Similarities Between Dogs and Cats - Whether They Can Live Together
Some species of animals can happily live together. It is a matter of knowing some points you have to consider to make certain they are safe living together under your care. Just like dog and cat. Certainly they can live together though they are different animals possessing distinctive personalities that will not necessarily blend. In this “similarities between dogs and cats” essay will be an attempt to reveal whether they can live together or not.
Pet needs its own space to feel comfortable and safe. Never leave a cat and dog alone together until you are certain that they are comfortable with each other. Neglecting this, you may be sorry when you return. The dog or cat could be scratched or bitten or otherwise injured. Unsupervised interaction like that could traumatized an animal so badly that a dog or cat remains terrified o other animals for the rest of their lives. You’ll also need to be sure each pet is fed enough food or one of them will attempt to steal the food of the other.
Dog or cat that is used to being the only animal in the family, adopting a new pet is not always an agreeable event for the pet who has established your house as their sole domain. You will need to ensure you introduce the new pet gradually to avoid fights between them and the pets will be able to adjust to one another. It is a crucial step to ensure dog and cat are of the same eye level when first introduced. Keeping a firm grip on both animals will provide them with a sense of security. If one of the animals seems either aggressive or frightened, immediately remove the cat and try again at a later time. Do not force the situation and make matter worse. If you are going to raise both dogs and cats in the same house and do not want to make the old pet jealous of the new addition, do not show more affection towards the new pet. The old pet may feel neglected and may develop an attitude towards the new pet.
Just as humans, rivalry exist among siblings whether blood-related or not. Treating each other poorly is frustrating and stressful. Even if cat is not opposed to dogs and does not mind seeing one, the cat may have a particular dislike for a specific dog living in their home. Take some human situation. Many people could coexist with anyone in a room except for one particular person who would drive them nuts. Some cats are the same way. This may be the case if you have devoted ample time to trying to get a dog and cat comfortable with each other well.
Common questions about raising dog and cat together is “How long does it take for a cat to get used for a dog?” Introducing new pets to one another can be exciting yet stressful. It is important to use caution and take time to ensure a smooth transition, especially in the case of introducing a dog and a cat. Just as with humans, friendships take time to develop. Do not be upset if your animals do not become pals right away. Acclimating a dog and a cat to each other can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. You can ease the acclimation, and keep everyone safe, by preparing beforehand for the process. Above all, the key to acclimate them to each other gradually so that neither the dog nor the cat becomes afraid or aggressive.
How do I know if my dog and cat get along? When introducing your dog to a cat, pay attention to the body language of both animals. If the cat’s ears are pinned back and forth, this is a good indicator that he is displeased. You particularly want to be aware of dog body language that could potential warning signs. If your dog has a strong prey drive (the inclination to seek out, chase and potentially capture animals seen as prey (usually smaller animals such as cats or rabbits), she might become very focused on the cat. She will stiffen, stare and may start barking or whining. If you see these signs, do not let her near the cat. Ideally, her body language will be loose and relaxed around the cat. It is okay if she pays attention to the cat, but you do not want to see her fixated on him. In addition, a dog’s interaction with a cat can change depending on the environment. Just because your dog is okay with the cat inside the house does not mean she will exhibit that same behavior outdoors. She might be fixated on the cat and start stalking him when they are outside together. So, be aware of her body language around the cat in each new situation, until you know how she is going to respond toward him.
In conclusion, among the species of pets, dogs and cats are some of the common pets that can live together. Only when they grow up together, as well as, if they have early socialization with puppies or kittens. Adopting a dog and cat at the same time when are still puppies or kittens, they can easily adapt to living together, become good friends and learn to tolerate each other. Though we seemingly see them fighting, dogs and cats are not sworn enemies. They often live together in the same house without problems.
