Creating A Positive Dog & Cat Relationship

Some of us are dog people, while others are cat people. But what if you’re both? Dog and cats can be a challenging duo to make get along. Having animals from different species share a space can prove to be difficult, but dogs and cats don’t have to be mortal enemies. In fact, they more often than not, get along great together. So if you’re having a hard time getting your dog and cat to become adorable partners in crime, read on about how to create a positive relationship between the two!

Introducing Your Animals Together

Dog and cats have different needs and personalities that may not always adapt to each other. This is why you can’t just bring a new pup home to your cat and expect them to be best friends. Dogs and cats need to be introduced to each other carefully, have adjustment periods, and become comfortable with each other over time.

To start the process of introductions, try: 

1. Put your dog and cat in separate rooms and observe how they act. If they don’t start acting aggressive and are relaxed in nature, continue onto the meeting stage.
2. Allow them to meet in a neutral area (i.e. a space that isn’t claimed by either animal like the backyard). Observe your pets’ reactions and remove them from the situation if they appear stressed or aggressive. You can try the meeting again at a different time, but not so soon. If they are aggressive with each other, it’s best to not introduce them again for 2-3 days.
3. Feed your newer animal separately from your older pet for a few days, even if they seem comfortable together. You don’t want them to be territorial over their feeding area and cause problems.
4. If your pets don’t show any more signs of aggression, begin introducing them to one another. Let them sniff out each other and get comfortable being in the same room. But be careful not to leave them alone yet in case something happens and you need to step in. Use treats as a positive reinforcement for both your cat and dog to let them know good behavior is rewarded.
5. If all is well after meeting and introductions, start letting them spend more time with each other, like playing or napping together. Try to supervise your pets for some time to make sure nothing goes south, as they still may be getting used to sharing a space. Watch out for aggressive body language and signs of stress.

Feeding Time

All animal species can get territorial about their food, including dogs and cats. If your pets are well behaved and respect each other’s spaces, there should be no reason to have to feed them in separate places or times. But if you have a dog that isn’t too good at keeping its paws to itself and tries to attack or take away your cat’s food, keep them separate. This behavior may change over time as your animals get used to one another, but it’s best to keep them away from each other if feeding becomes aggressive. Your pets can become sick due to fear of eating or stress if bad behaviors continue.

Cats Hissing

Cats tend to want to be alone, so when your pooch comes sauntering up to your cat, they may hiss as a sign to leave them alone. They do this to prevent an attack (by the dog) and to warn them off if they’re not interested in being around them. You can try and prevent this by gradually teaching your pets that it’s okay to be around one another.

When To Bring Another Pet Into Your House

All dogs and cats are unique in personality, but it is best to introduce them to each other while they are still young. A kitten or puppy who is >6 months old is more likely to adapt to another animal than when they are an adult. But nonetheless, your pets should still be introduced slowly to ease any tension!

When Should I Separate Them?

As your dog and cat grow close in friendship, there may be times where you have to separate them from each other. It’s best to not do it suddenly to avoid them being stressed out, lonely, or experience separation anxiety.

For example, if your family is going on vacation (and you take your animals to a kennel), try and separate them a few days in advance for hours at a time so they don’t get distressed by immediate separation. You may also want to separate them if one of your pets gets sick or injured as the other can sense their pain and create added stress.