It’s a timeless way to identify oneself — you are supposed to be either a cat person or a dog person. Cats and dogs are supposedly the world’s original rivals, and many people think it’s impossible to live in a house with both a cat and a dog. But the fact of the matter is, this rivalry is truly a myth. Cats and dogs can coexist — and many times, these two species actually enjoy the company of one another.
Tips for Helping Cats and Dogs Get Along
- Provide each animal with its own safe space, where it cannot be disturbed by the other animal. Cats, in particular, need a haven from dogs. Cats are not always as playful and may want to spend more time resting peacefully than dogs do. By giving your pets their own private space to relax whenever they want, you will allow them to choose the terms of their budding friendship with one another.
- If you want to have both cats and dogs in your home, consider adopting them both at the same time. You also may want to consider getting two young pets, as a young cat and a young puppy are more likely to adjust and get along better throughout the course of time. You also should consider the breeds before you make the final decision. Certain breeds of dogs, in particular, are more likely to get along with cats. Dogs that are part of the spaniel group and the retriever group, for example, are very social and will likely be able to get along with cats.
- Introduce the pets, and allow them to naturally work out their issues. The cat might hiss at the dog, and you may be tempted to remove the cat from the situation. However, the cat is simply trying to establish boundaries for the dog. If you prevent this communication from happening, your pets may never figure out how they can live happily in the same space. Of course, safety should be your top priority, and you should monitor your pets’ interactions with one another.
Be sure that both your cat and your dog are happy and healthy.