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Do Cats and Dogs Get Along?
from:According to the movie Cats and Dogs, a secret war has been raging between the two species for eons with only a fragile truce keeping order. Dogs are, of course, man's best friend according to many, and cats are villainous creatures who are bent on world domination. Fact or fiction, with this type of stereotyping in the movies, it's no wonder so many people think that it's impossible for cats and dogs to live together peacefully. Granted, there are many instances where a cat and dog will have a major brawl that leaves one or the other with cuts and bruises but, in reality, it's quite normal for the two species to get along — and even to live together as friends.
Another stereotype is that you are either a "cat person" or a "dog person", but I would venture a guess that most "cat people" also love dogs and vice versa, with only a slight preference for one or the other that has more to do with that person's personality and circumstances. For instance, I love both cats and dogs, (and rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, etc. for that matter) but due to my living in an apartment building, I've chosen to have a cat because they are just easier to take care of where I live.
Genetics
Genetically speaking, it's true there are reasons that cats and dogs may tend to dislike each other. Dogs are predators by nature and tend to chase things that move quickly and that are smaller than they are. This, of course, make cats the perfect play toy for dogs wanting to utilize their predatory skills.
However, cats are also predatory, and will exhibit stalking behaviors toward dogs even though a dog is usually much bigger. In addition, cats will vigorously defend themselves, thus making this a natural rivalry.
Environmental Influence
Of course genetics and instinct alone isn't the only reason why dogs and cats sometimes don't get along. During the first few months of an animal's life, it learns who its friends and its enemies are. Thus a puppy raised with cats will most likely get along better with them. Similarly, a kitten raised with dogs will not think much of the dogs. In fact, it's often easier to raise a new kitten in a household with dogs than the other way around because cats tend to be more territorial than dogs. A highly predatory dog, however, will make it more difficult to introduce a new kitten to the household.
Training Cats and Dogs to Live in Peace
Teaching a cat and dog that have problems getting along can be a somewhat a difficult task, but it's not impossible. The best way to do this is to allow the animals to spend time together when a human chaperone is present. The more time animals spend with one another, the more tolerant they will become of each other. In fact, this can often lead to a very affectionate relationship. Puppies and kittens raised together are certainly more likely to develop a positive relationship.
If a dog has been especially cruel to cats in the past, however, it's probably not a good idea to try to get the two species to co-exist. Even if the dog can never manage to catch the cat, it will most likely never stop chasing it, making the cat's life miserable. On the other hand, a puppy might need to be protected from a particularly territorial or really mean cat.
However, dogs can also be trained to leave cats alone the same way they can be trained to fetch, sit or stand still. For a pet owner who has the time and patience, the dog can be leashed with a training collar. Another person can bring the cat increasingly closer to the dog. Should the dog sit still, it should be praised. If it doesn't, and attempts to lunge after the cat, the leash should be pulled and the dog should be told "No. Leave it!" Some dogs learn quickly while others may take longer, or may not learn at all.
Another approach for training the dog can also be utilized. This approach uses positive association. Each time the dog is in the same room as the cat, it's provided with extra attention and treats. Soon, the dog realizes having the cat in the room is a good thing because it gets more goodies. In this way, the dog will positively associates the cat with what it desires — lots of affection and treats!
Feeding Time
During mealtime, even cats and dogs that get along might start fighting. Most animals are very protective of their food while at the same time tend to be curious about the food the other animal is enjoying. For this reason, it's always best to have separate feeding places for cats and dogs.
It's also a good idea to place the cat's food in a high, hard to reach area in order to prevent the dog from trying to eat the cat's food. Of course, the food should still be placed in an area the cat can easily reach and eat comfortably. On the other hand, cats don't usually try to eat a dog's food. However, if the cat does, then the best way to deal with this is to feed the two animals at the same time, but in different locations.
Remember, cat and dog food each have different nutrients, so one should never be used in place of the other. This is not only necessary to keep to keep the peace, but it's important not to mix their diets for their own health.
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Glenn Cutforth is a writer, eBook publisher and graphic designer.
Visit his websites at: The Complete Cat.com and How To Classics.com
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