“I want to bring home a cat.” Was it that midnight doomscrolling that led to this decision? You randomly kept scrolling reels on Instagram and suddenly came across this cute video of a husky cuddling with a little ragdoll cat. But, looking at the dog you already own, you don’t know if the duo will really gel well.
Cats are autonomous, laid-back, freedom-seeking, and comfort-loving creatures. But dogs — they are more social, sometimes too active, and constantly seeking camaraderie and companionship.
I don’t know about reels, but in real life, it’s quite difficult to let them get along. Making dogs and cats co-exist requires taking multiple things into account. You’ll have to think of the right cat, come up with introductory strategies, and tips for peaceful coexistence.
But don’t worry. Here’s a guide that’ll clear your confusion and help you out if you want to bring home a cat as a dog owner.
Should You Get a Cat If You Have a Dog?
First, let’s address the most difficult question: Is it too much to bring home a cat when you already have a cat at home?
It’s not about getting a cat as a dog or a dog as a cat owner. It’s all about getting along, matching personalities, checking your dog’s comfort level, and most importantly, your ability to be there for both of your furry friends.
Typically, dogs and cats coexist. But it’s also possible for some cats and dogs to be too excited or have a strong prey drive.
Understand Your Dog’s Nature
But if you’re planning to bring home a cat as a dog owner, first know how your dog behaves around other animals, especially smaller ones. Is it extremely ferocious with a prey drive? Or does your dog love to hunt smaller animals? Are they tolerant or easily excitable?
Understand the Cat’s Nature
When choosing a cat for your home while you already have a dog, we suggest learning a little bit about the cat’s nature and how it interacts with dogs. Here’s a tip: if you already own a dog, go for cats that are more independent and confident in nature. They are better suited compared to timid-looking, anxious cats.
When to Own a Cat as a Dog Owner?
Here are three things you must keep in mind if you’re planning to own a cat when you already own a dog:
- It’s the best idea to own a dog if your dog is tolerant of other animals, especially smaller ones.
- If you have enough time to spare for both your cat and your dog, you are ready to own a new furry friend at home.
- Ensure that you have enough space for both pets at home.
Is it a bad Idea to own a Cat when you have a Dog?
If your dog has a personality of showing a very high drive and preyful nature, it’s best to sit on your idea.
When you’re not prepared to supervise and interact with or manage potential conflicts with two different animals, we suggest not having a cat or a dog when there’s another species at home.
Choosing the Right Cat for Your Dog-Friendly Home
So, if you’re planning to choose a cat as a dog owner, here are a few things to think of:
Temperament: Choose a cat with a friendly temperament, one that stays relaxed and enjoys human company. For example, you can go for Ragdoll cats. They have a reputation for being friendly and comfortable around humans.
The docile nature of cats makes them the best option for different households, and they are friendly with other members of the family.
Socialisation: Cats that can easily socialise with other animals are the best, especially during their kittenhood. Especially, if you have Retrievers, Beagles, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, they will form the best bond with cats.
Breeds: Check out breeds that are more comfortable with dogs. Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and Birman are docile, and they can easily socialize with your dog.
Match their Age: It’s crucial to match the ages of both your furry friends. When planning to bring home a cat for an energetic puppy, go for a slightly younger cat that gets along. Cats that are more relaxed tend to get anxious around dogs that are more energetic. So, the vibes also need to match up.
How Do You Introduce a Cat to Your Dog?
Coming to the tricky part, where a dog father/dog mama must be sneaky to bring in the new cat home.
Set up the Meeting
The most difficult part of introducing the cat to your dog starts with choosing different spaces for both. Start by setting up separate bedding and a litter box for the cat. Introduce each other to the scent of both. You should swap their bedding or keep the clothing of one pet in another pet’s place before they meet face to face.
Keep their Territories Neutral
The neutral areas of the house are where both pets meet. It’s away from their own space. Frequent visits to these areas help both animals meet and greet each other and start building friendly habits.
Controlled Environment
Conflicts between two animals are possible. But you can keep the dog on a leash and create a baby gate to keep the cat in a controlled environment. You can reward calm behaviour with treats for both.
Observe Reactions
Body language tells if your dog is bonding with the cat, or vice versa. If either of them is showing signs of stress or aggression, it’s time to separate them and try later.
Gradually introduce them
Start small. Both pets have attachment issues. Typically, as a dog owner, it gets difficult to manage your dog’s separation issues. Let them become comfortable with each other with small sessions of interaction.
Overseeing Both Pets in the Long Term
It’s possible for both pets to become fond of each other if the criteria we’ve suggested match. However, it’s still important on your part to oversee their behaviours, conflicts, and most importantly, keep separate spaces for each other.
Finally, practice patience. It gets really difficult to manage two pets that are of completely different species. While loving the new household, don’t forget to pay attention to your dog. After all, it’s all about balancing and getting along.
