Dogs and Cats Under One Roof – Making It Work!
Harmony between dog and cat
If the goal is for a dog and cat to live together in harmony, we can create good conditions by planning our household. Here are 10 tips on how to get a dog and cat to live side by side.
1. Start with cat before puppy
The optimal setup is to get a kitten/young cat first, and then a puppy. Let the cat settle in before the dog moves in, but don’t wait too long. Cats are territorial creatures of habit – the younger they are, the more open they are to new living arrangements.
2. Choose your dog breed carefully
A herding or hunting dog (such as a terrier) will require more from you as a mediator in the dog-cat relationship than a less energetic, non-herding or non-hunting dog.
3. Relocation cat with dog habit
If you are adopting an older rehomed cat, choose one with positive experiences with dogs. Having lived with a dog doesn’t necessarily mean those experiences were good. Make sure to find out the details. For more on rehoming, read Dare to rehome: tips for success.
4. Create species-specific décor
Minimize the risk of conflicts by furnishing species-specifically: elevated resting spots and food/water stations for the cat, along with areas the cat can access but not the dog.
5. Give the cat control and security
A sense of control and the ability to escape are important for the cat. Initially, you can divide the living space so the animals can have breaks from each other. This promotes the relationship rather than them getting on each other’s nerves.
6. Introduce gradually but keep separate
Don’t keep the dog and cat too separated. Let scent, sound, and sight flow between their living areas so they don’t become strangers.
7. socialize before full freedom
Before removing any barriers, the animals should be socialized, but even then, safety comes first. If you want to learn more about dog socialization, read Socializing your dog the right way.
8. Be in control during the first meetings
At first, don’t leave the dog and cat alone together unsupervised.
9. fair distribution of resources
Avoid creating tension around sensitive topics like food and time with their owner. Be fair and don’t show favoritism. It is important to understand. Resource Defense in dogs - understand their zones and boundaries to avoid conflict when introducing a new animal.
10. Respect each other's food bowl
Don’t let one eat from the other’s bowl unless both individuals are okay with it.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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