Are you a pet lover level 1 or level 100? Because if you’re the latter one, there’s a high possibility you wouldn’t feel satisfied with having just one pet. So if you’re planning to bring home a cat buddy for your dog or vice versa, there are some things you need to keep in mind beforehand and also once they’re home. To know all about these, scroll down to read the 5 most important things you defo shouldn’t be missing out.

1. You’ll Have To Feed Them In Separate Areas

Dog and cat eating dry food in bowls By 135pixels | www.shutterstock.com
Dog and cat eating dry food in bowls By 135pixels | www.shutterstock.com

Animals can get really protective when it comes to food. The reason behind this is: in the wild they typically competed for food for their survival. And animal instincts don’t disappear just because they’re no longer in the wild. So, when it comes to feeding two different species of pets, make sure you provide them their meals in separate areas where they don’t feel they need to compete for their food.

2. There Are No Perfect Breed Combinations For Dogs And Cats To Be Together

Row of the tops of heads of cats and dogs with paws up, peeking over a blank white sign By Susan Schmitz | www.shutterstock.com
Row of the tops of heads of cats and dogs with paws up, peeking over a blank white sign By Susan Schmitz | www.shutterstock.com

Animals of the same breed could have completely different personalities. There are no specific breeds of dogs and cats that get along well. It all depends on the individual animals. So if you have a dog that gets easily stressed and has a timid personality, getting a cat home would not be a great idea. It’s better to have playdates for your resident pet with the pet you’re planning to bring home before you actually take the big step. Observe how they’re getting along and you’ll know if they’d be comfortable around each other or not.

3.  Both Pets Will Need Time And Patience To Get Used To Each Other

Cat and dog together on floor indoors By New Africa | www.shutterstock.com
Cat and dog together on floor indoors By New Africa | www.shutterstock.com

You will have to be patient when introducing the dog and the cat to each other. One of the best tricks I’ve come across is trying scent-swapping. Give each of the pets an item that has the other animal’s scent on it. Let them first get comfortable with each other’s scent before meeting face-to-face. Then, slowly introduce them to each other and take it as slow as you can. Make sure this happens in a neutral environment so neither of them overpowers the other one. If you feel they aren’t getting along well, do not force any interactions. Also, don’t leave them unsupervised until you’re sure they’re okay being around each other.

4. Both Pets Need Separate Bathroom Areas

Cat in the litter By ajlatan | www.shutterstock.com
Cat in the litter By ajlatan | www.shutterstock.com

Just like the pets would need separate feeding areas, it is important that you also assign them separate bathroom areas. Dogs love sniffing, as we all already know. So, keep the cat’s litter box away from where the dog usually likes to hang out or play. If the dog sniffs or messes with the cat’s litter, there’s a chance your cat might feel like their space has been violated. Both pets will require different types of bathroom training and lots of patience.

5. Animals That Share Similar Behavioural Traits Tend To Get Along Better

Dog and cat together. Dog hugs a cat under the rug at home By Gladskikh Tatiana | www.shutterstock.com
Dog and cat together. Dog hugs a cat under the rug at home By Gladskikh Tatiana | www.shutterstock.com

Just like humans, a lot of pets also prefer being around animals that share similar personalities with them. So if your cat is pretty confident and active, getting an equally active dog would work best. Also, you need to know if the new pet you’re planning to bring home is comfortable around other animals.

Was this helpful? Do let us know in the comments below if there are any other things a first-timer should keep in mind before getting a dog and cat together at home.

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