13 Tips To Help Your Cat And Dog Become Best Friends

Cats and dogs have long been painted as mortal enemies with too many differences to get along. Yet, you can find countless videos of kitties and pups cuddling up or playing while browsing social media. A long, loving friendship between these seemingly mismatched pets is possible, but it may take a lot of work (and a little bit of luck). You should prepare for the possibility that your furry friends may never get along; after all, each canine and feline comes with their own personality and life experiences.

You can help increase the odds of your cat and dog becoming best friends in many ways. This process starts before you even introduce a new pet to your home and carries through to the first meeting and continued support for building a healthy relationship. Witnessing cat and dog friendships is a remarkable thing; just prepare to invest some time into fostering a harmonious living environment.

In a multi-pet household, things don't consistently work out like you want. If having both a dog and a cat at all times is important, your little furry companions likely won't always enter your life at the most convenient ages. You might have a stubborn cat that does not like change or an older dog with no patience for a kitten on your hands. While the stars won't necessarily align for that perfect bond, it is best to get them at around the same age — preferably young — if you can manage it. A 2008 study completed by Tel Aviv University provided some insights into households with positive relationships between pets. The research noted that the probability of the two getting along increased when a kitten under six months of age was introduced to a puppy less than a year old.

If you can handle the guaranteed chaos of raising a kitten and a puppy simultaneously, bringing them together at this early stage will increase their friendship chances. The two can even help ease each other's anxiety (and maybe get together for that much-desired sleepy-time photo op). To better accomplish this, work with your veterinarian to develop socialization plans for your kitten and puppy for both before and after adoption. According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF), this should take place while the dog is three to 14 weeks and the cat is three to nine weeks of age. Being introduced into a household that has a socialization plan prepared in tandem with a professional will improve a kitten or puppy's adaptability to their new home and any other pets.

As a potential pet parent, you can pursue many different routes to bringing a new companion into your life. You can adopt an animal from a shelter, purchase from a reputable breeder, or get a rescue from a foster home. 

Volunteers who foster until a pet can find its forever family will often care for multiple pets at once. Such individuals will typically let you know what experience your potential pup or kitty has had with other animals while being fostered. It never hurts to ask for details, as someone's definition of "gets along with" may not match your own needs or environment. If your future companion has grown up chilling around siblings of different species, they're more likely to fare well in their new home.

Taking the cat and dog adoption process step-by-step and considering your options is essential, but getting your future furry friend from a foster home has plenty of benefits. Adopting a rescue goes beyond having access to an experienced pet parent who can provide crucial information about the animal's background. Many fosters take in rescues and those most in need of a home; the reward of giving a pup or kitty a second chance at life can be a positive, life-changing experience.

While many owners may not know what breed their cat is, the genetics of canines can play a significant role in their potential temperaments and personalities, along with different attributes like energy levels and health. These traits come from selective breeding to create the perfect working dog or companion. "While the personalities of individual dogs will vary, just as human siblings will have different personalities, a dog's behavioral tendencies will reflect their breed," Dr. Jerold Bell advised the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Given this, you should avoid certain breeds if you want your cat and dog to have the best shot at getting along. Canines with a high prey drive can be prone to chasing felines; this includes sporting, herding, and terrier breeds. Exercise caution and do your research on your future pup; even crossbreeds with one agreeable trait might be canceled out by the other. There are always exceptions, and these are generalizations, so it is best to check for yourself.

Thankfully, certain breeds tend to be better at interacting with other pets. Both small and big breed dogs, such as a beagle or a golden retriever, may get along with different types of furry friends more easily. You won't know if they will be compatible until they meet, but picking a breed known for working well with other animals will help those chances. If your borky boy or girl has shown a dislike of any cats, it can be difficult (though not necessarily impossible) to train them otherwise. This is another area where socialization at a young age can have a big impact.

Bringing a new furry friend into the house can be a stressful time for both pets and owners. It is an unfamiliar space, and the amount of activity, scents, and sounds can be a lot for a dog or cat to take in. Not exactly the ideal circumstances under which to meet a new buddy. The Animal Humane Society of Minnesota recommends keeping pets separated by a door for three to four days, giving the fresh addition their own space. This separation gives them time to get used to scents, the opportunity to adapt, and a chance for you to notice any issues before a first meeting.

During this stage, you can also slowly start feeding both pets by the door so that they develop a positive association with the animal on the other side of the barrier. Additionally, you can 'scent swap' by taking a clean cloth, wiping down your cat and dog's sweat glands (under cheeks for your kitty and armpits for your pup), and letting each get familiar with the smell in their safe space. Hopefully, you will see them become more curious and less cautious about each other. Further, this separation period allows you to observe how good your dog is at obeying and listening to commands; having that control will make you feel more comfortable going into the initial full encounter between your pets.

Today is the day! You picked a dog breed you know is good with cats, and they haven't been fighting through the door. They're ready to become best buds ... right? While many would like to view the first meeting as the start of an instant photo-worthy animal friendship, the chances of the scenario playing out that way are low. For the initial face-to-face encounter, have them come together for a brief period in a communal area where you can supervise both pets. You will need to repeat this process multiple times; be prepared to send them back to their safe spaces to unwind before trying again the next day.

Consider leashing your dog and cat (if your feline is used to wearing a harness) for the occasion. This will give you more control, especially if one or both of the animals has a lot of energy. Ideally, you will want your dog to be able to ignore the cat in favor of listening to your commands while ensuring your feline is still comfortable enough for daily activities like eating and using the litter box. It may take time and many repeats, but your efforts and patience will pay off.

Even after your furry friends seem to be coexisting, there are precautions you should take as they get used to each other. You are still learning about your new pet, and they are still learning about their new environment. While the two were comfortable eating with a door separating them, it is best they have their own spaces for meals.

Dogs naturally guard their food and possessions; it is a survival instinct found in pretty much all animals. However, some pups may have aggression issues when it comes to protecting their meals and may not take kindly to a curious kitty trying to sniff out what they have. This may be particularly true of puppies, who are used to competing for their nutrients from their mom. Thankfully, positive reinforcement training and working with a qualified dog trainer can help with this behavior.

Separation at feeding is still ideal even if your dog shows no aggression. Cats should not eat dog food, and vice versa. Both species have different nutritional requirements. A dog eating cat food regularly has a higher chance of developing obesity, while a pup's meals lack key ingredients that kitties require and can even make them ill.

Throughout the process of introducing your pets and any follow-up, continue to monitor for behaviors that may lead to aggression. Even a loving canine can have moments of aggression, whether territorial, maternal, or socially motivated. Dogs often vocalize their aggression through growls or barks and physically act out by snapping or biting. Conversely, if your pup yelps while playing with your cat, you should intervene, as they may be hurt or uncomfortable.

In contrast, cats are often silent players, so noises like growling, hissing, or screeching may indicate that the interaction between your pets has deteriorated and they need to be separated. Cats communicate much of what they feel through their body language; their ears, tails, and eyes all express emotions, including red flags during a bad interaction with a pooch. Much like their canine partner, aggression in kitties can happen for multiple reasons, and sometimes all they need is some personal space to unwind.

Cats and dogs have different ways of playing. Your kitty has natural hunting instincts that will see it stalking, pouncing, carrying its toys, and orchestrating the occasional attack on your toes under the sheet. On the other hand, pups want physical exercise, like roaming the great outdoors, going for a long walk, or a rousing game of fetch.

When cats and dogs play together, you may notice some crossover; both could chase and wrestle. Yet the two won't necessarily understand each other's body language and when they're pushing the other too far. A dog tail wave is a sign of happiness; it is the opposite for a cat. They require time to figure out these signals, and until they do, you need to supervise any play and look for the signs of aggression highlighted above.

There's some debate among experts regarding whether you should ever allow a cat and dog to be alone together. Marny Nofi, senior manager on the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Behavioral Sciences Team, told Newsweek that you can leave them unsupervised once "you're completely sure that they're safe together." Meanwhile, Alexa Sessa, the head trainer and behavior expert at Peach on a Leash, advised Yahoo, "Don't ever leave cats and dogs unattended together — even those that have a great relationship." If you decide to give unsupervised interactions a try, consider testing the waters by leaving them alone in the same room and slowly moving towards brief outings.

Providing each pet with a cozy haven not only gives them the chance to separate from each other if they feel overwhelmed, but it is an inherent need for cats and dogs. Your feline friend needs the safety of a spot where they can feel hidden, whether to escape a stressful situation or find solace with some alone time. Additionally, they require height to survey their kingdom. Pups also need some downtime; after a long adventure, they will want to rest on their favorite dog bed or have a snooze in their crate.

A stressed-out dog or cat with no room to themselves will not help foster that desired friendship. You may have to invest in new spaces for both animals when creating your multi-pet home. Even if you are living in a smaller place, there are plenty of options, such as TAKEKIT's Cat Wall Shelves, available on Amazon. For your overwhelmed pup, a PETSFIT Portable Dog Crate could be the ideal place to unwind.

Toy sharing may be common in a multi-pet household, as curious kitties and pups will show interest in what the other finds so much fun. Yet there is a reason there are cat and dog toys at the store, not just 'pet toys.' The needs of both differ based on how they play and interact with the world, and each requires tailored toys to keep them happy.

A pups interactions with its playthings can vary drastically. One moment, it may shake the life out of a toy, only to take it to cuddle in the corner the next. Dogs can be possessive of their favorite items, which may offer an outlet for energy or be used to soothe them. Excessive toy guarding – indicated by growling, lunging, chasing others away, or biting - is a cause for concern, but some favoritism and not wanting their feline friend to touch their things is natural.

Cats also benefit from having toys to play with, though they are less possessive and often jump from one to the other; a dog stealing a plaything is less likely to cause stress than the other way around. For cats, having access to multiple toys (or at least a wad of paper that you bundle up and throw) is important for keeping them stimulated. As both will inevitably play with each other's toys, it is also good to be aware of potential choking hazards, such as feathers, bells, strings, and stuffing.

Any owner would be concerned if their pets hurt each other; this is why you supervise play and take all of these precautions. Yet even after that bond has grown, you still have an important job to do: trimming their nails. While this process can seem daunting, it will ultimately keep your cat and dog healthier and happier.

Ideally, an indoor cat's nails should be trimmed every ten days or once every two weeks, though a feline that uses a scratching post may not require such a strict schedule. Not only will this help save your furniture and skin from scratches, but overgrown nails can lead to discomfort and pain. A dog can also experience discomfort with long nails, making them irritable. Irritable pets can become aggressive. The trimming process is different for each, but you can easily clip your cat's nails and dog's nails at home with the right tools.

You finally achieved a happy home, with your cat and dog playing, cuddling, and snoozing together. You should celebrate this accomplishment, but don't assume that your little furry friends will automatically be open to a new family member or welcome a visitor from another household. Every unfamiliar pet who comes into the space should go through a similar introduction process.

Dogs can be protective of their caretakers and their homes, and they may see their cat friend as an extension of that. While not necessarily known as guard animals, cats can also become possessive and protective of their living space and companions. You've likely seen the videos or read the news stories with premises like "hero dog" or "cat protects," including brave pups and felines having each other's backs (though these moments make headlines because of their uncommon nature). Regardless, you should be aware that just because your kitty and pooch get along, this does not ensure they will be pleased to encounter a newcomer.

Play is a vital part of both a dog and cat's lives. It is heartwarming to have them play together, learn how to meet in the middle, and bridge that puppy-kitty gap some claim is impenetrable. Both pets can also be highly tuned into your emotions; bringing a relaxed, calm happiness into the home and their lives makes for an unforgettable bonding experience between all.

However, sometimes, despite your best efforts, that cherished dog and cat bonding may not happen. That is okay, too. Even if they do become best friends, you should find moments to enjoy each one on their own time, tailored to their distinct personalities. Multi-pet households have unique joys and challenges; staying calm and attentive to your pets' needs while enjoying group and one-on-one interactions is critical to supporting long-term friendships.