Like a cat and a dog: how to ensure safe interaction between animals
Making friends between different species of animals can be difficult, especially if they are cats and dogs.
But theoretically it is possible with the right approach and patience!
Remember that each animal has its own individual needs and there is no “general” pill for everyone. There is a procedure that can lead to the successful development of the relationship between a cat and a dog, says Diana Belyaeva .
1. Acquaintance. Only on neutral territory, where there are no animal smells. This will help to avoid tension and fear.
When animals are closely studying each other, do not encourage them to reduce the distance. Everything should happen on the initiative of the pets. Do not pick up a cat or dog. Each species likes control, including over its own body.
Dating sessions should be 2-3 minutes long.
2. Gradual introduction. Let the animals get used to each other's smells. Before introduction, you can exchange toys/pet items on neutral territory. Let the dog study the cat's toys and vice versa.
3. Place animals in different rooms.
4. Provide a safe space for each species. A place to sleep, eat, rest, where the animal will feel safe. For a cat, install high surfaces/objects to climb on if necessary to ensure safety. For a dog, a safety gate where the cat will live.
5. Reinforce the desired behavior. Praise the animals for good friendly behavior with their favorite treat, emotional support. Let them each do their favorite thing, play with toys. This will help associate each other with pleasant moments.
6. Watch the body language of animals. For tension, emotional state. This will help to avoid conflicts and intervene in time.
7. Do not leave animals alone with each other without supervision. If a fight occurs between them, it will only worsen the process of getting to know each other.
8. The process of getting used to each other is complex and can take time. Be patient and consistent in your actions. If you do everything correctly, the animals will begin to get used to each other and tolerate the presence of another species.
Unfortunately, the scheme is not universal. It happens that one animal, upon seeing another, becomes enraged and begins to attack. All pets are different.
Therefore, for greater efficiency and proper interaction between animals, contact a certified zoopsychologist!
