Cats and dogs that live together can get along very well

Let’s find out in today’s article, on the Petmax.ro blog, what dog and cat owners (who live in the same house) think about their relationship with people and other pets.

A new study presented on www.psychnewsdaily.com shows that dogs and cats living together can get along without major conflicts, despite their (very) different temperaments. So, it could be that everyone the myths ancient on the enormous enmity between these animals to be destroyed, once and for all! Let’s take a closer look at all these stereotypes and see what the experience of the owners shows us.

Let’s start from the beginning: we know that love-hate feelings between dogs and cats are legendary, especially when considering felines and quadrupeds specifically. canines who live together.

In fact, if we wanted to delve deeper, it is not just a question of folklore. The rivalry between cats and dogs is known throughout the world. This enmity is depicted in cartoons (or movies) from time to time. You’ve probably heard the saying “they fight like cats and dogs.” Many believe that the two species cannot get along and that the explanation is that they are too different, because dogs are exuberant and full of energy, while cats are solitary creatures who prefer peace and quiet.

The topic of dog-cat relationships has recently become increasingly popular among animal scientists. And now, a new study by Italian researchers adds to this vast ocean of material, showing how dogs and cats living under the same roof get along. Therefore, the authors of the study, published in the journal PLoS ONE, administered questionnaires to 1,270 Italian residents who own both a cat and a dog (or multiple cats or multiple dogs, both).

To remember! The study reaffirms many stereotypes about the personalities of domesticated animals, but it also shows that these two species can easily coexist without major conflicts.

Friendship and socialization?
The results are largely in agreement with previous research. In general, pet owners view dogs as friendly and cats as… neurotic.

The European study found that 85% of dogs have a friendly relationship with their owner, compared to only 49% of cats. And cats are more likely to ignore dogs than the other way around.

However, 64% of dogs and cats “interviewed” play together (at least sometimes).

Owners said their dogs were therefore friendlier than cats to people they knew: 96 percent of dogs, compared to just 79 percent of cats, were friendly to familiar people. Owners also described cats as more likely to be disinterested or scared of strangers. Dogs are also friendlier to strangers than cats (51% versus just 29%).

When dealing with members of the same species, 84 percent of the dogs were friendly to familiar dogs and 36 percent were friendly to unfamiliar dogs. This contrasts with cats: only 49% were friendly to known cats and 10% friendly to unfamiliar cats.

Even animals that live under the same roof can eat together sometimes
More good news for our loving hearts! After finishing eating, about a quarter of the dogs and cats surveyed waited in the area until the other pet ate.

Respondents also indicated that their dogs tended to eat from a bowl placed on the floor (i.e. at ground level), while cats’ bowls were generally on a raised surface such as a counter or table.

About 58% of dogs and cats slept next to each other (at least sometimes). According to the owners, in 11% of cases these animals always sleep next to each other.

Read also the connection between dogs and children: things you need to know (on the Petmax.ro blog).

The relationship between dogs and cats: fighting, playing and sometimes ignoring each other
At the same time, 42% of the cats ignored the dog, compared to only 28% in the opposite direction. A fifth of cats and dogs living under the same roof ignore each other. And only 10% of cats hissed at the dog, compared to just 2% of dogs who growled at the cat. About a third of the dogs and cats even engaged in nose-to-nose greetings.

Who is attacking who? Cats were more likely to attack dogs than vice versa. Participants reported that 24% of dogs surveyed had been attacked by a cat at least once, while only 22% of cats had been attacked by a dog.

Just over 64% of cohabiting dogs and cats also played together; 58% chased each other and 41% argued. Nearly two-thirds of pets sometimes playfully “stalk” each other. And almost 44% of cats sometimes play with their dog’s tail.

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Will dog stereotypes still exist?
This study confirms the widespread belief that dogs are generally more extroverted and cats are more… remote. This is probably due to the fact that (historically speaking) dogs have been domesticated for a longer time than cats. And this may explain why multi-cat households often report abnormal behavior from these felines; they are not yet “used” to the idea of ​​living in a house with people and other cats. Or at least they are not as comfortable with this idea as dogs are!

Research also suggests that dog play is more social in nature, as its primary purpose is to form social bonds. Cat play, on the other hand, is more similar to hunting behavior, with a clear distinction between prey and predator. The cats also tended to have a more negative reaction when the dog approached when the little feline was petted by the human.

In terms of timeliness, this study comes at the right time. The number of cats and dogs sharing the same home is on the rise, which means the more pet owners know about how to handle these odd pairs, the better. It goes without saying, especially in the context of the last two years of pandemic, isolation and quarantine, when the number of pets has increased everywhere, especially in our country.

Has this information encouraged you to bring another pet into your home? If you plan to do something like this, keep in mind this helpful information about introducing a new dog or cat to your family.

How to bring (and welcome) a new cat or dog into your home:
When introducing new animals to your family, the introduction process is critical. It is also very important for the safety of the dog and cat that introductions go as smoothly as possible.
● Slowly introduce your dog to your cat or kitten. Remember to take things gradually and proceed step by step without making these presentations a source of stress.
● Try to make sure your cat or dog is okay with the idea. This means that he should be in a calm state. In other words, don’t put them through this process when they are anxious or overexcited.
● Place pets in separate rooms with a door or gate. This allows them to hear, smell and see what is happening.
● It’s best to limit this first meeting to just one or two interactions. The dog and the cat will not immediately become best friends. But you can let them smell each other before the date, even through a slightly open door, so they have an idea of ​​what to expect.
● Initially, let the dog or puppy smell the cat on your clothes. And maybe give him the reward. You want your dog to associate good things with the cat, such as treats and pleasant smells. In other words, not things like getting hit by his new enemy. If your dog has a history of territorial guarding or has encountered other animals that are too playful or affectionate, you should seek help from a dog trainer before introducing your cat.
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● Then allow them to spend face-to-face time in a comfortable room. This can be difficult during the introduction phase, but even the fussiest kitten or puppy may want to see their new friend up close and personal before they begin to bond with each other.
● It’s easier when they’re young: Dogs and cats are much more likely to become lifelong friends if they meet early, as they’ll be able to grow together and learn how the other wants to behave while they’re still discovering the world around them. When they are juniors, they are more likely to be open to friendship because territorial behaviors and traditional fear instincts have not yet had time to manifest.
● Are there dog breeds that get along better with cats? It’s often not a good idea to rely on a specific breed of dog to be compatible with cats, as there is no guarantee that your pets will get along – it really depends on their personality and nature. A nervous, shy cat will not be a good fit for an excitable dog, regardless of breed. Sometimes they might be too different and if that’s the case and it’s difficult for them to coexist, don’t force things. Give both of you enough space to live a separate life and make sure they both have their own places they can go to get away from each other.

Remember that it takes time and that friendships between cats and dogs will not develop overnight. It’s about making the right first impression and giving them enough time to adjust.

What are some tips for cohabiting cats and dogs?
With so many cats and dogs sharing a home, it can be a little difficult for pets to live happily together. Here are some tips on how to make your pet and your new puppy or cat live in harmony.

So yes!
– Tidy up areas where pets are comfortable and visit them for extended periods.
– Place dishes with cat food in a separate room from the rest of the food in the kitchen.
– Ask your vet for advice on how to introduce your pets.
– Sit down and analyze everything. A calm and confident attitude will win over your dog in no time.

It’s not like that!
– Don’t make your cat feel unwelcome.
– Do not allow your dog to use the bed/toys/cat litter box.
– Don’t ignore your dog. It will be difficult at first, but it will eventually work to your advantage.