Helping Your Cat and Dog Get Along

Do your four-legged family include both dogs and cats? In some cases, Fluffy and Fido will bond wonderfully, and even become BFFs. In other cases, they may fight like, well, cats and dogs. Below, a local Carrollton vet offers some tips on helping your furry pals make peace.

Keep Your Pup Active

Our canine companions tend to be much calmer and better behaved when they receive regular exercise and playtime. Take time to walk and play with your pup every day. This will help him burn off some of that excess energy.

Don’t Just Go By Breed

Dogs’ breeds can certainly influence their behavior, but this isn’t the biggest factor. Actually, personality is much more important! As such, you should consider Fido’s character and history, as well as his breed.

Train Fido

You may find that Fido needs quite a bit of training to learn how to be a good boy. Teach your canine buddy to be gentle with the cat … even if Fluffy happens to be pouncing on his tail.

Separate Spaces

One common issue is that dogs tend to help themselves to both their own food as well as that of their feline roommates. Keep Fluffy’s food and litterbox in a spot where Fido can’t reach. One option is to cut a small kitty door into a closet.

Proper Introductions

First impressions are a big deal to our four-legged friends. Take time when introducing your dog and cat. At first, keep them separated, and just let them get accustomed to each other’s scents. Then, introduce them under careful supervision. If they fight, separate them and start over.

Let Them Grow Up Together

This is really the best possible scenario. More often than not, cats and dogs who grow up together get along just fine. They may even become playmates and napping buddies! (As a bonus, you’ll get some pretty adorable photo ops!)

Offer Safe Spaces

Cats tend to feel more secure in safe areas. Make sure that Fluffy has an area to retreat to in every room. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just somewhere she can go where Fido can’t reach her. Vertical spaces, such as cat towers, are ideal for this.

Know When to Say When

Unfortunately, peace and harmony won’t always be possible. Squabbles can be quite dangerous, especially for Fluffy. If Fido is showing signs of aggression, you may need to rethink things. Ask your Carrollton vet for specific advice. 

Please reach out to us, your local Carrollton vet clinic, anytime. We are always here to help!