Are you a tried and true cat lover about to branch out into doggy parenthood as well? While many felines get along great with canines, not all introductions go super smoothly. In some instances, the early days of friendship between pets can be a little rocky before the relationship moves into blissful mutual affection.
It is possible for felines and canines to be friends, though. Our cute and cuddly kitties can be best buddies with their canine counterparts, no matter the size of the dog, but it just may take a few steps.
We’ve got a few tips to help your cat ease through the sometimes tricky transition from living in a single pet household to sharing their space with a happy hound. Remember, however, that perfect patience is a necessity. It can take weeks (and in some cases, even months) before the multi-animal house is a peaceful home.
Your cat and small dog may become the best of buddies and form a team without too much trouble. They are close in size, after all! But every cat has their own personality, and every dog their own traits. So if they learn to just tolerate each other, that’s completely fine, too.
First and foremost, your special cat has to have a dynamite space they can retreat to when they feel like being alone. This cats-only hang-out must be easily accessible to the cat and not to your small dog. Cats love their privacy after all, and solitary catnaps are essential to their well-being. So a cat-only hideout is number one.
Your cat also needs a separate place for other daily functions: eating and toileting. A cat will not tolerate a nosy dog sniffing around or sampling food from their bowl. Your finicky feline will also be highly dismayed if they see a dog within proximity of their litter box. Your dog may nibble at the litter as well, which is an unhealthy habit in many ways.
Neither the cat nor the dog should be punished for displaying animosity. It’s only natural and will diminish as time passes. When the two furry parties are getting along well, praise, and offer treats. If your small dog or your cat show signs of a change of mood, separate the two to avoid an altercation.