Getting a cat and a dog at the same time? Here are 7 tips to make it easier
There are dog lovers, there are cat lovers and then there are animal lovers who want both! Are you one of them but confused about what things to take care of? You’ve landed at the right place. We at Pawstro not only make digital pet paintings but also love to experience and understand as much as we can about pets and share whatever knowledge we have, with you. Having a cat and a dog at the same time can be quite challenging since they are not known to get along due to their different nature and different personalities.
A Loving Environment
First and foremost, having a loving, homely environment where both your cat and dog get attention, get their playtime, get treats when they behave well and get their own secure space can help. Given the right conditions, a dog and a cat can coexist absolutely peacefully.
The first meet
Controlling the behaviour when the first time your dog and cat meet each other is very important. Hold your cat and your dog to each other’s eye levels and let your dog sniff the cat. Make sure you hold them both firmly so that if any one of them gets aggressive, you can pull them away. Repeat this activity for several minutes every day and soon you will see them being more comfortable around each other. Reward them with a treat every time they are well behaved with one another.
No unsupervised time
In the initial few days when you are unsure of the equation your dog and cat have with one another, make sure there is no way they are spending time together unsupervised. Even if it has been 2–3 days and you have observed that both of them are getting along, don’t get too excited and leave them alone together. Things can get ugly if either one of them gets aggressive and they may bite or hurt each other. For the first few months, always be around them.
Observe your pet’s personalities
If you are adopting pets, make sure you observe their personalities and try to adopt pets whose personalities match. If the dog likes to be quiet and mostly has a lazy nature, the cat also needs to be of a similar nature for them to get along. If the dog is active, likes to be mischievous and playful, it is highly likely that it will get along with a cat that is also of a similar nature. So before bringing the pets home, try to understand their personalities by spending some time with them or asking their previous owners about their behaviour.
Sniff, Sniff, Settle
When not around each other, let your dog sniff your cat’s toys and vice versa. This will help them become familiar with each other’s scents and they will be less likely to pounce on each other when they meet. Also, try to keep their toys in the areas where they spend the most time so both the cat and dog can become aware of each other’s turf before they get along.
Bonding over food
Pets are the happiest when they are eating. You can try a simple exercise when feeding your cat and dog. Put them both on either side of a closed door and place their food bowls there. They will not be able to see each other but they will be able to smell each other and hence associate this smell with a good thing. Eventually, feed them side by side without the visual obstruction, still keep the dog on a leash. When you notice them being comfortable, take the leash off while still keeping a watch. Snack time can be a great way to develop a friendship.
Activity for your dogs
In most cases, dogs will be more active and playful as compared to cats. If not given good activity, they often tend to get aggressive. Make sure you take them on walks at least twice a day. While on the walk, try increasing their pace from time to time. Try making them sit and stand a few times, take them to a safe place where they can run free. When they see the cat at home after all this activity, they will be all tired and will react less and eventually develop control and comfort being around the cat.
Remember, give enough time to your pets to adjust to each other, don’t force anything. There are chances that they might get aggressive and not get along at all. Be patient with them, treat them with utmost love, make them feel comfortable. Once they start getting along, you’ll have the most beautiful memories with them.
