When it comes to dogs and cats, the popular saying goes that dogs cats don’t get along. However, this is more of a myth than a reality. Since both species can live in harmony and more if they have lived since they were puppies. “In the case of the dog and the cat, in the development of social behavior, there is an especially important period of socialization. Between 3-12 weeks of age for the dog and 2-9 weeks of age for the cat. This stage of socialization is the process by which your pet gets used to and learns to react appropriately to other species.” indicates Gema López Aguado. He’s a veterinarian at the Kivet Sant Pere de Ribes clinic in Barcelona, a collaborating center of Kiwoko.
However, it does not mean that coexistence between dogs and cats that have not been previously socialized is impossible. Since social behavior is extremely adaptable. Although it will probably require a slower adaptation process. The trick is to respect their adaptation period if they have not lived together since puppies. “Both species are compatible and sociable by nature,” says the expert. Therefore, if we are dog owners and we want to expand the family with a feline friend(or vice versa), we can do it. But first, it is important to be clear that we cannot force ‘their friendship’. And, if possible, accustom them to living together from a very young age.
How do we organize the meeting?
On the other hand, it is very important to take into account that there are different types of relationships. From animals that are simply going to tolerate each other and will live together without too much friction, to a deep friendship in which the cat caresses its companion and even sleeps and they play together. However, “we must understand that the welfare of each animal lies in respecting the relationship that they establish. Which allows them to live without being alert, without tension, stress… Or feels threatened by the other,” he says. Therefore, we will never force an extra point in this relationship if either animal feels discomfort.
Safety for your dogs and cats
Visit the vet. Before introducing any animal, we have to make sure of its state of health, therefore a first visit to the vet will tell us if vaccinations, deworming or some type of test are necessary to rule out viral diseases that could be transmitted.
- Enable a safe zone. It has to be a neutral space for the new member of the family, thus leaving most of the house for the animal that was already there. This has to meet the following conditions:
- Enable them with everything necessary to make them feel comfortable; feeder, drinking fountain, beds, hiding places, toys, scratching post, and litter box if it is a cat.
- It can be a place where the animal that was already at home does not have the habit of going, that is, an area of little value for them, we will avoid areas such as the owner’s bedroom or the dining room.
- It has to be a safe area for the pet that has just arrived, it has to feel protected. Therefore we will avoid the access of the other animal.
Initiating the approach for both your dogs and cats
Get them used to smells. Then we will carry out habituation of smells. We can use a towel or garment to rub it over the body of the animal and leave it to the other to smell it, we will never rub the towel with the smell of one animal on the body of the other. It is simply a matter of leaving it and allowing them to get closer to their rhythm to smell it.
Avoid dangerous approaches. Later, especially during the first introductions, the dog should always be on a leash. We will open the door to the neutral zone and let the animals explore the environment and each other. We will maintain a calm attitude, the dog’s leash without tension and we will reward them whenever we see that he or she acts calmly.
Escape zones. We will allow the cat to always have escape routes or the possibility of climbing to high places where the dog cannot access, which will make it gain more confidence and control over its environment
No direct confrontation. We will avoid any type of direct conflict, if the dog gets nervous, barks, or growls, we will separate them calmly and without saying anything else. We must never allow the cat to feel cornered, nor do the introductions holding it in our arms, since in a moment of stress or fear it could scratch us.
Respect their rhythms. The presentations will go at the rate that the animals require, sometimes it is a matter of hours, sometimes weeks. What we must avoid are situations of extreme tension and stress, always cutting them positively and calmly.
Don’t leave them alone. The first meetings must always be under supervision, very gradual, and in a quiet environment. We will never allow unsupervised contact if we are not sure of the response they will get.
Degree of socialization
Many times we have wondered if our particular pet is going to get along with another species. For example, if our dog is one of those who chase cats down the street, or our cat bristles every time it sees a dog, is it possible that at some point they will live together in peace? The answer is probably. “The fact that our dog chases stray cats is not necessarily a sign that indicates that coexistence between that animal and a cat is impossible. As has been commented, the dog’s social behavior is extremely adaptable to new situations and, in many Sometimes, they can show that predatory or “hunting” behavior in the street environment towards an unfamiliar cat in movement, but they are calm and respect the house cat.”, he assures.
Although it is true that before introducing a new species at home, it is highly recommended to estimate the degree of socialization of our animals in relation to other species and the adaptability of each one of them. Therefore, if we can, it will be important to find out if during the socialization period, our animal was in contact with the other species. Also influences the pet’s own temperament and the ability to manage changes in the environment . “If it is a slow and calm character or, on the contrary, very excitable in the face of changes, it will be able to adapt better or worse,” he says.
It should also be borne in mind that animals that were already at home are not always going to appreciate a new company. Especially if they are older and have lived alone for many years, it usually takes much more time for them to adapt to a new partner, especially if he is too young and energetic, since our furry old man needs tranquility.
Tips for a good coexistence
- Slowly. Never force the relationship between them, the more natural everything is, the better.
- Avoid paying more attention to one than the other. The pet that already lived with us… should continue to receive the same care. Also, If possible, in the presence of the new member. Therefore, they’d understand that even if the other member is, they continue to receive affection.
- When to intervene. Sometimes, it may be that the dog tends to play with the cat as they would with someone of the same species. And, the cat may feel overwhelmed and upset. However, the dog does not understand the language or the signals of annoyance that the cat emits. At this time we can intervene. Stop the dog and offer an alternative behavior that allows the cat to be left alone. This can be an interactive toy, a ride, etc.
- Do not punish. The objective must always be that both coexist in harmony. Despite the fact that at some point a conflict may arise between them, we must not punish these behaviors that they emit as part of their language. Like grunts, snorts, bristling fur, and etc. Simply, if we believe it necessary, we will intervene by separating them momentarily, until tempers are calmer.
- Be patient and realistic. Any change entails a period of acceptance and adaptation. Expecting them to get along right off the bat is an unrealistic view and one that rarely happens. We must always allow some room for adaptation.
For your dogs and cats, don’t be afraid to consult with a vet
Despite all that has been said, “if there is an obvious problem of coexistence, it is essential to consult with a clinical ethologist veterinarian, rather than wait for the problem to improve on its own because sometimes it worsens over time“, concludes the veterinarian Gema López Aguado.