Everyone has watched Tom and Jerry, right? In the cartoon, the bulldog Spike always bullies Tom, and we feel happy whenever we see that scene. But in real life, it’s quite troublesome. Some pet lovers keep both cats and dogs, but their different personalities and habits, not to mention being different species, often lead to fights. Today, the Pets Zone editor will talk about how to let cats and dogs live together harmoniously. Let’s take a look.

How to Let Cats and Dogs Live Together Harmoniously

1. Let the dog and cat get familiar with each other and build a friendship. This will take some time; forcing it won’t work, but eventually they will become friends.

2. When the dog is getting familiar with the home, family members can temporarily hold the cat outside for a while, then leash the dog and let it walk around the room to sniff and explore, preventing it from being scared or anxious about unfamiliar spaces.

3. Leash the dog to help it get familiar with the cat. After a few peaceful accidental meetings, increase the frequency of their meetings while the dog is on a leash. Preferably, let them meet after the dog has returned from a walk or is a little tired from playing. The room for meetings should allow the cat to easily escape if it feels frightened, and having the dog leashed helps better control it. Gradually increase meeting frequency, starting with twice a day, then more until they get along well. If possible, have a family member stand in front of the dog to attract the cat and encourage it.

4. Put the dog in a crate. Don’t worry the dog will be unhappy; dogs actually like a closed, safe environment. At this time, let the cat get familiar with the dog. This "familiarization" should happen no more than twice a day until the cat no longer shows fear or aggression. When the cat is nearby, try to pay attention to and take care of the dog, and reward the dog when it is quiet so the cat feels the owner loves the dog.

5. Give the dog and cat some space. When they meet for the first or second time, don’t threaten them. Let the dog and cat get to know each other. If after sniffing each other, the cat hisses at the dog, don’t be nervous — this is normal.

6. Let the cat get familiar with the dog's scent. You can take the dog out and then let the cat enter the dog’s room to get used to the dog’s smell. Do not punish the dog if it scratches or bites the cat; this is the dog playing with the cat.

7. Monitor how the dog and cat interact. Once the dog and cat continuously interact without aggression or fear, you can remove the dog’s leash. Make sure the room allows the cat to successfully escape or climb to a place the dog can’t reach if they fight. When they get along, pay more attention to them by giving rewards, pets, and food — all good ways to encourage harmony.

8. Don’t confine the cat for too long. Just make sure in the first week the dog does not see the cat, meaning when you confine the dog in a large room, release the cat. Otherwise, the cat may feel the owner doesn’t love it and is abandoning it.

These are the methods for cats and dogs to live together harmoniously. Pet owners can give them a try. The editor reminds you that when initially exposing cats and dogs to each other, be very cautious. Don’t let the dog circle around the cat, because this easily angers the cat.