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2008
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Cats and Dogs: Living in Harmony?
Think of this scene, the dog chasing the cat, and the cat chasing the rat and how the cycle will go on and on forever. Here, let us focus our attention on the cat and the dog. How many of you still hold on the belief that the coexistance of cats and dogs is impossible? Although such situations do happen in real life, but it is still possible for a cat and a dog to live together.
Cats and dogs are naturally mistrustful of each other and it is really difficult for them to accept each other. Most dogs are natural predators, and they are designed by nature to chase and catch smaller animal for food. Even though dogs are domesticated for thousands of years, this predatory instinct still stay within. On the contrary, the cats automatically defend themselves against larger predators. They climb trees, and will try to scare the enemy by spitting and hitting, or launch a counter attack with its claws and teeth. Therefore, it takes a great deal of patience and effort on the part of the pet owner to train and persuade the dogs and cats to learn to live in harmony with each other.
There are several ways of training both the dog and the cat to coexist with one another.
Training of the Dog
First, teach the dog that the cat is off limits altogether and shall not be disturbed under any circumstances. This can be done by placing the cat within the dog's visual range and then taking the dog through several short daily sessions and insist that the cat cannot be approached in any way. Repeat this procedure every day, bringing the cat a little closer each time, and if the dog makes a lunge for the cat, jerk him back immediately and order him to LEAVE the cat. When the dog sits calmly or ignores the cat even when it is right next to him, let it walk around the room while the cat is present. BUT, always keep a lookout and pull the dog away IMMEDIATELY if it shows signs of a chase. REMEMBER TO ALWAYS REWARD THE DOG FOR OBEYING YOU AND IGNORING THE CAT!
Training of the Cat
Cats are highly territorial and antisocial in nature and thus, it can be difficult to introduce new dog or puppies to a resident cat. Therefore, constant reinforcement of positive social behavior will be encouraged. Cats are not like dogs, where you can take it for an obedience course to teach them how to deal with a dog. Give them some space and time to accept the new 'friend'.
In addition, cats
should not be introduced to a home with dogs that have chased and tried
to kill cats. These dogs will probably find it difficult to see cats as
anything other than prey, and even if they do not actually manage to
catch the cat they can make his life pretty miserable. Similarly, a
puppy have to be protected from a territorial bully of a cat that
has, by virtue of his prior experiences, a lifelong hatred of dogs.
Sometimes a dog in such a situation will learn to avoid a dangerous,
unequable cat. In other instances, the cat may spend his life in
trepidation of the dog. Neither of these situations is desirable be avoided by prevention or
rehoming of one or other of the feuding parties.
If you are thinking of mixing species, ask whether
they are predatory, aggressive, territorial, solitary, or gregarious.
It will give you the genetic drift on what to expect. Then ask, how
the species was raised, with whom, by whom, where, and when. Next you
should also look into and additional information about prior interspecies interactions
of the species in question.
Here is a clip to show that IT IS POSSIBLE for a cat and a dog to live together in harmony. Here, it shows how an adult dog attend to a kitten who had just lost its mother.
Here is another video showing how Lacey, a 14 week old puppy, and Hannah, a 8 month old cat, get along together.
Always give the cat and the dog their own territory. Do not force them together to let them settle down at their own speed. You will need time and patience if these two animals from entirely different
species are to become friends. It probably will happen eventually, but until you
are absolutely sure, DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE TOGETHER!References:
Cats and Dogs: Peaceful Coexistance, Cat Care Tips, Retrieved on 19 March 2008
Cats Living with Dogs, Petplace.com, Retrived on 20 March 2008Cat meets Dog, will they live together peacfully?, Gwen Bailey, Retrieved on 19 March 2008
Call Me Friend, A Kitten and a Dog, Retrived 19 March 2008
Are Cats and Dogs really Enemies?, Retrieved 29 March 2008
Cat and Dog Best Friend, Retrieved 30 March 2008
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