Cat and dog love
If your family already has a cat and wants to add a dog, or vice versa, how is the best way to ensure that they all get along?
It’s good to begin with a carefully orchestrated plan of desensitization. Never force either animal into close proximity with the other. This technique requires a great deal of time and patience. As with all relationships, it cannot be rushed. Each animal needs to progress at their own pace.
One easy place to start is to feed each animal it’s favourite treat by hand at the same time so that they can then learn to associate treats and the new pet, with positive associations. If this is done on a regular basis, gradually they will hopefully become physically closer.
Currently, our cats are not keen on the dog but will tolerate being in the same room together.
As we have just completed two science projects for school with the children, their enthusiasm for experimentation has expanded in quite unexpected directions. They decided to investigate another possibility to speed up relationship development between their pets with the assistance of these two trusty tools. First spray the dog with liquid cat nip then sprinkle liberally with dried catnip. Wait patiently for the cats to fall in love with the dog. They waited quite a long time until it suddenly dawned on them……both the cats and the dog are all boys. I decided to explain ‘ménage à trios,’ when they are older, maybe, the children not the pets.
March 24th, 2009 at 6:57 am
That’s the ticket! Get the them all high so they don’t remember that they are supposed to be mortal enemies.
March 24th, 2009 at 8:21 am
my cat is so timid but his favorite thing in the entire world is to love on my 120 pound golden retriever that is the exact opposite of timid. i didn’t do anything to make them buddies, it just worked out
March 24th, 2009 at 8:23 am
That first picture almost makes it look like there’s a stand-off at the food bowl!
Glad to hear that they are progressing towards becoming best buddies, though! Pretty soon we’ll see pictures of them all snuggled together!
March 24th, 2009 at 9:57 am
ROFL!! What an experiment, catnip flavored doggy – yummy!
March 24th, 2009 at 11:39 am
I’m sure they will get along after a fashion. The cats will be the top dogs in the relationship though!
The not-wife’s family had a Doberman who was led a merry dance by the cats. It was a pitiful sight seeing a doberman sleeping on the ground whil the cats curled up in his big, comfortable bed!
March 24th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
My dogs are afraid of cats. They give a wide berth to them.
March 24th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
I’ve never even heard of liquid catnip. What’s next, catnip inhalants??
Glad to see the animals are slowly warming up to each other.
March 24th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
That kitty is just waiting to ponce!! Happy WW:)
March 24th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Happy WW! Ü
March 25th, 2009 at 5:31 am
Gorgeous pictures, doggie is sooo cute! It isn’t the easiest thing to explain to any child is it!!
CJ xx
March 25th, 2009 at 6:22 am
This was an interesting post. I know a lot of people with cats and dogs that do well together but the dogs aren’t safe with other people’s cats. The little bird in my post is gray and in the middle but it’s so small that it’s hard to spot. I probably should have done an arrow or something to help.
March 25th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Ha!
Adorable!
March 31st, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Your tips are very helpful. I’m planning to adopt a second pet. Not sure whether to get a dog or a cat. Thanks!