They don’t HAVE to “fight like cats and dogs”

Although the cliché image of a cat and dog together usually involves a large amount of chasing, barking and hissing, it is possible for these different pets to get along. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) 21st Century Dog Owners Study, there are a significant amount of dog owners, 38%, who also own cats. But what is the best way to introduce a cat to your dog, or vice versa?

As natural predators and territorial animals, cats and dogs actually have a lot in common. This can lead to butting heads, but it also means that they can learn to coexist peacefully. Although the AKC acknowledges that a puppy and kitten that grow up together are more likely to get along than cats and dogs that meet later in life, there are steps you can take to helping your existing pet get along with a new one. 

Prior to adding a dog or cat to your family, consider the breed of dog you have or are looking to add. Certain breeds are more likely to get along with a cat than others. Non-sporting breeds will have less of a hunting instinct towards your cat, as will some smaller breeds. Research your breed closely before making this decision and speak with your vet if you are uncertain how your dog, or new dog, might interact with a cat.

Once you’ve made your decision and bring home a new pet, you want that pet to grow accustomed to their new home, regardless of what other pets live in it. Begin by confining your existing cat or dog and allowing you new pet to wander the house as they please. This will help your new pet feel comfortable in their surroundings, and allow them to get used to the smell of your current pet. Once your new pet seems comfortable, switch places and confine the new pet but let the existing one run free, allowing him or her to get used to the scent of the new pet.

Gradually allow your pets to approach each other, starting with a baby gate or fence in between them so each pet still has their own space. When you feel comfortable allowing them to meet face to face, keep your dog on leash and give your cat the option to run off to a safe place if they feel threatened. Do not force interaction between them; this new relationship will take time to develop. Don’t leave your pets together unsupervised until you are sure of how they will react.

With proper preparation, research and patient training, your cat and dog can learn to defy the cartoon cliché and get along living in the same household.

What Breed is Best for You?

So you want to get a new pet. From rescue dogs to baby kittens, there are endless options when it comes to deciding on a furry addition to your family. With so many possibilities, how do you decide?

Every dog and cat has their own needs, temperament and personality. You can prepare as much as possible for your new pet by doing research in advance. Research could help you decide what breed of cat or dog will work well for you.

Ask yourself what level of care you can commit to for different aspects of your future pet. For example, how much time can you devote to playing with your dog per day? How often will you groom your cat? Do you want a guard dog or a relaxed, trusting companion? Really consider your time and ability to care for this pet, both now and many years into the future.

These are important questions to discuss with your whole family prior to getting any pet. Once you feel comfortable with the commitment of raising a cat or dog, you can examine how the answers to these more specific questions might help you find the breed that is right for you.

Animal Planet’s website offers a Dog Breed Questionnaire that narrows down breeds based on your responses to a series of questions. From size to affection to interaction with other pets, the survey will rank a list of American Kennel Club dog breeds with a percentage based on their compatibility with your responses. This is a good place to start whether you are looking to adopt a rescue dog or visit a breeder, as it gives you detailed information about each breed. It can help you to focus on what you want most out of your relationship with your new dog.

For cat lovers, Animal Planet also provides the Cat Breed Selector, a similar series of questions that matches you with the breed that would fit best into your lifestyle. The site also contains a cat breed directory, where you can look up information about even the rarest and most experimental breeds.

Feel free to take these surveys multiple times to see what different results you get with slightly different responses! Have all members of your family try it, too, to compare your results. This is a great way to start when thinking about your next pet choice.

If you already have a cat or dog, these questionnaires can be fun, too. Try one and see if your results match up with your current pet. You may be surprised with the results!

Have YOU ever tried a dog or cat breed survey when looking for a new pet?