How to Help Your Pets Get Along

Animals can be like humans in the ways they choose their friends. Yes, cats and dogs can learn to tolerate each other and some may actually learn to like one another. As an owner, there are things you can do to help nurture a peaceful relationship that could turn into "a love story."

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• patience
• time to read this article
• time to observe your pets' behaviors

1. If you are just starting out with pets and plan on getting BOTH dogs and cats, consider getting the cat first. Allow Kitty to establish territory indoors for at least 1 month before allowing him or her to venture outside.

2. When you first bring doggy into your home, allow the dog to approach the cat and let kitty show him who is BOSS. This usually means your dog will encounter some initial suffering at the very paw of kitty herself. Though it may take a few times, Doggy will learn very quickly that Kitty wields some sort of knives that are not friendly to the nose.

3. If your cat is the shy type, a relationship may take more time to build. Sometimes tollerance is all that can be achieved. Your dog might find that he likes being protective of kitty or may even find it a game to keep kitty in certain parts of the house. This is natural.

4. Intervention is only necessary if your dog corners your cat too much for your taste. Never use your hands or feet to punish the dog, instead use a can of coins or a rolled up newspaper to hit against your other hand. Both make enough noise for your dog to understand their behavior is not appreciated.

5. If your cat is the outgoing type, they will soon strut their stuff confidently right in front of your dog. Doggy will remember that Kitty is not an opponent to be messed with. You will begin to see the seeds of respect that may eventually grow into love.

6. If you happen to bring Kitty into a family of Dogs. BE PATIENT. You may want to keep them apart for a while at least until your cat learns to find the litterbox. Help Kitty to identify "safezones" where Doggy cant get her. Then let her show him who is the BOSS!

Tips & Warnings

• If your dog seems to have too much of the "killer instinct" or is a breed known to harm cats, you may want to consider talking to a vet or a professional trainer before any introductions.

[Kilogramm]

on 9/23/2008 Thanks for all the detailed info, great how to!

[dianatudor]

on 9/8/2008 Any idea on how to make 2 hamsters and a cat to get along? I am kidding. I will stick to having hamsters for now on. Interesting article. thanks and 5 stars summer

[montgomerylm]

on 8/22/2008 I never thought about coins, that is a great tip and would make sense. Thanks! I have three crazy dogs.

[dawnzlight]

on 8/6/2008 our new pups.. 13 weeks old.. love to chase our older cat.. lol.. so far, nothing is stopping them... but will keep being persistant..good article

[Christine25]

on 8/3/2008 Great tips, They truely are just like families sometimes arent they?