How Dogs and Cats Can Coexist | Nylabone (2024)

FAQs

How Dogs and Cats Can Coexist | Nylabone? ›

The majority of cats can happily coexist with a dog if they are given time to comfortably get to know each other. If a puppy and kitten are raised together, they generally will learn right away to tolerate each other, and some cats and dogs grow to be real friends, even playing and napping together.

If you take time with the introductions, train your dog to behave appropriately around your cat, and give your cat a dog-free area, your two pets should be able to co-exist. At the very least, they'll live in harmony, but hopefully as best friends.

Many dogs can live peacefully with cats, often forming a close relationship where they can even sleep together and clean each other. But this is not always the case – not all dogs and cats can live together.

Take things slow

Keep the pets separate at first, waiting 3 or 4 days before actually introducing the animals face to face. Cats and dogs are much more likely to fight or be unhappy if you try to force them together suddenly. Keep them in separate rooms and out of sight of one another until they are both calm.

Most dog breeds can live calmly with a cat if they are socialized as puppies and are trained to leave the cat alone. Teaching your dog a “leave it” cue and a strong “stay” can help keep the peace. Proper introductions will also help, and it's a good idea to make sure the cat always has an escape route.

And they do exist—mules, for instance, are the result of a horse and donkey mating. But creating hybrids of animals that are very genetically distinct from each other—such as a dog and a cat—is scientifically impossible, as is one species giving birth to an entirely different one.

Proper Introduction. The majority of cats can happily coexist with a dog if they are given time to comfortably get to know each other. If a puppy and kitten are raised together, they generally will learn right away to tolerate each other, and some cats and dogs grow to be real friends, even playing and napping together ...

MATCHING CATS AND DOGS

If a dog attempts to aggressively chase, pin, pick up or otherwise “manhandle” any cat, it is best to not even consider getting a cat — or at least to proceed with caution. Additionally, a dog who growls, lunges at or obsessively barks at a cat would probably do best in a cat-free environment.

Sometimes a cat and a dog will become instant friends, often they will develop a tolerance of each other over many years and occasionally they can't even be in the same room together. Just like with kids, sometimes a little bit of coaxing and a touch of manipulation is all that is needed to help them make friends.

How long does it take for a cat to get used to a dog? ›

Introducing a dog and cat may take a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on your individual pets. Always monitor your pets for signs of fear, anxiety, or stress, and progress at a rate they are comfortable with.

In the most general terms, though, the best strategy would be to adopt first a middle-aged, well-mannered dog who shows little interest in cats, and then a kitten who has been raised in a household with friendly or indifferent dogs around.

Qualities that make dog breeds friendlier towards cats

Breeds that are less likely to have a strong prey drive or herding instincts tend to do better with cats. For example, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers tend to be friendly and tolerant, making them great choices for multi-pet households.

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow is a large dog breed that hails from China. These dogs are known for their aloof but dignified nature, making them exceptionally cat-like. They are serious dogs that are quite protective of their people and their territory. They are fastidious groomers, much like cats.

Place items that smell like the cat, like toys or a blanket, in the dog's area. Drop them near the food dish or offer treats when you present them to help the dog link the cat with good things. Ask the dog to sit and reward him with small tasty treats for calm behavior. Give your cat treats as well.

Introducing a dog and cat may take a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on your individual pets. Always monitor your pets for signs of fear, anxiety, or stress, and progress at a rate they are comfortable with. A positive reinforcement-based trainer can help you introduce the pets if you're feeling overwhelmed.

Mutually Agreeable Interaction

Cats and dogs can either take turns being the initiator of play or both participate in the same activity. For example, one may chase the other around the house or initiate a game of fetch.

We've all heard the phrase “fighting like cats and dogs,” mainly to describe two animals (or humans, for that matter) that are always at odds with each other. However, relationships between cats and dogs are possible, depending on their personalities and their owners' patience and understanding.

Although dogs and cats don't talk to each other in the traditional sense, they can learn each other's body signals through observation to communicate effectively. They already use body language in many similar ways, such as: Raising hair along the back when scared or cornered. Growling as they get aggressive.