Getting dogs and cats used to each other: This is how harmony works!_GUIDE OF CAT_CAT FOOD_产品2

Getting dogs and cats used to each other: This is how harmony works!

You can't get a dog used to a cat? The prejudice that dogs and cats are arch-enemies who just can't get along with each other has been persistent for a long time. But time and again, the dissimilar pets prove that they can also be best friends and live together. The easiest and most harmonious way to do this is when puppy and kitten move into their new home together and grow up there. Such a bond can withstand anything. However, not all owners get dogs and cats at the same time. Fortunately, you can also bring adult animals together and get them used to each other. Most of the time it's even easier than you think! To do this successfully, you only need to take a few things into account, which we will now show you. So get out the friendship bracelets, because from today on your dog and your kitty will be buddies!

3 tips for the right preparation

Preparation is half the battle ... getting to know each other! If you want to get your dog used to a cat, you shouldn't throw both pets in at the deep end and just let them loose on each other. That can be a real disaster! Instead, the first meeting should be well planned so that the encounter is friendly and the experience with the other pet is positive.

Set up a cat room and a dog room

The place to be for every four-legged friend: an individual retreat. This allows your pet to rest, relax and process the impressions it has gathered. Both your cat and your dog should have their own retreat where they are undisturbed and not crowded out. For your cat this can be its scratching post, for your dog its basket or a den. Cats prefer to keep an overview of everything from above and therefore like to retreat to windowsills or cupboards. You can put a blanket or pillow in these places to make it a little more comfortable.

Don't give bitch terror a chance!

Separate feeding areas prevent quarrels and envy.

In addition to your own retreat, you should also provide separate feeding areas. Where food envy arises, rivalry fights are not far away. Neither your dog nor your cat should fight over resources such as food, but should help themselves to their own bowl in peace - without fear of having to defend it.

Accustom the dog and cat to each other's scent

Cats and dogs have their own smells. If your dog has never had contact with cats before (or vice versa), this smell will seem strange to him at first and therefore perhaps frightening. To ensure that the two can smell each other in the future, it is a good idea to introduce the dog and cat to each other's smells - for example, with a blanket from the basket or a favourite toy.

Familiarise both pets with each other's sounds

The same applies to the typical sounds of the species. For your kitten, who has never seen or heard a dog before, barking can seem threatening. And your dog may not understand your cat's meowing as a sign of love. So that your pets are not unsettled by each other's noises when they are reunited, we recommend getting your dog used to your cat's sounds in advance (with the help of an audio or video recording).

Getting to know each other for the first time: Note these 3 points

Ready, set, go! When all the preparations have been made, you're ready to go: Your dog can get to know the new cat and get used to it. It is always important that you, as the pet owner, have control over the situation and are as relaxed as possible. Remember: your pets are sensitive and can sense when you are tense.

A relaxed and safe atmosphere

Chill mode on! Make sure the atmosphere in the room is relaxed and that getting to know each other is not dangerous for your dog or your cat. This means concretely:

Leash your dog (if necessary on a chest harness for more control).

Have treats available to encourage and reassure your pets.

Ask a friend or family member your pets trust to help.

Be prepared to intervene and correct inappropriate behaviour if necessary.

Provide your cat with an upward escape (e.g. scratching post).

Exercise your dog and cat properly beforehand so that they are calmer.

Don't drag out getting to know each other!

The motto for the first meeting of dog and cat is: take it easy. So that your pets get used to each other and don't feel overwhelmed, you should not prolong the first meeting. After about 10 minutes, you can separate the dog and cat again and give them a chance to digest the impressions they have gathered. Increase the duration of the next meetings step by step: first 10, then 15, then 20 minutes, and so on.

Always consider the characters of your animals

As a pet owner, you know your pets best. Ideally, you should keep your dog's character traits in mind when choosing a cat. If there are big differences in character, it can lead to tensions that cost you more time and nerves later on.

For example, an old, calm dog will not get on well with a lively, affectionate kitten. Similarly, an adult, independent cat who prefers to be left alone will find it difficult to accept a wild, playful puppy. Above all, you should not disregard the breed of your cat or dog. A dog with a strong hunting instinct - such as a rough-coated dachshund - is much more likely to chase your kitty. If you have the chance to match age, temperament and breed, you should always do so. If this is not possible, we recommend that you keep a close eye on both animals when getting to know them and respond empathetically to their needs.

The secret of peaceful coexistence: patience and practice

At the end of the day, two things are essential if you want to get your dog used to a cat: patience and practice. A harmonious coexistence rarely happens overnight. It always takes a lot of empathy and understanding from the pet owner. Practice makes perfect! That's why it's important to bring your dog and cat together more often for short periods of time. Getting to know each other peacefully takes patience and routine. Step by step, you can extend the time you spend together until both animals have become accustomed to each other's presence. You should never neglect positive reinforcement. Praise your kitty and your dog diligently when they behave in a friendly and respectful manner.

The be-all and end-all: hunting, fighting and panicking are taboo!

The crucial thing when getting to know each other is that neither dog nor cat feel the sensation of fear or panic. Negative feelings endanger harmonious coexistence. Therefore, avoid your pets chasing each other or fighting with each other.

Leaving a dog and cat alone - when is it possible?

As a dog and cat owner, you are responsible for the well-being of your pets. In other words: you are the king or queen of the house. The "right time" to leave your dog and cat alone together is therefore entirely up to you. However, you should be absolutely sure that there are no fights or chases during your absence, which could be life-threatening for your pets. Only when your pets can be together peacefully for a longer period of time can you leave them alone. Here, too, you should gradually increase your efforts, because some four-legged friends are so clever that they are just waiting to be unobserved. Therefore, always keep an eye on your pets!

Conclusion: How dogs and cats become buddies

Getting a dog used to a cat is not impossible! Especially if a dog lives at home with you first, you have good chances. Your dog's pack instinct increases the chance of a peaceful introduction. If a cat lived with you first, the risk of a territorial fight may be higher. Nevertheless, with patience, love and practice, you can get the dog and cat used to each other peacefully. And who knows - maybe they will even become best friends.