If you’ve seen the funny dog vs cat memes on social media, you might think that dogs and cats can’t get along. Popular culture also reinforces this idea with examples like Garfield and Odie. However, dogs and cats can actually live together peacefully. Let’s explore how these cross-species friendships are possible.
Signs Your Dog Doesn’t Like Cats
When introducing your dog to a cat for the first time, there are signs to watch out for that indicate your dog is uncomfortable. Some dogs with a strong prey drive may stiffen, raise their hackles, and stare at the cat, showing signs of aggression. Other dogs may show anxiety by running away from the cat. It’s important to help your dog overcome these emotions for a harmonious household.
Body Language
If your dog is uncomfortable around cats, they may exhibit aggressive or fearful body language such as growling, staring, barking, whining, or cowering. Other signs include avoiding the cat, chasing the cat, or freezing when they see the cat.
The History of Dog/Cat Relationships
Dogs were domesticated by humans thousands of years ago and played important roles as hunters and companions. Cats started living closely with humans around 10,000 years ago due to their ability to hunt mice. However, the two species didn’t always get along, leading to the phrase “fighting like cats and dogs” dating back centuries.
The Science of Dog/Cat Relationships
Dogs have a strong prey drive due to their history as hunters and protectors. Cats, on the other hand, have evolved to escape from pursuers. This natural instinct to chase can create conflicts between dogs and cats. However, research shows that many dogs and cats can have good relationships and even play and cuddle together.
Training Dogs and Cats to be Friends
To encourage a positive relationship between your dog and cat, start training as soon as possible. Introduce them during their socialization periods and allow them to adapt at their own pace. Use positive associations and keep food and toys separate to prevent resource guarding. Provide separate spaces for each pet to retreat to if needed.
“As the old saying goes, “fighting like cats and dogs” might be a bit of an exaggeration. While it’s true that these species have different instincts and communication styles, with a little bit of patience and understanding, your furry friends can actually become… well, friends!”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ It’s not uncommon for dogs and cats to live together harmoniously, despite popular belief. In a study of dual-pet households, 65% of dogs and cats had good relationships. Training and socialization from a young age can greatly help improve their relationship.
2️⃣ Dogs can show signs of discomfort around cats through body language such as growling, staring, barking, whining, or cowering. Other signs may include always giving the cat a wide berth, chasing the cat at every opportunity, or freezing every time they see the cat.
3️⃣ When introducing dogs and cats, it’s important to take it slow and let each animal adapt at their own pace. This can include letting them sniff each other’s bedding before meeting face to face, ensuring each pet is well trained to respond to commands, keeping a leash handy for the first few interactions, and keeping their food and toys separate to prevent resource guarding.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. How can you tell if your dog doesn’t like cats based on their body language?
Signs include growling, staring, alertness, barking, whining, and cowering.
2. What are some other signs that indicate your dog is not a cat lover?
Your dog always gives your cat a wide berth, starts chasing your cat at every opportunity, and stops in tracks every time he sees your kitty.
3. What is the history of the relationship between dogs and cats?
Dogs were domesticated by humans first, and cats started living closely with humans later. The two species have a long history of animosity, but also play integral roles in our lives.
4. Why do dogs and cats sometimes have trouble getting along?
It comes down to their genetic predispositions. Dogs have a strong prey drive and many have a natural instinct to chase small prey, while cats have experience escaping their pursuers.
5. How can you train dogs and cats to be friends?
It’s best to start training as soon as possible, during their socialization periods. Slow introductions, positive associations, and providing separate spaces can help older dogs and cats become friends.
