Have you ever wondered if it’s possible for cats and dogs to live together under one roof? The answer is yes. As long as you find the right breed of both species, living harmoniously together is not a problem.

Check these factors to know if your dog or cat can withstand each other.

What you can do before the adoption

Check the animals’ history   

One good indicator that your dog or your cat can live with each other is when they have cohabitated with other species before. If no information is available, you can start your research on the animals and see if they can live with other species before continuing with the adoption.

Socialization is important

A dog that is not adequately socialized may see cats as fellow dogs or prey. He may chase the cat upon introduction or may initiate a game that can be stressful to cats and vice versa. Sometimes cats will have the same reaction towards dogs.

If your pooch is naturally relaxed, friendly and has a low prey drive, it means he has the chance of developing a good relationship with a cat or to other pets.

Dogs with high predatory drive

If your pooch chases anything that moves, it can be stressful for cats. Keep in mind that this behavior is deeply ingrained or is a natural reaction for dogs. Hence, if you think your dog has this kind of response when ‘auditioning’ a dog with cats, before the meetup, put him on a leash to avoid any accidents. Also, choose a cat that has experience living with dogs as it will be less likely to get stressed.

Good signs that your dog is relaxed around a cat and can be a good prospect

  • A cautious investigation followed by a tail wagging
  • Respect, e.g., backing off is the cat is defensive

Bad signs include:

  • There is an attempt to chase cats
  • Straining at the leash to come near the cats
  • Whining
  • Barking
  • Aggression

Most dogs fall in between which can be hard to make a decision.

Dogs that particularly have a high prey drive can be taught to channel their rage through other outlets. Following safety routines when around cats can also help. But then again it’s a risky situation, and it is also a case-to-case basis. Bottom line is, dogs that have less prey drive or are generally calm and relaxed are much better prospects for cat cohabitation.

After adoption

Once you already have made the decision about the adoption, you need to be ready for some changes including:

  • Ensure the cat has many places to escape to just in case. High places or safety rooms are important to keep your cat safe. See to it that your pet cat can retreat to his or her territory safely.
  • Don’t force both species to be physically close which each other. Doing so may result in unnecessary stress.
  • If the dog shows a friendly or cautious way of interacting with your cat, don’t intervene and see to it that you reward your dog for good behavior.
  • If there is an intense chasing going on, interrupt the activity and redirect your dog’s attention.

 

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