Powered by Mom Blog wants to share some tips for helping your cats and dogs get along
The term fighting like cats and dogs can be taken quite literally when you have several four-legged friends at home. While some people identify themselves as a cat or dog person, at Iams, we are both cat and dog people. We understand the importance of maintaining relationships between furry friends and want to provide pet owners alike with resources to help cats and dogs get along. With these five tips, you can kiss the term cats rule and dogs drool goodbye.
1. Looking to play matchmaker?
If you have a cat and are planning to adopt a dog, try to find a breed with a known history of being accepting of cats. Traditionally, herding dogs, terriers, sight hounds and huskies get along best with cats, so keep an open mind and work together with your local shelter, pet store or independent breeder to find the perfect fit.
If you have a dog and are planning to adopt a cat, help teach your dog to behave appropriately around cats ahead of time. If your dog does not respond well to sit, down, stay or come, work on improving those actions to avoid havoc down the road.
2. Make the introductions
When bringing a new pet into the home, animals need time to get to know each other. They are more likely to fight or be unhappy if you try to force them together, so be sure to make proper introductions. Pick a spacious room, have a helper with you and keep tasty treats on-hand to reward pets for good behaviour. If your pets tend to be on the feisty side, make sure your cat’s claws are trimmed and dog’s are kept on a tight leash. Depending on your pet’s prior experiences, genetics and personalities, the introduction may take a few days to a few weeks – so be patient and ensure you have a safe place for your new pet where they can go and take a break and relax.
3. Dining alone is key
To create a positive atmosphere for your pets, feed cats and dogs their meals at the same time but remember to put them in separate rooms or parts of a room as they tend to eat at a different pace. As cats and dogs have different nutritional needs, keeping them separate during meals is important to their health. And since many dogs like to snack on cat food, having separate feeding spaces keeps your cat from losing meals to the dog. Dogs are omnivores, and cats are carnivores and they therefore have distinct dietary needs that are unique to each species. It is not appropriate to feed dog food to cats or cat food to dogs as their primary source of food. A nibble here or there doesn’t count. Dogs generally find cat food more palatable as it often has a higher content of protein and fat, especially the canned variety. Cats are probably just curious and will eat out of the dog bowl to just show everyone that they make all the rules and can do what they please. If you need help, visit iams.ca or ask a fellow pet owner for advice.
4. Set the management mood
To help your cat or dog feel safe while adapting to the sounds and smells of other pets, make sure to keep them company. Don’t leave them alone together for long periods of time and supervise any activities that may have caused problems in the past. Remember to have special bonding time with each pet individually and be sure they all know whose boss.
5. When it doesn’t work out…
Remember, not all pets are meant to be best friends from day one. Don’t worry if yours are polite acquaintances – friendship takes time to build.
For more pet care tips for your cat and dog, visit the OSPCA, www.iams.ca or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iams.
Edna Williams says
February 11, 2016 at 9:01 AMI thank you for the great tips! My cat is okay with the dog, most of the time. LOL
G says
January 24, 2014 at 2:57 PMI have eight dogs three of which are rescues and three rescue cats…. It’s funny, my cats could care less about the dogs. Sometimes when one of them is feeling frisky, he takes turns letting one of the dogs chase him and then he chases dog…..very cute….. One of the other cats actually annoys the dogs as he’s a space invader and has no problem walking up to the dogs and affectionately bumping heads a with them….the dogs walk away annoyed with such a silly cat. And the other cat is weird…..she knows I rescued her and is very grateful….she is very skittish to other humans though besides me and my hubby. She will run and hide if she sees another person, but she comes out when she sees the dogs, it’s like she feels safe if they are around….just three examples of how a whole bunch of dogs and cats can get along perfectly…..I have never had any problems. The skittish one smacked one of the dogs in the nose to say keep away during the first few days I had her but this particular dog is the most loving affectionate dog ever and he wasn’t accepting that as a reason to stay away and after much persistence she allowed him to lick her….it’s perhaps due to him that she feels safe around the dogs….
Terry Rodriguez says
January 19, 2014 at 7:53 AMThank you for the tips as I am an animal lover. I own Chihuahuas.
MaryAnn Grace says
January 3, 2014 at 7:53 PMThis was good information because i am considering getting a dog, but already have three adult cats. I think I will wait a while and do more research though.
Renee Patterson Travis says
December 10, 2013 at 9:49 PMWe have a cat that is about 7 and in June we had to put down our Golden due to old age and we have a different dog now. She is just now a year old. I was afraid this would be a problem as Precious the cat was used to Abby the Golden which she was mellow. We got a Mountain Feist and she is pretty hyper and loves to run and play, but after about 2 months of being together they now run and play together all the time 🙂
Heather Starnes says
November 12, 2013 at 7:50 PMI currently don’t have any pets but am in seek of one for my daughter and am always looking for great tips 🙂
Kathy Lane says
October 24, 2013 at 6:36 AMI love cats and dogs,but they are outdoors.My dogs don’t bother my cats but the people that live next door to me has 2 dogs that are always running my cats.
Jeane c says
September 28, 2013 at 4:05 PMThanks for these tips. I will be sharing these with my daughter as she is having some issues in her home.
autumn kelly says
September 27, 2013 at 8:32 PMI’ve always had cats and dogs together. The best way I found is to have them both when they are very young. Growing up together.
mary Arneson says
September 27, 2013 at 12:04 AMmy lab babysat baby kittens from a stray I took in, she went out to hunt he washed them when they cried.
Michelle F. says
September 23, 2013 at 9:00 AMGreat tips and love the pictures.
Rebecca Miller says
September 22, 2013 at 8:53 PMOur cats like our puppy but more tolerate at the moment. They still chase our puppy over the house and swat at her, but at the same time she chases them and barks at them. So I think over time they will learn to love each other, kind of like sibling rivalry in my eyes. Love hate relationship, but thank you for the tips we did do all those when we first got her and they still eat in separate places and have designated areas their beds and stuff are.
JJ Caraway says
September 22, 2013 at 8:19 PMWonderful tips, thanks. I once had a wild rabbit and her and my lab became friends once we introduced them.
Joseph Hawkshaw says
September 22, 2013 at 7:01 PMAwesome tips thanks i can use these.
Michelle Proper says
September 22, 2013 at 7:13 AMWhat great advice! I’m thinking about getting a cat and I have an older dog so this will help a lot! Thank you!
judy sizemore says
September 22, 2013 at 6:22 AMthanks for the good tips
Janis Gibel says
September 20, 2013 at 6:17 AMLove the tips. Plan to pass them along to my brother, he has 1 cat and 1 small dog indoors and 2 big dogs outdoors.
Mary Dailey says
September 20, 2013 at 5:03 AMWe have 4 cats right now, but some of these tips would apply to them too. It’s hard to introduce a new cat. Sometimes it takes months.
Adrienne Sydnor says
September 19, 2013 at 8:07 PMThese are great tips. We don’t have a cat, we have a dog……but maybe we could try these on the kids.
CarolynH says
September 19, 2013 at 7:42 PMThanks. These tips could be helpful to our household as we may introduce a small dog to our current 1 cat home.
mary schaible says
September 18, 2013 at 6:12 PMgreat tips ty!
mary schaible says
September 18, 2013 at 6:12 PMgreat tips ty!
Dallas says
September 18, 2013 at 4:44 AMgreat tips!
Rachel Beltz says
September 17, 2013 at 5:28 PMOh my gosh your pets cuddling = the cutest thing ever!
Having introduced pets before, I will admit dining alone is super important! No one like the over protective dining feast off! Plus, also from experience, causes them to… well… not keep their food down. They are too eager to finish their food, and try to get some off of their brother or sister’s bowl!
crystalynne says
September 16, 2013 at 8:42 PMthanks for the tips!
Kathleen Kellams says
September 16, 2013 at 9:11 AMThese tips are also helpful for introducing a new cat to a cat or a new dog to a dog. We’ve used several of these to introduce our two current cats to each other.
Karen says
September 15, 2013 at 5:50 PMEveryone in my family is allergic to cats, so I’ll never have one. 🙁 Still, you never know when your pets will have the chance to socialize, so these tips are great for everyone. Thanks!
Cheryl Fisher says
September 15, 2013 at 5:41 PMWe have five cats and two dogs, both species have learned to get along with each other. They all are good friends and play with each other.
Pam H. says
September 15, 2013 at 3:22 PMWhen introducing my Siamese cat to our three dogs nearly three years ago, I followed all of these rules. Fortunately, he fit in wonderfully, and tends to boss the dogs around.
Judy says
September 15, 2013 at 10:17 AMmost cats and doges get along inless there bread into them they are ok with one another
Jenny Patton says
September 15, 2013 at 7:47 AMVery interesting tips, I love cats and dogs but am so allergic. Hoping to get a hypoallergenic dog soon though!
louise croft says
September 15, 2013 at 6:31 AMgreat review…great tips have 3 dogs and a goat…animals are wonderful
Robin Nedoff says
September 15, 2013 at 5:38 AMWow.. mood managment.. thats a good thought…Thanks..
Sarah says
September 14, 2013 at 10:21 PMVery good info for sure
Leslie Rowton says
September 14, 2013 at 9:31 PMaww this basically looks exactly like my moms animals.
Jasmine Thomas says
September 14, 2013 at 7:15 PMThank you for the tips!
stephanie says
September 14, 2013 at 7:05 PMI foster dogs and cats for the SPCA, and these tips are really great!
Peggy Cole says
September 14, 2013 at 3:48 PMWe adopted an older dog a few months ago, and already have an older cat. Fortunately, I knew about most of the tips you gave. They are good tips, they work! Especially feeding at the same time, but in different places. Both the dog and the cat are pretty laid back creatures, so they get along well and since the weather is changing, they’ll often sleep next to each other!
sandy weinstein says
September 14, 2013 at 11:41 AMi dont have cats, however, other people in my neighborhood do, they dont bother my oldest anymore, but my 2 younger ones go crazy….maybe if i had cats in the house, which i dont want, they would get along.. i am amazed at some that act like best friends…
peggy fedison says
September 14, 2013 at 10:47 AMwhat a great review! full of great info and tips. so many people get more pets and havent a clue as to how to get them to get aloing with each other. thank you for your wonderful insight and advice!! love your blogs!
Rene says
September 14, 2013 at 10:42 AMAdorable. I have both cats and dogs. They get along great. My dogs eat the cat food, and my cats eat the dog food, and they each eat their own food.
Katie Leonardo says
September 14, 2013 at 8:57 AMI’ll have to try this..
Jody says
September 14, 2013 at 7:46 AMMy dog gets along with two of our outside cats but not the other one. As soon as they see each other she runs and my dog chases her….
robbalina says
September 13, 2013 at 5:24 PMyour babies are so cute!!!I have a chiweenie and a dachshund love them
ANN*H says
September 13, 2013 at 4:30 PMThanks for all the good tips on cats and dogs. We mostly had dogs and outside cats, never the two in the house at the same time. Sometimes the cats will just hide when their in the house so the dog dont see them. Definately feed them seperate. Give them time to bond
angela says
September 13, 2013 at 4:23 PMWe have many strays in the alley and I swear that they love to taunt my dog. She is working on the calm command and doing well
Tammy Biggs says
September 13, 2013 at 1:55 PMI can honestly say I never had a problem with my cats and dogs getting along. I even have a parakeet and my cat has been on the floor not 3ft away from him (my parakeet tries to be like wild birds and picks at the ground!). Mrs. Kitty never even messed with him. Now my hamster is another story! LOL
Renee Fischer at GGM says
September 13, 2013 at 11:29 AManimals have their own personalities and judge others on more than just proximity and looks. their sense of smell and hearing is heightened. it is importent to help them each get respect for their privacy and “property”. i’ve had cats and dogs since old enough to crawl ,some cats never like dogs, no matter what and sometimes those dogs simply felt the cat was something that needed all their loving devotion and emphatic quiet obedience. it was always entertaining.
Jennifer W. says
September 13, 2013 at 7:26 AMI love this picture!
Dawn Redden says
September 13, 2013 at 5:09 AMThank you very much! I will be trying the tip to feed them in separate rooms. My dog always eats the cats food….
Dawn Redden says
September 13, 2013 at 5:07 AMThank you for the tips! I also have a cat and dog. My dog is always eating the cat food. Im going to have to try feeding them in separate rooms 🙂 At least its something to try… Thank you
Ariella Holstein says
September 12, 2013 at 7:00 PMThanks for the tips!
Brenda Peterson says
September 12, 2013 at 6:22 PMGreat tips. I have tried some of them but I have one dog that does not like the other dogs, so I don’t see him getting along with the cats either.
desiree says
September 12, 2013 at 2:54 PMhi i had cat dog at one time the dog came first and then we adopted the cat well mc d adoted us
and he was 3 time biger than the dog he was the boss he thought but come bed time one was on chouch and then king on the other end by moring the dog was by the cat
Brooke says
September 12, 2013 at 11:04 AMHow sweet!
Ashley Hanna says
September 12, 2013 at 6:30 AMI don’t have any cats but I do have 3 dogs. Maybe you can give us a review on dogs next?
Robin O says
September 12, 2013 at 6:05 AMWe have never owned both cats and dogs at the same time, but these are excellent tips. I agree that each pet has its own personality, so you can’t try to force things.
Tammy Reedy says
September 11, 2013 at 8:22 PMThank You for the Great tips on how to make your animals get along!Looks like you had no problem at all! They are so Beautiful!
Powered by Mom says
September 11, 2013 at 8:36 PMthanks Tammy 🙂
Debra Shinabarger says
September 10, 2013 at 6:34 PMThanks for the tips I have 1 dog and 2 cats!
Jo-Ann Brightman says
September 10, 2013 at 4:55 PMThese are great tips, especially preparation, patience and keeping animals separate during meal times.
Sandra Beeman says
September 10, 2013 at 4:21 PMI have seen a number of videos depicting cats and dogs sleeping side by side and even playing together. We currently have a spoiled beagle and although super friendly I know I would need to utilized all the outlined steps you have presented. Thanks much.
Karen Glatt says
September 10, 2013 at 2:07 PMI sure like these posts on animals. The best tip here is to feed them in different areas of the house. I have to do this or one of the dogs will take the other’s dog food and not eat his own. It makes it so much easier to have their food separate. My two dogs get along so well.
Amy D says
September 10, 2013 at 10:22 AMMy dog likes cats better than she likes other dogs. She’s a weirdo.
Cassie Sudduth says
September 10, 2013 at 9:53 AMThese are very good tips!!
lisa says
September 10, 2013 at 9:53 AMIt’s hard enough trying to bring a second cat into the house. The only way I’d do it is to get both as babies at the same time and hope for the best.
debi affrunti says
September 10, 2013 at 9:13 AMThanks for the great tips
Debra Gibbs says
September 10, 2013 at 2:37 AMI have one dog and 4 cats at first when we brought the dog home it was a bit rough since 3 out of the 4 cats have been with me since birth, and Rascal is a much older dog (13) that we took in to give love and care to in his final years, we had a lot of searching space and boundries, But eventually they have all learned (except for mommy cat) how far we can push each other. Mommy still wants to rule her roost, she is the one that was taken in and came with a package of 4 I kept 2. So she is still thinking she is the big deal in town. Otherwise your methods and information is wonderful and I look forward to reading all of your articles.
Sandie W says
September 10, 2013 at 1:26 AMThank you so much for the tips. While I’m not a cat person, my grandkiddos are and this will be very helpful for their home.
rebeccabasset says
September 10, 2013 at 12:05 AMThanks so much for this advice, although I only own a Dog it is good practice for everyone.
Thanks again!
Evelyn Chuter says
September 9, 2013 at 9:53 PMI am a cat and dog person too. Always had them both for as long as I can remember. I can’t ever recall having any REAL trouble between any of my animals. I have a cat that is 18 years old and she’s grouchy with my poodle, but then she’s grouchy with everyone beside me. And my poodle pays her no attention at all.
Kathleen Quinlan says
September 9, 2013 at 9:43 PMI HAVE A POM FOR A DOG AND SHE IS FRIENDLY BUT HYPER. I WAS THINKING OF GETTING A CAT. WE LIVE IN THE COUNTRY AND GET MICE IN THE GARAGE AND A CAT HELPS. I READ YOUR TIPS AND AGREE WITH THEM. I JUST HOPE IF I DO THIS IT WILL WORK:) THANKS!
Pat S. says
September 9, 2013 at 8:23 PMGreat tips.. I have a mixed..multi animal family myself
Julie Garrett says
September 9, 2013 at 7:08 PMbeing the owner of 6 dogs an one cat…this came in handy..tho still working on the younger dogs not chasing the cat everytime he gets down off the pool table….some of these ideas i will try…thank you