How to introduce dogs and cats - With these 3 tips it succeeds

Getting the dog used to the cat - With these 3 tips it succeeds

The dog chases the cat and the cat sits snarling under the table. This scene is probably familiar to every pet owner. Even though dogs and cats often react to each other accordingly, it doesn't mean they don't get along. However, getting used to it does take some work - not just for you, but for both dog and cat. These tips are the best way to make it work.

Tip 1: Learn to understand body language

Even we humans have problems with body language, which can always lead to misunderstandings. The problems between other species are no less. If a cat throws itself purring on the ground it expresses that it feels well while a dog understands the purring however rather as threatening and warning. Also the wagging with the tail leads to such misunderstandings. Unconsciously or quite consciously: both dogs and cats communicate a lot about their tail. If the wagging of the tail is associated with joy and euphoria for the dog, it is a warning for the cat, because cats only wag their tails when they feel threatened and are nervous. So, like us humans, animals need time to get to know each other and to be able to read and understand the body language of the other person.

Tip 2: The right start for the reunion between dog and cat.

For a smooth cohabitation between dog and cat, a perfect start is very crucial. So, prepare your cat and dog for meeting each other. This can reduce stress during the first reunion. In the beginning, keep the dog and cat in different rooms. Both animals can then mark out their own scent marks. After some time you can change the rooms for the animals, then they can get used to the other scent. When you let the dog and cat together for the first time, it's best to be there too. So that it does not come immediately to arguments and unpleasant scenes, the dog should be leashed with the first meeting. This way you have control over the animal and can intervene and calm it down.

Tip 3: Take a calm approach

Patience is important when reuniting. Until cat and dog live together in a relaxed way, some time will pass. During this time, you should not leave the animals alone in a room without supervision. Give your dog and cat the opportunity to get away from each other. The cat needs plenty of open space, such as a spot on the windowsill or a cat tree. These should be places the dog can't reach and where the cat can retreat to if it's too much for her. Also the dog must get his place. It is also helpful if positive behaviour is rewarded accordingly. If dog and cat sniff each other peacefully, for example, the mood can be positively influenced with treats. However, none of the animals should be praised preferentially, because this can lead to envy. Both cats and dogs are enormously capable of learning. After they have learned each other's body language and got used to each other's smell, they can live together peacefully. Deep friendships often develop from this.