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Do your furry family members include both a cat and a dog? In some cases, Fido and Fluffy will bond well, and become BFFs. In other cases, they may fight like, well, cats and dogs. Below, a local Cabot vet offers some tips on helping your furry pals make peace.

Keep Fido Active

Dogs tend to be calmer and better behaved when they get regular exercise and playtime. Set aside time to walk or play with Fido every day. This will help him burn off some of that excess energy.

Don’t Just Go By Breed

A dog’s breeds can certainly play a role in their behavior. That doesn’t mean you should assume it’s the biggest factor, though. Personality is actually much more important! Consider Fido’s character and history, not just his breed.

Train Fido

You may find that Fido needs a little bit of training in order to learn how to be a good boy. Teach your canine companion to be gentle with the cat … even when Fluffy is pouncing on his tail.

Separate Spaces

Dogs are often guilty of helping themselves to both their food as well as their feline roommates’ dinners. To prevent this, keep Fluffy’s food in an area where Fido can’t reach. One option is to cut a cat door into a closet.

Proper Introductions

First impressions are a big deal to our four-legged friends. Take time when introducing your dog and cat. Keep them separated at first, and just let them get used to each other’s scents. Then, introduce them slowly under close supervision. If they fight, separate them and start again.

Let Them Grow Up Together

Bringing Fluffy and Fido up together is really the ideal option. More often than not, cats and dogs who grow up together do just fine. They may even become playmates and napping buddies! (As a bonus, you’ll get some adorable photos.)

Offer Safe Spaces

Kitties tend to feel more secure in safe areas. Make sure that Fluffy has a spot in each room to retreat to if need be. This doesn’t have to be fancy, just somewhere Fido isn’t able to reach her. Vertical spaces, such as cat towers, are great for this.

Know When to Say When

Unfortunately, peace and harmony isn’t always going to be feasible. Squabbles can be quite dangerous, particularly for the cat. If your dog is showing signs of aggression, you may need to rethink your approach. Ask your Cabot vet for specific advice.

Please reach out to us, your local Cabot vet clinic, anytime. We are always here to help!