The expression “fighting like cats and dogs” is commonly used to describe people who constantly bicker and just can’t get along, but cats and dogs, with proper animal care, can actually live together in harmony.
With the right approach, you can help your pets co-exist in your household peacefully and without many problems, which is very good news if you love cats and dogs and want to raise both.
Adopt a Dog and a Cat at the Same Time
If possible, it is a good idea to adopt your cat and dog at the same time, preferably when they are still young. This will make it much easier for you to raise them together, because young animals adapt more easily and you won’t have any trouble controlling fights between them. In fact, they can become good friends fast.
An important consideration is to make sure you provide sufficient space for, and attention to, each pet. Both should be fed and cared for properly, and feeding stations should always be kept separate – some cat food is not good for dogs and their digestive systems, and the same applies to cats and dog food. By doing this, the animals should be less likely to become jealous, with no attempts to steal food or attention from each other.
How to Introduce a New Pet to Your Old Pet
Pet owners should be aware that special care must be taken if you already have a cat and, say, you want to introduce them to a new pet dog, or you have a dog and want to introduce a new pet cat. The first pet will likely feel threatened because they are used to being the only one, and probably considers themselves to be the “master” of the home. Therefore, it is essential to introduce the new pet slowly to avoid fights and allow ample time for them to get to know each other.
When you introduce the new pet to the old one, hold them both firmly. Make sure they see each other at eye level. This will give them both a sense of security and make them feel more comfortable with each other. If one becomes aggressive or one shows fear, remove them both from the scene, and reintroduce them later when they’ve calmed down. Do this repeatedly until they both appear comfortable in each other’s presence.
Make sure the new pet is isolated from the old one for a few days by keeping them in separate rooms or parts of the house. Allow them to spend only a few minutes together each day until you see them become relaxed in each other’s company.
Give Your Pets Equal Attention
A very important tip for raising cats and dogs together is to make sure you treat them equally. Don’t show favoritism, as this will cause a rift and jealousy in between them. Don’t be more affectionate towards the dog, or be more attentive to the cat’s needs; show them equal attention and care. Both pets should be included during playtime and training so neither of them feels left out.
Cats tend to be a dominating species of animal and a dog, generally, will learn to be gentle around a cat, but you should not leave your pets alone together until you are certain they get along well. Test them by leaving the room and watching them from a place where they can’t see you, so you’ll know how they relate to each other when you’re not around. If there is any biting or scratching to the point where one or both pets get hurt, take them to the vet for treatment, and don’t leave them alone together until they have learned to co-exist happily. It may take a while.
Good animal care includes helping your cat and dog learn to get along well together, which is crucial if you want to have both in your household. It can certainly be done if you introduce your pets properly, allow them time to accept each other and be careful to give both pets equal care and attention.
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