The cohabitation of several species is the dream of many animal lovers. But how do you make sure everything goes correctly?
It is difficult for our teams to anticipate the future friendship of your dog with your new cat or your new kitten with your senior.
These questions systematically come up during adoption requests made in our various shelters.
“Is this dog okay with cats?” »
“Does this cat get along well with dogs?” »
“Will my dog get along with this cat? »
The answer to these questions depends on a series of factors, such as their past experiences with other animals, whether they have already been accustomed to living with a fellow animal under the same roof, the conditions of their meeting or even the configuration of their environment. territory.
And there are still the predispositions of the breed, the age of the animal and its personality. In other words, cats and dogs see themselves as individuals.
Fundamental question: has your animal been well socialized?
Ideally, if the cat and dog are introduced before the age of 3 months, in other words during the period of socialization, contact and play, they will be used to each other. This will serve them throughout their lives because they will have developed lasting bonds with other species.
But if they have never really been socialized with any other animals, cohabitation may be difficult.
Give them time to get used to it
The dog, especially if he is young, gets excited easily! His desire to play and his restless side may frighten and disturb your cat. During the first introductions, we advise you to keep your dog on a leash and allow your cat to escape.
Of course, if your cat is not used to dogs, he will be scared. He will react by growling, spitting and then he will hide and then come out from time to time to observe the newcomer for a long time.
In all cases, you must ensure your dog’s obedience. Do not untie it until you are sure it will not attack or chase your cat. Reward him when he stops bothering the cat and don’t forget to spoil the cat so that he doesn’t feel neglected.
In short, successful dog-cat cohabitation is also a question of consideration, dosage, time and separation of spaces.
At worst, if they never become friends, they may be indifferent to each other!
Our advice for a successful first meeting
For example, a cat will not perceive a Bichon or a Malinois in the same way!
Likewise, a cat is a territorial animal and not necessarily sociable
Generally speaking, we base ourselves on our experience and if a dog has been socialized within its previous home, if it has been used to living with another animal of a different species, we will talk to future adopters about it, even though he never did. already been in contact with cats. But it is difficult for us to predict their future reactions!
Space:
As we saw above, the cat is a territorial animal and must have enough space where it can take refuge when it needs solitude. Often, these spaces are located high up, where the dog will not be able to reach them: a shelf, a cat tree, the top of a cupboard, etc.
Do not close the doors of the house, the cat must be free to take refuge in the rooms authorized for it.
Room to scratch:
The cat tends to scratch a lot to mark its territory in the event of difficult cohabitation with another animal. Place several scratching posts around the house! This will act as an outlet for him.
Croquettes at height:
To prevent your dog from devouring your cat’s kibble or meat, do not hesitate to place your cat’s bowl high up.
A quiet litter:
Dogs are sometimes attracted by the odors emanating from the litter box and may disturb the cat during its needs. Place the litter box in a place inaccessible to the dog, in a closed room where the cat will be quiet.
A pheromone diffuser:
Pheromone diffusers have proven themselves! These diffusers release soothing substances for your cat. They make him understand that he is at home and that everything is fine.
Always remember that each animal is unique and needs time to adapt.
Be patient !