How to understand if your cat and your dog are friends?
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Cats that are friends with dogs will demonstrate such behavior as playing with them, rubbing against their fur, trying to sit or sleep next to them, purring and generally looking calm and relaxed in the presence of a dog.
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A dog that is enjoying the cat’s company will also try to spend more time by the cat’s side, play with him/her (including play bows), smell and lick them, wag the tail upon meeting the cat and generally look relaxed, rather than excited or agitated.
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It’s important to know the difference between playing and fighting.
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During playing, both the cat and the dog enjoy it, chase each other in turns, they might also bite or scratch, but only a little, without causing any discomfort to each other.
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If you see that one of the pets is trying to get away or hide, crying with pain, if the dog is growling and the cat is crying or hissing, this is most probably not a game, and it’s better to stop such an interaction.
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What should you avoid?
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✔️It’s better to not bring an easily excitable dog to a house with a shy, fearful cat. In this case things like chronic stress and consequent problems, both behavioral and health-related, are guaranteed for the cat. And a “fun” life is guaranteed for you.
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✔️A kitten and an elderly dog are not the best pair. Older dogs tend to get irritable, because they often don’t feel well and are just not ready to deal with an active little kitten. Think of your dog’s wellbeing and try to keep them away from such stress.
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✔️Bringing a cat to a house with a dog who has a strong hunting instinct is not a good choice: it can lead to a tragedy.
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✔️If a cat has had bad experience with dogs in the past, it’s best to avoid bringing him/her to a house where a dog already lives.
