Dogs and Cats- Best of Friends

Can your dog and cat become the best of friends?  This is a questions a lot of pet owners ask themselves when they decide to bring home a new cat or dog.  The truth is that they can certainly get along just fine if you introduce them properly.  You should never just throw them together and expect them to get along and live happily ever after.

There are certain factors to consider when making this introduction so that the two animals will become fast friends.  First and foremost, do not leave the food dishes of the animals out when they are getting used to one another.  Animals, especially dogs, are territorial and they will get aggressive if they feel that the cat is going to steal their food from their dog food storage containers.  So put the food dishes up or let the animals interact in a different room outside of where they normally eat.

Do the introductions slowly.  Never just expect both animals to get along.  They are different types of animals and it is there nature to not like each other.  This doesn't mean that they won't get along, it just means it will take some time to get along.  Never tease your dog, telling him to "get the cat" as he will see this as a sport and he may end up hurting Mr. Kitty. 

It is best to get the cat and dog together when they are young as they will form a special bond, growing up together but it is not necessary to do this.  You can teach a dog and cat that they can be friends and you will usually find that they are getting along fine in a short period of time.

Be sure to give praise for the animals doing a good job of interacting with one another.  This shows them what behavior is acceptable with the other animal and what is not.  Dogs and cats love positive reinforcement so keep the treats handy and the praising readily available.  Let them know when they are doing well.  Once they are getting along as friends do, you may even find that they will play games together like chasing each other around the house or they may play together with certain fetch dog toys such as a ball.

So to answer the old question "can cats and dogs be the best of friends", yes they can.  With the love and support of their owners, they can become quick friends that will be there for each other no matter what.  Sure, this can be an odd couple but they will learn to love each other as much as you love them.  Not only will they start to share their toys, you my even find that they are drinking out of the same water bowl and sharing their food as if it was a natural thing for them to do.  Just take things slowly so everyone can get used to one another.