Can Cats And Dogs Live Together?

It's the eternal question: Can cats and dogs live together without driving each other crazy

? Or without tearing each other apart? The answer is...a qualified yes.

Tel Aviv University in Israel recently conducted a study to determine whether cats and dogs could get along. The answers were quite surprising to some people. The study found that about two-thirds of cats and dogs do get along when they share the same home. About 25 percent of cats and dogs living in the same home were indifferent to each other. Finally, about 10 percent of cats and dogs probably weren't safe to be in the same room with each other.

The study offered the theory that the reason cats and dogs had problems getting along was because they used different body language to express themselves and they couldn't read the body language of the other species. For instance, a wagging tail in a dog means he's happy. A cat's swishing tail is a sign that you shouldn't approach.

Researchers involved with the study suggested that cats and dogs got along best when the animals are introduced to each other when they are young. In most cases, cats and dogs do best together when the cat is present in the home first. Cats do best with dogs when the cat is less than six months old; dogs do best when meeting cats when the dog is less than a year old.

So, yes, cats and dogs can live together amicably but you need to begin early. Allow a kitten to become established in your home before introducing a puppy. Once you have a cat in your home who is confident around dogs (and able to put them in their place if the dog becomes too pushy), then you may be able to introduce another puppy at a later time.

However, you may have problems if you have a cat and you try to bring in an adult dog that has not been raised with cats. Many dogs do not respect cats. They can even view cats as prey and try to chase and harass them. In these cases you can end up with your cat living on top of the refrigerator and your dog constantly barking at him. If that's the case then you will have a very difficult time trying to teach the two animals to respect each other. The best you may be able to achieve is a dog area of your house and a cat area.

The same is true if you have an adult dog that has not been raised with cats and you bring in a kitten. Your adult dog may view the kitten as something edible and you may never be able to safely leave this young cat with your dog. The dog will always have the advantage in terms of seniority and confidence and may bully the cat even if you have a small dog.

So, if you want to have peace in your home try to introduce a kitten and a puppy when they're young and on equal terms. Growing up together will be the best guarantee that your cat and your dog will get along throughout their lives.

by: Tristan Andrews

POST COMMENT

Cleaning Carpets and Wool Rugs Treat Your Dog To The Unbelievable Luxury Of A Cooling Dog Bed A Tale Of Puppies And Kitties: Getting The Right Pet Sitter Three Reasons To Consider Purchasing A Raised Dog Bed Bring A Wild Bird Theme To Life In A Breezeway How To Care Your Pets Advantages Of Using Carpets How Do Dogs Get Tapeworms? Are There Any Really Hypoallergenic Dogs? Male Or Female Dog - Which Is Best? Eric Clapton Tickets - Yardbirds Reunion Charlotte Bobcats Tickets - Substance Over Style The Santa Dog Costume Is Back For This Season