim its territory, you should know that it is not a favorable breed for living with cats. Also, you will find an aging dog that prefers to stay away from kitties.
From this, we can conclude that if your pet’s personality doesn’t match the other’s, you don’t have to force it. All you need to do is have a contingency plan in place to ensure that your home setup keeps the two separated for as long as possible.
Train your dog
If you want your dog to bond with the cat, you need to teach him how to control his impulses. You can learn this through observation. For example, if you see him jump over for a dropped slice of bread or when something passes by, these are red lights that he will behave in the same way when you introduce him to a cat. Teach him to respond to commands such as “come”, “sit”, “down” and many others. The best way to teach him this is to put him on a lead every time you meet him. Every minute your dog stays with the cat should be rewarded with treats to motivate him.
Let the cat and dog follow their noses
Have you ever seen a newborn baby cry, only to be dead quiet when their mother holds them? The science behind this is that they can smell their mother while their eyes are still closed. People take advantage of this and put on the baby’s mother’s dirty t-shirts to soothe them when they are left with them. This works well as they assume that their mother’s smell represents them.
This is exactly what you should do if you want your dog to get along with your kitten.
Let them sniff each other’s toys and bedding before they make physical contact to get to know each other. This will satisfy their curiosity and prevent possible arguments when they meet.
Train your dog before he meets the cat
Before you prepare for them to meet, take your dog for a long walk, engage him in games and keep him busy with an energetic game. The games will ensure that the dog has used up all its energy and therefore won’t run after the cat when they meet. In the end, they have a better chance of bonding.
Take your age into account
If possible, get a puppy for your cat. Mature animals tend to scare off younger animals. So don’t be surprised if your adult cat claws your puppy in the face to chase him. It is best to let your puppy grow up together with a kitten.
It is best if your cat and puppy grow up in a positive and loving environment, then they will become friends.
