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How to make cat and dog get along? Well, if you’re asking yourself this question, it’s because you’re thinking about receiving or already have a new family member.
But they won’t always get along very well, because this is related to the animal’s personality, the upbringing it had and the situation you are in.
So we’re going to give you some tips on how to make adult dogs and cats get along or even a puppy and an adult.
But, remember that each case is specific and that you will need to be aware of all your animals’ reactions.
Follow our advice carefully and if your animal reacts negatively, you should consult an ethologist.
How to make cat and dog get along
Although there are some breeds more predisposed than others to be sociable with other animals, it is essential that the animal has a well-done socialization process, both with people and with other animals.
What is socialization? Why is that so important?
Socialization is the phase in which it becomes important to introduce the puppy to people, animals, places and stimuli so that when it reaches adulthood it has no fears, is a stable animal and without inappropriate behavior.
If you have not completed this step or have already adopted your adult dog, you will need to follow some advice to avoid accidents, especially when you are not at home or during the first interactions between the two.
For this reason, it is important to know your pet’s behavior before thinking about adopting another animal.
Some dogs and cats, even if they have followed a proper socialization process, don’t always get along with other animals. There are also cases of animals suffering from behavioral problems.
In these cases, it is very important to rely on a specialist, such as an ethologist.
The specialist will know how to guide the adaptation process, in addition to advising how to make pets get along in specific cases.
How to make adult dogs and cats live together?
The coexistence between cat and dog in adulthood is considered a delicate phase, as we don’t know exactly how they will react.
But, here are some tips that you can follow if you find yourself in this situation:
1. Prepare a safe area for the cat
When cats feel threatened, they tend to take refuge in high places, where the dog will not be able to reach.
Scratching posts with shelves for cats are ideal places where your cat can take shelter when he feels threatened.
Preparing a safe area is important to properly welcome the cat at home.
2. Allow your pets to smell each other
A very effective way to make the dog and cat get along is through smell, that is, they will smell each other.
But probably after a few days they will ignore the presence of the other animal.
3. The snout-to-snout encounter
If we are not sure how our animals might react, the meeting should be held in a place where there is a safe area for the cat, because in case of unforeseen circumstances, it can take refuge.
Remember that when the cat is scared, it can be difficult to control or try to hold.
If you decide to use the leash during the presentation, keep it very secure to avoid dangerous situations if the dog tries to bite the cat.
You must hold the leash firmly so that the dog feels in control.
The encounter with the cat should be a positive moment.
During the first face-to-face encounter, the reaction of the two animals must be kept under control . It can be helpful to have another person present who can help in an emergency.
Don’t worry if your pets growl or chase each other; you will see that little by little it will not happen again.
The encounter should be short-lived and positive and enjoyable for each animal. You can give them treats and pet them to help them accept themselves.
4. Let them free to interact with each other
After a week or two of chance encounters you can consider the situation stabilised, did they react well or badly when they saw each other?
Did someone try to attack the other?
Do animals ignore each other?
Give the animals some freedom so they can create their own pecking order and don’t feel compelled to do some actions they don’t want to.
It is normal for the dog and cat to be alert at first.
Certainly the cat will hide in high places and, instead, the dog will take refuge in its comfort zone.
During the first month of coexistence, it will always be necessary to supervise the meetings of the dog and cat.
When leaving pets at home, try to leave them in their safe areas to avoid accidents. So, what did you think of the tips on how to make cat and dog get along?
