Personality Issues to Note in Dog-Cat Co-Habitation
American Cocker Spaniel (detailed introduction)
Although cohabiting cats and dogs can bring a lot of fun, not all cats and dogs can live together. Some cats and dogs have inherently incompatible temperaments, so owners must clearly understand this before cohabitation. Some dogs don’t actually want to harm cats; their natural temperament is simply to chase cats. So what should be done in this situation?
Adult dogs with strong innate hunting instincts can be quite threatening. Particular dog breeds living with cats require special attention. Medium to large dogs previously trained for competition or hunting often regard smaller animals as prey, so caution is necessary. Dogs raised from a young age to chase animals find it quite difficult to coexist peacefully with cats. Additionally, breeds with flatter faces and protruding eyes, such as Pekingese, Pugs, etc., are more prone to eye injuries and are not suitable for living with aggressive cats.
Generally, when cats are calm, dogs will also stay still and watch, but once a cat starts running around, the dog will happily follow in pursuit. Considerate owners should arrange an escape route for the cat, preferably a high place or an area far from the dog. When a clever cat knows it has a safe way to retreat, it can be more relaxed and tolerant when living with dogs. Remember, never let cats and dogs chase each other outdoors to avoid irreversible accidents like traffic injuries or lost pets.