Cats and Dogs Together - Are They Compatible? by Tarun Kr Das

Cats and Dogs Together - Are They Compatible?

An old stereotype exists about dogs and cats being incompatible, but many households across the globe have a dog and cat, or even several dogs and several cats, living in complete harmony. Though many conflicting characteristics make up these two species, they can often not only co-exist peacefully, but also become the best of friends.

Cats and Dogs, Living Together!
Sometimes, people are forced to blend a cat household and a dog household together, such as when couples marry or when adult children move back home. Other times, animal lovers just need to expand their love opportunities to include other species. Whatever the reason, this change in environment can be very disruptive to all parties. To reduce the stress on everyone, you can follow a few simple tips to allow the household to gradually adapt to the changes in activity, odors, schedules and status.

Dog Breeds That Accept Cats
Pet owners should understand that some breeds are naturally hostile to cats and will chase and attack them. It will be difficult, if not impossible, to provide a safe environment for both species. These breeds include greyhounds and borzois, sight hounds that instinctively chase small, furry prey. Cat-friendly breeds include the Labrador retrievers, poodles and collies. Of course, individual differences can make the adjustments easier or more challenging. If you get a dog from a shelter, choose one that was raised in a household with cats.

Cat That Accept Dogs
Cats will generally learn to accept a dog in the household as long as the canine respect the cat's space. Fortunately, cats can jump to get away from a dog when that space is violated. The cat will determine how much "closeness" is allowed and will hand out "discipline" to the dog if required. Manx cats are one breed that is known to get along well with other animals in a household, but individual cats may have problems adjusting.

Growing Up Together
The best and easiest way to have both dogs and cats in your household is to have them grow up together. Acquire the kitten and puppy around the same period of time, and they will always be accustomed to having an animal of a different species in their household.

Introducing Your Puppy To Your Cat
Puppies are full of boundless energy without a lick of restraint, so you will have to be the controlling force in keeping the animal in check while the cat gets used to him. Put the cat in a separate room so that she will be unmolested in her own space. Put her bowl, cat toys and any other articles that will make her feel comfortable. It's a good idea to start the puppy training so that he will obey your commands Allow the puppy into her space on leash and only under strict supervision. Let the cat watch the puppy from a safe distance for a time, so that she can become accustomed to the high level of energy, but don't allow the puppy to get too close to her. After a time, the cat may want to investigate at a closer range. Make sure she can safely do so by keeping the puppy on leash. If the puppy becomes rambunctious, remove him from the area. Observe your cat for signs of distress or aggression. Extend these sessions to longer and longer periods. After the puppy no longer considers the cat a threat or new "toy," try taking him off leash. If he behaves, allow the two to interact in a gentle manner. If he gets too rowdy, the cat may take a swipe at him to warn him off. The introduction may take several weeks for successful adjustment between the two animals.

Introducing A Kitten To Your Dog
Introducing a new kitten to an existing dog is similar. Many experts feel no face-to-face meeting should occur for the first week to allow the newcomer to become comfortable in the new surroundings and to allow the existing pet to get used to the new smells and activities in the household. The initial plan is the same, putting the kitten into a separate space with all that she needs. Introduce the new kitten to other cats in the household before introducing her to the dog. When this is done to satisfaction, bring the dog into the safe room, on leash, and allow the two animals to watch each other. Make sure that the dog does not show aggression to the kitten. Correct him for bad behavior and praise him for calm behavior. Allow the kitten to approach the dog on her own terms. They may sniff each other to become familiar. Be ready with a hand on the leash or a water pistol to separate them. You must repeat this encounter procedure many times to ensure that the two will not act aggressively. When you are certain that the dog will not attack the kitten, you can then try taking off the dog's leash, but only when you are there to supervise. Keep the animals separated when you leave the house. Ensure that the dog and cat have separate feeding areas where they will be undisturbed. A pet gate will keep the dog away from the cat-feeding bowl and litter box.

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About the Author

I am Tarun Kr Das,I am an Internet Researcher,Blogger and article writer...I have been writing articles and blogs since 5 years....
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How To Introduce The New Cat

It is exciting to have a new cat but what if you already have one? It may look difficult at first but by following the recommendations here, you can successfully introduce the new to the old. Cats are very protective of their territory so you have to make sure that your new cat is introduced properly to the old one.

If your cats are still kittens, it may take only a short while to initiate them. They may get along within 10 to 15 days of introduction. Both cats’ temperament and personality influence the introductory process. Make sure that your old cat feels secured and do not show preferential treatment on the other cat so that it will not think that the new cat is a rival for affection.

When bringing the new pet home, allot a safe room for the new cat to live in for a while. Let it live there until you are in no doubt that both the old and new cat are properly introduced. There are no specifics for the room that you could make use of - it can be a spare bedroom or a bathroom. However, the room that your new cat will live in should be a place that your old cat does not go into. Place a scratching post, litter box, bed, water dish and food dish inside the room so the new cat will be comfortable.

Since a cat is new, the old one may try to dominate it and make it feel that it does not belong there. The old cat may hiss and howl at the new cat when it notices it by the door. Not paying any attention to what the old cat is doing is the best thing to do. Punishing the old cat for its aggressive behavior may cause bigger problems later on. Eventually, the old cat will calm down when it goes near the door of the new cat. When it does this, praise and pet your old cat.

The introduction starts when the new cat is no longer hostile when it sees the new cat by the door. An effective way to do this introduction is by using their odor. Having them utilize the same food dish is the first thing to do. It is strongly recommended that you give food to them at different times but using the same dish because it is important that they get accustomed to each other’s scent first.

In a few days, the old and the new cat will probably be used to each other’s scent; then you can attempt to feed them closer to each other. To do this, hide your new cat in the safe room then shut the door. Feed the new cat in the safe room with the door shut behind it. Then, set up the place at other side of the door as the new place to feed your old cat. Later on, they will stop hissing and growling at each other and eat peacefully at the same time. Then, the time to meet each other has come.

Introducing the two cats to each other in the same room can once again be tough because there might be some growling and hissing from both parties. Even though they are used to each other’s scent already, your old cat may still feel uncomfortable seeing the new cat in its territory. At first, play with them both so that they can greet and smell each other. Allow them some time to be apart if fighting commence.

Giving them time is important. Have patience. Both cat will turn into happy and satisfied pets if you have introduced them properly. Though it may be tough at first but your old cat will later appreciate its new company. Later on, if you want to add yet another kitty, it will then be easier on your part.

For help with cat stress [http://www.kittybehaviour.com/understanding-cat-stress/] and how to treat an abused cat [http://www.kittybehaviour.com/dealing-with-an-abused-cat/], check out introducing a new cat [http://www.kittybehaviour.com/techniques-in-introducing-a-new-cat/].

About the Author

Kitty Bee is the owner of two lovable cats.