Sibling Rivalry? 4 Tips to Help Your Cats and Dogs Get Along

Yes, it’s not just you, a lot of fur parents are also having concerns to have their cats and dogs get along. Socialization issues between cats and dogs have been well-documented for ages. You’ve seen it in cartoons and movies — and you’ve experienced it in your own home.

If you have a cat and a dog, don’t let the rivalry between these animals get you down. With these four tips, you can teach them to accept and even love one another.

1. Start with a Charming Meet-Up

For people, the best romances start with a meeting that seems destined. You should play the role of fate by involving your dog when you adopt a cat. Take your dog to the shelter with you so you can see how they respond to the cats.

Watch for negative reactions. If you see your dog’s hair standing on end and they bare their teeth at a cat, this isn’t the right feline for your home. Instead, look for interest and curiosity. Cats and dogs might show this through sniffing and playful nudging.

2. Outdoor Fun Eases Interspecies Tension

Help your dog and cat focus on fun instead of on their rivalry. Arrange fun and safe summer play dates in an enclosed space. This will make it easier to give attention to each animal without worrying about one of the pets jumping a fence. Look for play ideas that will involve both pets simultaneously.

3. Never Stop Training Them

Both cats and dogs thrive on the learning and attention involved in training. For people, the training process helps to ensure the pets will understand which behaviors are unacceptable.

Teach basic commands to your cat and dog. This will make it easier to stop a conflict between them before it goes too far. Separate the pets into different rooms to give them time to calm down. Reintroduce them cautiously to see how they respond to one another.

4. Respect Their Boundaries

Since animals can’t communicate verbally, it’s important to watch for behavioral clues to a pet’s need for privacy. If your cat seems nervous or agitated while eating, this could indicate they don’t like sharing a feeding area with your dog.

Your dog will also send cues about their boundaries. For instance, a dog who sleeps in a spare or vacant room might want separate bedding. Your dog may be telling you that they don’t like sleeping near the cat. Moving the dog’s bedding can help ease tension.

Is Your Cat Really Just Difficult, or Is Something Else Going On?

If you have tried these tips with little success, discuss the problem with the caring staff at the Feline Medical Clinic. We’ll examine your cat to determine whether behavioral difficulties are symptoms of physical health problems. To schedule a checkup for your cat, contact us online.