Cats and Dogs in Harmony

The main problem I find with dogs is their slow learning process - particularly in the area of communication.

Dogs don't understand that we both use very different signals to show our feelings. I've come across many a dog that got his inter-species signals crossed. I must admit it took me a little while to read canine body cues so it's understandable that a dog, being of a less intelligent disposition, will take a long time.

For instance, I tend to lash my tail about when something has displeased me. Dogs do the same when they're in a good mood. Curiously, dogs show their anger by growling and arching their backs which is pretty close to what I do when my back is really against the wall.

Why won't dogs purr? This would save a whole lot of trouble. But try and explain that to a wilful dog.

Cats can get along with dogs (and vice versa)

1. If the cat has adopted the humans before the dog arrives.

2. If they are introduced when still young (less than 6 months for kittens, a year for dogs),

Never leave a cat and dog alone together until you're absolutely certain they are really comfortable with each other.

If you already have the honour of a cat sharing your home and you intend to add a dog to the family, you need some proper planning.


First research the dog

Obviously a dog which humans have selectively bred for a thousand years to hunt small creatures isn't going to find it easy to live with one of these smaller animals. We look like prey. (I shudder when I write that)

To be brutally honest I don't recommend a doberman. If anyone has an example of a cute kitteh and a gentle doberman laughing it up together, please feel free to send me the happy snap. I dare you!

There are plenty of dog breeds exclusively honed for killing - unless you want murder in your living room, don't get any of them!

If you're getting a dog from an Animal Shelter you had better find out first if the dog has any experience with smaller animals and whether the experience has been positive.

If you already have a dog and you're planning to bring a cat into your family, then you have a fair bit of training to do with the dog first.

I assume that your dog already has basic training and will obey simple commands like 'Sit' and 'Stay'. If your dog doesn't know these basics it's beyond my scope to explain dog training here.

Use a leash

1. Make sure that the dog is comfortable on leash in the house, so that you can have easy physical control over the dog if you need it.

3. Introduce your dog to other animals, especially smaller animals, there should be plenty around your neighbourhood or in a nearby park. Observe how your dog reacts - if he's aggressive, stop him straight away.

A dog may react very differently in his own home.

How would you feel if some new person just showed up one day, moved into your home, started stealing your food, messing around in your private bathroom and sleeping on your bed?

When you have decided on a safe breed of dog to suit your cat, then please ensure these conditions in the home are met

1. Make sure the cat has a "safe place" where the dog can't follow. This is vital!

2. Separate the eating areas. Cats shouldn't eat dog food anyway.Apart from that, dogs have a habit of guarding their food often in a particularly nasty manner. Put the cat's dinner up high where the clumsy dog can't jump.

3. Block the dog's access to the litter box. If you don't, you'll soon discover why I recommend this step

1. Leash the dog

2. Make sure the cat is at the same eye level as the dog.

3. Keep a firm grip on both animals. You may need two people here.

4. If the cats is frightened, immediately remove the cat.

5. If the dog is aggressive, immediately remove the dog,

You will need a few minutes several times a day to give the cat and dog some carefully supervised time together.