5 tips for a harmonious relationship between cats and dogs in your home

Are you familiar with the phrase “fighting like cats and dogs”? Many people believe that cats and dogs are not meant to co-exist in one home. However, the fact that cats and dogs live together does not automatically mean that they are enemies. How they get along is determined by how their owners raise them and their individual personalities. While some develop a good and harmonious relationship, some couples just ignore each other. If you want to improve the relationship between your canine and feline, here are some helpful tips:

start them young

If you plan to buy both animals, it is ideal to introduce them while they are a puppy and a kitten where they have no prior “bad experiences” with the other type. This makes living together easier as they will form a bond as they grow, compared to adult cats and dogs. However, kittens are more fragile than puppies, so it’s important to always supervise their playtime when they’re young.

Introduce the new pet slowly

Introducing a dog into a house that already has a cat is not so easy, since felines are not fans of change and are territorial. It is important to keep up with both pets and forcing them to be together will not help. Spend quality time with each other, and when you’re in the same room, reassure each pet that you’re both loved. During the first encounters, your dog can become nervous and aggressive even in play, which can scare the cat, so ideally put him on a leash until both get used to each other’s presence.

Have separate comfort zones

Cats are more “sensitive” than dogs, so having an area in the house where your feline can relax and spend some time alone is a must. This area, complete with food and water, a litter box, and toys, should be off. Dog Boundaries Will serve as your feline’s comfort zone during this uncharted experience, whether the cat is the newcomer or the resident pet.

Have separate places to eat

Just like their comfort zones, canines and felines should have their own dining rooms where they can eat in peace. Cats may not want a dog’s food, but canines are generally attracted to cat food due to its higher fat and protein content. Eating together can lead to a fight, and a dog eating cat food can harm its health.

Do not force the friendship between the two.

While it’s nice to hope that your cat and dog can be the best of friends, keep in mind that each type is different. If they develop an inseparable bond, great! But if they learn to get along without animosity, that’s good too.

You can only provide a good loving atmosphere for the two of them, but in the end, it is up to the two pets how their relationship will turn out.