Friendship cats and dogs: how to achieve a successful neighborhood?

You probably know the meaning of phraseology “living like a cat with a dog”. However, there are many examples when these pets not only tolerate or ignore each other, but are sincerely friendly. How to achieve such a safe neighborhood?

Why cats are not friendly with dogs

Cats and dogs are two different biological species. But between them there is no innate hostility. This means that they can equally be both best friends and sworn enemies. It all depends on education and their life experience.

So, if a cat is bitten by a naughty dog ​​one day, it is likely that a baleen ball of wool harboring resentment against all dogs, will hide from them or attack (it depends on the character). And if only good dogs will meet on his life path, then he will relate calmly to all representatives of this species. Why is it difficult for two pets to find a common language?

Dissimilarity impedes mutual understanding

Cats become attached to the house and feel safe in this room, and for dogs there is nothing more important than the owner. Roughly speaking, for them the house is where they are next to the person, even if it is a clean field, and not a warm and spacious structure. Since pets have different views on life, it is difficult for them to find common interests, so friendship does not work.

Awakened Hunter Instinct

The situation is often complicated by the hunting instinct, which manifests itself in many dogs. A briskly running cat becomes a victim for them, which I really want to catch.

Moreover, many representatives of the canine family are amused by the chase process, that is, they do not set themselves the goal of harming the mustachioed, but simply want to catch up with it. Therefore, if the brave catoffey does not run away, but stays in place and just hisses at the dog, the second quickly loses interest and leaves to look for another entertainment.

Fight for resources

Pets can be at war if they don’t share something: food, the owner’s attention, a toy, a warm place on a soft bed. Try to avoid such situations so as not to give rise to quarrels.

Show your love for them equally. Feed in different corners of the kitchen and do not leave food in a bowl that another pet can reach at any time.

First of all, this concerns dogs, because cats like to eat their portion of food not immediately, but a little during the day. Make sure he is full, then put the bowl in a tight-fitting cabinet.

Ideal conditions for friendship

If you do not consider yourself a catman or a dog lover and equally love both of them, start them at the same time. And if both pets are small at this moment, then it is likely that they will grow up as friends.

Situation No. 1: The cat settled in the house earlier

It’s quite simple to make friends pets if a cat first appeared that was never chased by dogs, and after some time you got a little puppy. At first, he will show a strong interest in a neighbor and can become too annoying. But this is only curiosity, not aggression, so very soon pets will make friends even without your help.

However, in this situation, you must not allow the puppy to tire the cat very much with outdoor games. She should have a place to rest, where a frisky dog ​​cannot get.

Acquaintance of an adult dog with an adult cat usually goes less smoothly. Some mustachioed individuals are too jealous, so they often do not agree to share the owner’s attention with a competitor.

Prepare your pets for the first time. Find out if the dog is very aggressive towards the feline family. If there was a case in a dog’s life when she tried to strangle a cat (and not just run after it), it is better to immediately abandon the idea of ​​making friends with them. Do not risk the health of our smaller brothers.

If the dog is loyal to these baleen animals, start dating. Only pre-trim the cat's claws. Do not push animals, let them get to know each other. And it is better for the cat to take the initiative in its clutches: after all, it is now the “owner" in the house.

First, hold the dog on a leash. Gradually reduce the distance between the pets and let them sniff each other. If the cat does not behave aggressively, praise her with gentle strokes and a slice of delicious food. Then the presence of a neighbor of a different kind will cause her positive associations.

In order not to arouse jealousy, in the presence of a cat, do not stroke the dog. Until animals become friends, do not leave them alone. If all family members leave, close your pets in different corners of the apartment.

If your dog is in his prime, and his mustached neighbor is already “retired” and at home only sleeping and eating, do not let the first pester the second with games. Play and play with the dog more often (throw the ball, take long walks in the fresh air) so that it can waste energy on a walk with you.

Situation 2: The dog took the living space first

In this case, it is more difficult to make animals friends. First of all, walk and feed the dog deliciously. If she has never been aggressive towards cats, show her a new roommate - first from afar.

Some time later, let the first guest come closer to the “rookie” and sniff him. If the dog shows curiosity, but does not seek to harm the mustachioed resident - praise, caress and give refreshments. In case of aggression, close your pets in different rooms. After 5-7 days, try introducing them again.

At first, pay more attention to the dog so that he does not see the opponent in the cat. Tasty feed and go on active walks so that there are no thoughts that because of the cat a person is moving away.

Prevent the cat from approaching the dog bowl and allow the dog to feast on the food of the mustached roommate. Of course, if that one at that moment does not rush at him with claws. However, try not to overdo it so as not to spoil it.

Carefully observe the behavior of animals when they are nearby. Remember that in a dog, intense tail wagging often (but not always) signals joyful excitement, while in a cat it indicates irritation and hostility to something. This will help you determine the mood of the pets and better understand how to make them sympathize with each other.