Not Fighting Like Cats & Dogs

Cats and dogs are known to be enemies yet many people have both. What makes for successful dog-cat relationships?

The primary thing is temperament. A calm cat will watch a dog from across the room; a scaredy-cat will run, thus becoming prey. A calm dog will watch the cat rather than see it as "prey" or "toy;" try to pounce, thus teaching the cat that there is reason to run.

Prey and play drive can look similar and one isn’t necessarily safer than the other. Dogs who are seriously dangerous to your cat will be still (looks like calm), focused (extremely intent on and oriented towards the cat) and non-distractible (won’t take food, corrections etc.). Play drive looks worse, as the dog may be frenetically trying to get to the cat, but is usually not inherently dangerous. However, given the size ratio of cat to dog, the dog could harm or kill the cat on contact when they shake it, as they would a toy. Accidental yes, but still heartbreaking.

If the animals aren’t already the calm type you will have to "pretend," that is, create opportunities for brief, controlled visits over a period of time. Experts unanimously suggest that the pets are given access to each other’s scent first. This means keeping them isolated and bringing items like bedding into their area and giving them time and attention from you at the same time. Give each one freedom when the other is confined, so they both get plenty of exercise and companionship.

Introduce the two with either the cat or dog in a cage/crate and let them investigate. Feeding them a meal at this time also gives them something positive to associate with each other’s presence. These sessions should be about 10 to 15 minutes long. Do them as frequently as possible. Do not punish; there is no reason – the animals are safe from each other. If one becomes aggressive that just means you are going to have more than a simple task here. Remove the animals and plan how to do it next time to prevent aggression. If you find them relating well during these sessions, do the next one with the dog on a leash and no cages. You may find it useful to tie the leash to something, especially if no one else is around to lend a hand. Remember, puppies are annoying to their mother, their owners, their littermates, etc. and they are usually just too much for a cat, too. Maybe their brief periods together would best be done when the pup is very tired.

If problems arise try increasing the distance between them during these sessions. Also make sure they are really, really hungry and you have great food. Remember the goal is to remain relatively calm in the other’s presence. Do not make any changes to what you’re doing until both animals are relaxed and normal in that situation. If you’re not making progress, get input from a professional.