Must Love Dogs … And Cats!

Woofs and meows can sing in harmony with the proper preparation

By Sharon L. Peters
CTW Features

Dogs and cats can easily coexist if introductions are controlled and the dog does not exhibit aggressive behavior.

Forget the stereotypes and cartoons. Cats and dogs can live in perfect harmony.

Evidence of this has grown in recent years as an increasing number of both-species lovers have made the canine-feline merger work.

Still, cautious pet owners worry that their particular dog or cat, or the new one brought into the home, won’t be agreeable to the notion, and that there will be jealousy, stress, squabbles and possible injuries.

Truth is, all of that is entirely possible, experts say.

But there are steps than can reduce the drama and chance of bodily harm while increasing the likelihood of friendly fusion.

Patience is a requirement, says Lee Livingood, a Harrisburg, Pa., certified animal behavior consultant (www.clevercompanions.com).

Following a step-by-step introduction process that takes place over the course of a week will make a shared housing arrangement work.

First, test the dog to evaluate its prey response to small animals by putting him in a room with a cat on a table or behind a gate so it is not at risk.

The dog will probably be fine if he exhibits any of the following behavior: he’s uninterested; curious but easily loses interest in the cat; or highly curious, his tail is wagging and he looks playful, not predatory.

If, however, the dog becomes completely still, begins to breath strongly, has his ears up and will not be distracted, that’s a dog that will probably go after a cat. “It’s not worth it” to try to make that dog work with a cat, Livingood says.

She says that while it’s impossible to tell by a dog’s breed how he will get along with a cat, certain breeds do exhibit certain kinds of behaviors. As a general rule, sight hounds (such as Greyhounds and Afghans), terriers (like Jack Russells) and some of the northern breeds (like Huskies) tend to be more inclined toward to the whole chase and possibly kill routine.

Still, many Greyhounds, Huskies and terriers live well with cats, Livingood says. She herself has sight hounds and cats that exist in peace.

As for choosing the right cat, it’s often easier if the cat is young, “since cats don’t accept change readily,” Livingood says. But there can be additional risk with kittens, since they’re more apt to elicit a predatory response from a dog because of their movements and the sounds they make. Further, many older cats placed in a dog household adapt, even if quite slowly.

Essentially, you’ve got to try to evaluate the personalities of both animals. A low-energy, calm cat is less likely to trigger any kind of response that could get both animals into trouble.

Next step is what Livingood calls “the use of comfort zones.”

It’s important for the cat to be in a “safe room,” separated from the dog for at least several days. During this time, spend plenty of time in the room with the cat, and also let the cat roam the house sometimes while the dog is outside or crated.

Let the dog sniff under the safe-room door to smell the cat and allow the cat to smell him. “Scent is so very powerful for both,” says Livingood. In fact, she recommends giving each animal something that the other has slept on in order to get them accustomed to one another.

This process “may take only days or it could take months, but if you rush it you may well set the process back,” Livingood says. Afterward, allow them to see each other, with the dog on a leash. Open the door just an inch or two to start, then more each day, or quicker if the responses seem calm. After a few days, let the leashed dog into the cat’s area. Keep the dog a sufficient distance away, and make sure the cat can escape if she becomes nervous.

If each seems comfortable, increase their time together, as you still monitor, every day.

When the cat finally gets the run of the house with the dog inside keep the dog tethered. At some point, prompt the cat to play with you or chase something to ensure the dog won’t launch a predatory chase.

Only after you’ve tested both animals several times in many circumstances should you leave them unsupervised. The first several times the dog should be in a crate or behind a gate.

When they’re both comfortable sharing a physical space, you must consider the food and health of each. Decide where the cat’s food dish will go to prevent the dog from eating that food. Do the same for the litter box as many dogs have an interest in snacking from it. And regard all cat toys carefully, since they can be a choking hazard for larger dogs.

Livingood warns that once you’ve helped each animal get accustomed the other, you should not assume that dog will be equally safe with all cats. No matter how cat-friendly a dog appears, don’t introduce him to other new cats casually. This not only gives the cat time to adapt, but to ensure that the dog doesn’t find this new addition even more fun to chase than the first.

Also, since animals don’t necessarily generalize their acceptance of another species, be aware that dogs deemed cat-friendly or vice versa by shelters and animal rescue groups may not be universally agreeable and should be introduced to your own pet slowly.

Still, experts say more successful dog-cat introductions occur than unsuccessful ones.

In the end, a particular dog and cat “may never be best buddies, and that’s fine,” Livingood says. (see her additional info on dog/cat mergers at www.clevercompanions.com/catsdogs.pdf)

“Cats, especially, are very careful about who they’ll allow into their circle,” she says. If both are eating, will play in the presence of the other, and as long as neither is stressed, it’s ok if what you wind up with “is nothing more than detente.”

What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, training and loving your pet. E-mail Sharon@Pets2008.com.

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