The Myth of Cat vs. Dog Rivalry
Are you a pet parent who owns a dog and a cat under the same roof? Are you having trouble facing a unity between the cat and the dog? Second thoughts on where the cats and dogs can coexist? Our experts at Petbites Australia would like to strongly point out that both cats and dogs can live together peacefully with the proper introduction made to each other. Cats are social animals, and dogs are quite loyal before they become social. Therefore, it is important that you use the right technique to introduce both species to each other.
A very strong element when it comes to introducing a cat to a dog is the act of patience. The possibility of setting expectations. While you may hope that they coexist from the very first day, it may take time and effort to get them together. Patience is key, and time is of the essence. As a pet parent who equally loves both cats and dogs, your goal must be to create a harmonious home for both. You can do this by simply utilising strategies that can get the two species together willingly.
In this blog, we will take you through a step-by-step process, where you understand how to introduce your dog and your cat together to create the perfect space. Long to understand what our Experts at Petbites have to say.
Step 1: Prepare Separate Safe Spaces
Just like us humans, pets need a safe space to initiate any connection. They need to feel special and secure in space. Creating a special space for your pet does not have to be incredibly glamorous or luxurious. It can be anything from a crate to a closed room, an area under the staircase, high perches for cats and so on. Both animals must have their own space to celebrate their own individuality. Next, we can start by introducing them to the smell of the following pet by using the same toy or the same blanket. At this point, they do not see each other, but are just introduced to each sent via a third-party material. Whether they choose to spend time in their own space, the scent of their following pet must be introduced to them. So the initial stage must be to rub new toys or blankets on a cat or a dog before you swap them with each other.
Step 2: Scent Swapping Before Sight
Now that we have acquired descent, trapped into a bedding, or a toy, it is time that you swap the toys in the bedding between the pets to help them identify and associate each other with their home scent. This can give them the familiarity they need, all while giving them time to adjust and incorporate the smell into their senses. Rub the scent around the territory without letting them meet face-to-face yet. The scent must be familiar to them by the time you have completed your task.
Step 3: First Visual Contact
The first introduction must be done from afar. You can introduce your cat to your dog or vice versa using a baby gate, a leash, or a carrier at a distance. This can give you an understanding of whether they are familiar with the sense or are well adjusted to a new introduction. Understand and observe the body language by taking notes of the calmness, the progression, the tension and so on. If they are calm, you are progressing with your plan. However, if they attend, this is your time to pause and ensure that you repeat the sent familiarisation. Always make sure that your sessions are short and positive, giving your cat or your dog the opportunity to take their own time. A short window of appearance is enough until your pets are completely comfortable. You may have to do this at least 2 to 3 times, depending on how calm or how tense your pets are. If you think that your pets are well adjusted, it is time for you to take the introduction to the next level.
Step 4: Controlled Face-to-Face Meetings
The next step is a more one in one session where you take the opportunity to introduce your cat and your dog freely. To start this process, we suggest that you leash your dog, and I love the cat to approach your dog. If your cat is calm with a sense of love for your dog, you can always take this as a positive sign. Use treats and praise for the calm behaviour that they show you. Eventually, increase the time that this went together gradually over a few days or a week. It takes time for them to readjust or adjust to a new face and a new species. And you must give them the patience that they require to take this step-by-step.
Step 5: Supervised Coexistence at Home
Repeat step 04 until you think that the behaviours are well adjusted. Observe the interactions and make sure that they are super supervised until you’re confident in their behaviour. Allow both species to explore the shared spaces while monitoring them closely. Let them take individual meal times and separate resources to make sure that they still have their independence and secure space. Constantly have them introduced and prepped for the next stage. If you think at any moment that they are showing aggression or uneasiness, make sure that you take some time off and try it back again later.
Step 6: Full Integration
Once you see signs that both your cat and dog feel relaxed and calm in each other's presence, this is your chance to allow them to interact freely. Remember that interacting freely is the first step and must be taken gradually. You should involve regular exercises for your dog to reduce excitement and high spots for cats to escape if needed. As this can be a big change, it is important that you take the steps carefully with adequate precautions.
Bonus Tips for Success
Something to remember as pet parents is that even though you see progress, this can change in a matter of minutes. Therefore, you should never force interactions between your cat and dog as they can sense it as anxiety or a pressured situation. As responsible owners of both a cat and a dog, you must understand the specific behaviours of their breed. This involves everything from a cat's escape to a dog's enthusiastic behaviours. Make sure you use positive interactions with treats and lots of affection to keep the dog and the cat under the same harmonious roof.
Building a Bond That Lasts
As responsible dog parents and cat parents, you must take care of your cat and your dog equally. Give them both the significance and the attention they deserve. Think according to their breed and help them fit into the introduction smoothly. Remember that with the right introduction, your cat and dog can be best mates or respectful roommates. It would be worth the patience and trouble.
Although it can be frustrating, we suggest that you take time to calm your pets down, offering them the best solace they deserve. Offer them cat treats and dog treats, and keep them motivated. This can be a positive reinforcement for their calmness, keeping them intact.
If you are looking for the best, premium and healthy dog treats and cat treats to actively practice positive reinforcement, you’ve come to the right place. Petbites Australia proudly offers your pets a delightful collection of treats for training or to simply chew. We’ve also got toys to use in the scent swapping stage. Visit us today and explore our entire collection of cat treats, dog treats, cat toys and dog toys!
