Before understanding and growing a relationship between pets like cats and dogs it is essential to understand the differences between the two. Both are different pets that have individual characteristics. Being an owner of multi pets, taking care can be challenging. Their grooming, behavior, and training techniques differ from one another.

It is when; creating a relationship and staying together in the same house can be difficult. An owner knowing and learning about their characteristics will help in maintaining a healthy environment. The key differences that are essential to know to make a healthy space for cats and dogs are:

Cats love to stay alone

Unlike dogs, cats always prefer to live on their own. They do not want to be in groups or stay eve with other cats. Only mom cats are with their kittens unless they are independent. As they grow isolation is observed in each one. They may not even like to share their food on the same plates, they are less playful.

But dogs always have a friendly and playful nature. They always want to be with someone, as they are good at socializing. Cats are believed to be less friendly animals, while dogs are loyal and spontaneous.

Training

Dogs can be easily trained, as intelligent animal training can be carried out. But cats are less prone to socializing, and providing them training can be difficult if not surrounded by trained animals. Such as kittens surrounded by trained and socialized dogs can easily learn and obey commands. But solely independent cats training are not possible as they are obedient and hardly want to please their owners.

Activity levels

To stay healthy dogs as a pet has to undergo physical exercises. It enables them to stay mentally and physically fit. While cats are considered as one lazy and comfort-loving animals requiring fewer body movements.

A cat can sleep for the entire day and still have enough food but a dog cannot do so unless they have good activity.

Dogs and cats can be real friends

Despite several differences, if they see each other from an early age, they can be real friends. Often kittens are observed to sleep with the elder dogs, playing with the wagging tails. The dogs being friendly pets enjoy taking care of the little ones. They may eat food on one plate and sleep together.

But to develop a dog and cat relationship it is essential to follow a few things based on their differences.

Introductions

Introducing the cat and dog pets can be also challenging. So, it is the different ways to apply such as

The visual introduction is one of the convenient and safe ways to introduce them to each other at the beginning. Regular visual observation will enable them to develop a connection with each other.

Sniffing and scent is the next step that can be introduced to let them learn about each other. And slowly there should be a gradual increase in introduction by keeping them with each other.

Natural tendencies

The natural tendencies should always be kept in mind when both individuals will be together. Dogs should have their socializing and training classes. It will increase their obedience, while cats can be provided with positive reinforcements such as toys, and places to scratch to avoid any damage or harm to each other.

Cats always look for vertical areas, such as trees, and shelve to play and climb. They tend to climb and play. So, it is essential to arrange vertical areas for them.

Supervise

Never keep them out of sight at the beginning. Supervising will help them to develop a healthy atmosphere for both the cat and dog. They will be able to develop a better relationship and reduce harming each other unintentionally.

With time it is observed in many families that cats and dogs are spending a good time together. They do not have fights or fear when being around.

How to teach them to adjust and socialize?

Dogs are socializing animals and love to be around while cats are isolated, independent animals. They both have different socializing habits. But to bring them to a position so that they can adjust and be together harmoniously is possible through a few key facts.

Prepare the environment

Preparing environment of a cat meeting a dog, as stated should be done at an early age. So, that they do not fear or harm each other. In the beginning, they should have a free and separate space for sleeping and eating.

Also, a separate litter box will enable us to keep a clean space at home, specifically an area with multi-pet.

Gradual Freedom

Playing in an open space for a long time will allow them to stay together and know each other. Slowly the gradual freedom should be increased to enable them to enjoy their new friendship. Physical contacts are less threatening, they are happy playing with each other, and resting together is the result of gradual freedom.

Slowly they are found to be caring and protective of each other. They do not need anyone when they are together.

Be patient

When cats and dogs are introduced to each other through smelling and sniffing procedures, it does not take a long time for them to be friends. But often depending on the breeds and behavioral nature the cats and dogs may need some time to adjust in the same house.

Sometimes they may not be friends but are ignorant of each other. They ignore each other and choose they stay independent as an individual.

Professional help

But, there are sometimes situations, when the behavior towards each other is adamant. To control the issues it is better to consult a professional help. They are expertise and will be able to solve the issues related to stress and aggression.

For each pet, the adjustment time requirement varies. It depends on the comfort and safety that they feel, based on it they can adjust themselves to a new environment and make new friends. Dog and cat relationship is considered to be close buddies and develop close bonds when raised together.