According to recent studies, pets have become an integral part of our household that approximately 57% of the global population are either dog or cat lovers. Needless to say, almost every individual in this world, at one point in their lives, has lived with and loved a cat or dog.
But what happens if we or members of our family love both? Can dogs and cats both live, co-exist peacefully? Why doesn’t it seem so challenging to keep them together?
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Why Do They Dislike Each Other?
“Fighting as if they are cats and dogs” is a quite familiar phrase. But is it true? It is more accurate to say that they are indifferent to each other. Unless forced to react when we bring them together or in the same home, they would much rather ignore each other.
This indifference stems from the fact that dogs and cats have fundamentally different behaviors. They react to specific situations and show emotions differently. In other words, they speak or understand different languages.
Also, forcing them together can make them a lot more aggressive than usual, since both species are territorial. It may also cause jealousy and a sense of competition, for food scraps, leftovers, and attention.
However, it is possible for these furry creatures to live in complete harmony; if not as best buddies. For those who are looking to add a dog when they already have a cat in the family, choosing the right breed is one of the most important factors to consider. Knowing these dog breeds and understanding their distinct characteristics and behavior can guide you in determining how well they will adjust to having a cat in the family, and form a harmonious relationship with one another.
With that being said, here goes a list of some dog breeds you might consider adding to your household, even if you already have a cat.
The Beagle
Originally bred as a hunting dog, a lot of us may think that having a Beagle and a cat under one roof is not such a good idea. But the truth is, this breed can very well get along with cats, especially when they are introduced at an early age.
Beagles can serve as watchdogs, but they cannot be ideal guard dogs because they make friends too quickly to guard. They can also be a challenge to train. Since they love to chase things especially when outdoors, they may not easily follow simple commands when focused on the object they are hunting. The exercises are essential since beagles can quickly go overweight. Given these conditions, a Beagle may not be the best choice for everyone.
The Pug
Pugs are one of the most natural breeds to get along with cats. Being smaller than other dog breeds, they do not intimidate and are not deemed as a threat to the feline species. They are docile and rarely shows aggression not only towards cats but to almost all animals within its environment.
They usually like to play, but also enjoy the warmth and comfort of a warm lap or a cozy blanket. Pugs also benefit from having company, and a cat can also provide this.
The Labrador Retriever
Belonging to a large dog breed, a Labrador Retriever can be somewhat intimidating to a cat at first. But although some may show some degree of hostility initially, this breed can quickly form a strong bond of friendship with your cat.
They may be much larger than your feline friends, but they can play all day and still have a lot to give. They are kind, smart, and gentle. They love children and can quickly get along with anyone or anything they meet. Not only are Labs fine with cats in the same household. They are also an ideal all-around pet.
The Cocker Spaniel
Although the Cocker Spaniel was originally bred to hunt, they can also be trained to have a good and friendly disposition. Considered as one of the smartest and beautiful dog breeds, they are quite easy to train, mainly when started at a young age. They are typically friendly with other dogs and cats, provided they are adequately introduced with each other.
The least that can happen is for a Cocker Spaniel and your cat to ignore each other. Often though, they end up being the best of buddies. Being a sporty breed, be ready to take them for at least 45 minute walks every day. It also helps prevent them from gaining too much weight.
Loving, affectionate and gentle, Cocker Spaniels can fit well into any size of household, and get along with everyone, including felines in the family.
The German Shepherd
Known to be large, reliable, and dominant dogs, German Shepherds comprise the most significant percentage of police dogs all over the world. As puppies, they are playful and friendly but become more reserved with maturity. With apparent self-confidence and fearless expression, they tend to be aloof and indifferent to strangers.
Nevertheless, they are quite affectionate and can be very loyal with their usual companions. Having a strong prey drive, German Shepherds may not be an ideal companion for your cat.
But given the right conditions experts believe this can happen. Because of their intelligence and high response to training, these dogs can learn to take cues on determining whether a cat is a friend or a threat. It may take time before there’s total harmony, but it’s entirely possible.
5 Golden Tips to Help Cats and Dogs Get Along
With that being said, the key to establishing long-lasting peace- if not perfect harmony between dogs and cats in the household, involves a lot of patience and supervision. Here are some tips for improving household relations between Fido and Fluffy.
1. Give them some time and go slow
Take your doggy for a long walk or a run before the introduction. It can lower their energy and make the meeting more intense. Give them time and enough space before introducing them face to face. Remember that animals are more likely to fight or be unhappy if you introduce them suddenly.
2. Supervise introductions
Make sure that your dog can respond to commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it” before you start the introduction. He should also be on a leash so that you can control him if he gets too excited. Wear long sleeves so that you can guard your arms against scratches. And just like people, animals also get jealous when the new kid gets more attention than them. Therefore, show your pets an equal amount of love all throughout the introduction.
3. Use treats as a prize for good behavior
Sitting and staying, relaxing and being mellow, or merely following commands are some behaviors that you may want to reinforce by providing treats and rewards. It will make the introduction more positive and help them associate pleasant feelings with each other.
4. Let the Cat set the pace and boundaries
It is best to make sure that the cat is relaxed and ready before you introduce a canine introduction. Remember that cats take time to warm up to new situations, and this is no different. Never force a sudden introduction, and in case things get intense, make sure to give your cat a place where she can hide from a dog.
5. Keep them out of each other’s business
Cats need a protective space. A “base camp” of sorts where the dog is “off -limits.” Keep their feeding and drinking dishes on the counters or the window sill, as well as the litter box where the dog can’t surprise them.
Conclusion
Introducing a new dog or cat in a household where there are already pets involve a lot of care and supervision. Sometimes, it may even require assistance from a specialist. Most of all, it involves setting realistic expectations. Just because the dog is of a gentle breed doesn’t mean they will immediately get along with the Fluffy.
Understanding that there may be a long period of acclimation will help you persevere with the process of making them get along.
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