If either a cat or a dog has always been used to having the other around for a long time there is no problem. Dogs and cats are quite capable of living happily together but if you want to introduce one into a home were the other has up till then been the sole pet then you need to do it carefully.
In time cats and dogs often will become firm friends and even play and sleep together. However, initially there will be some problems unless you carefully plan how to introduce them to each other.
Cats and dogs have by nature different instincts, dogs in most cases being natural hunters and pack animals whilst cats are more stalkers and solitary creatures. Some people will tell you that you can introduce ea cat into a dogs home but not visa versa. There seems very little evidence to support this providing you approach it in the right manner.
Probably because of their playful nature it is usually easier to bring together younger animals. Even after a short time puppies and kittens will start playing together but with older animals it will take more time.
One big mistake is to try and bring the new pets together by picking one up and putting it face to face with the other. This will only produce fear and or aggression. Simply place the new animal in a room and allow the “resident” animal to approach the newcomer. Needless to say you will need to keep a watchful eye on the process.
Smell can play an important part in getting the two pets to accept each other. One idea is to take an item that one of the pets uses and hence contains its smell and place it in the sleeping basket of the other animal. In this way they will quickly get used to each other’s smells.
For successful integration it is worth considering the concept of like with like. A young kitten can make an older dog’s life a misery and equally a young playful puppy will do little fore the calm of the older cat.
If you use common sense in selecting the new animal so that it is likely to be compatible with your resident pet all should go well. For the first few week however, you will need to keep a watchful eye on the situation. At best they will become firm friends at worst they will tolerate each other.
Cats and dogs can live in harmony but you have to be careful when they first meet if you want to avoid trouble in the future.
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