Can Cats And Dogs Get Along?

It’s probably no surprise to learn that Fido and Fluffy are the most popular pets among households in the U.S. Many individuals have a strong preference for either dogs or cats, which often leads to them choosing to be a “dog person” or “cat person.” Of course, many homes have both. Although dogs and cats do sometimes have a turbulent dynamic, they can coexist harmoniously. In this article from All About Animals, your Carrollton, GA veterinarian, serving the Villa Rica area, a local veterinarian offers helpful tips on maintaining harmony between our favorite furry companions.

How Should I Introduce A Cat And A Dog?

First impressions are a big deal to pets. Take it slow here. It can be very difficult to reverse or undo the damage of a bad first meeting.

Rule number one: Avoid putting Fluffy and Fido in the same room and hoping for the best. You need to ease them into things.

Keep them apart at first. Put the newer pet in a separate room at first. Provide all of the necessities: food, water, toys, and bedding—and visit frequently, but give them some time to adjust. During the next few days, your pets will sniff around the door. This will help them get used to each other’s scents. Feed them on opposite sides of the door. Spend time with both, so no one feels neglected.

After both pets have accepted the fact that there is another pet in town, you can let them officially meet. You can try putting a baby gate at the door so they can see each other. You can bring your cat out into the living room in a carrier. It’s normal for them to be a little excitable at this point. That friction should taper off gradually.

Always put safety first. Keep Fido leashed during this interaction. Also, don’t leave your pets alone unsupervised until you’re sure that it’s safe.

Ask your Carrollton, GA veterinarians for more information. 

How Long Will It Take Fido And Fluffy To Get Used To Each Other?

It really just varies. Many pets are wary and uneasy about one another at first, but eventually learn to get along. This can take quite a while, though.

Cats tend to accept other pets rather slowly. In fact, Fluffy may take up to a year to adjust to having a canine roommate. If your feline buddy is used to being around dogs, You may not have to wait that long. It may help if your pet is a kitten. Even dogs can’t resist an adorable baby cat! It’s always endearing watching a pup patiently letting a tiny furball pounce on his tail or acting as a giant mattress for a sleepy kitten.

Don’t give up!

What Are The Chances Of My Cat And Dog Getting Along In The Future?

The answer to that question depends on the pets’ ages, temperaments, sizes, and histories. However, being careful to choose compatible pets will greatly increase the odds.

How Do You Stop Cats And Dogs From Fighting?

Never yell at or strike your dog, even if he’s gone after your cat. Doing so may make matters worse. Fido may associate the cat with punishment, which definitely won’t make him like her any more.

Separating them would be the first step. Then, start over and reintroduce them.

How Can I Help My Pets Get Along?

The key is to help them form positive associations with each other. You want your pets to think that good things happen when they are together!

There’s also a lot to be said for burning off excess energy. Make sure both of your pets get plenty of exercise and playtime. Many cat toys can be choking hazards for dogs, though, so keep Fluffy’s toys far away from Fido.

Can I Have A Dog And A Cat At The Same Time?

This depends on the dog and the cat. Fido’s age, size, and temperament are key factors here. While Fluffy’s sharp teeth and claws can cause some damage, for the most part the cat is at greater risk. 

We can’t overstate the importance of choosing a cat-safe dog. It will usually help if Fido grows up with Fluffy, but remember that it only takes seconds for injuries to occur. Some dogs simply have an innate prey drive. After all, dogs survive in the wild by hunting small animals. Unfortunately, that predatory instinct can sometimes be triggered by cats.

If you’re adopting a shelter dog, look for one that has been evaluated as good with cats. Adopting a puppy? Avoid breeds that are aggressive towards other animals.

Try to pick pets with similar personalities. If both of your pets are couch potatoes, you’ll be more likely to succeed.

What Is The Best Way To Keep My Cat Safe From My Dog?

In some cases, kitties may just want to get away from their canine roommates. Your feline pal should be able to get to food, water, and a litterbox without having to come in contact with Fido. This is especially important in the beginning, as Fluffy is getting used to her new roommate.

Offer your kitty a few places she can retreat to. Vertical space is helpful for this. A cat tower with an enclosed upper level might be a good option. Kitty condos are useful here as well. Fluffy may also appreciate having a spot under a bed or behind the couch. 

Ideally, your feline buddy should have a retreat in every room. You may even be able to give Fluffy her own room. If you own your place (or don’t mind replacing a door), cut a small cat door at the entrance to a spare bedroom. Of course, this won’t keep a very small dog away, but it should prevent a bigger pup from invading your kitty’s purrsonal space.

What Should You Do If Your Dog And Cat Just Will Not Get Along?

There are no guarantees. Even if you do everything correctly, such as choosing a suitable companion, introducing pets carefully, and meeting all their needs, sometimes Fido and Fluffy just do not get along.

In these situations, the well-being of your beloved pets should always come first. Keeping them separated may be feasible in some cases, though this would depend on your house setup. For example, if you have a two-story dwelling and can put a baby gate at the stairs, Fluffy may be able to stay upstairs while Fido stays downstairs. However, you’ll need to consider your kitty’s quality of life. If people only go upstairs to sleep, your feline buddy may be quite lonely up there by herself!

At the end of the day, if your pets really aren’t getting along, it may be time to admit that it just isn’t safe for them to coexist. While finding a new home for one of your beloved pets should be a last resort, there are times when it really is the only option. This may not be ideal, but it is preferable to risking harm to one of your animal companions.

In some cases, Fluffy and Fido can become best buddies. There are few things more adorable than seeing cats and dogs snuggled up together. However, that isn’t guaranteed. Put safety first by choosing compatible pets and being careful and consistent. 

If you have questions about your cat’s health or care, please reach out to us here at  All About Animals, your Carrollton, GA animal hospital. We are dedicated to offering great care!