By Pauline Machado
Many people reconsider adopting a dog or cat when there is already a pet in the family. The concern is almost always the same: "Will they adapt?"
This question is quite common, especially when it comes to dogs and cats living together.
Given this, we invited the Veterinary Doctor, Flavia Gill Ricco , a specialist in Integrative Medicine and Feline Medicine, will be there to guide us and clarify the most common questions in these cases.
Follow along!
Pet Med – To begin, please explain whether it's a myth or a fact that dogs and cats don't get along, and why.
Flavia Gill Ricco – It's a myth that dogs and cats don't get along. Coexistence between them isn't entirely impossible. It all depends on the individual personality of each species, socialization, and the handling provided by their owners. This myth arose due to typical behaviors of both species that may seem incompatible at first, such as body language, instinct, and territoriality.
A dog wagging its tail, for example, demonstrates joy, but for a cat, that same rapidly moving tail can be a sign of irritation or threat, and this can lead to misunderstandings during adaptation. Similarly, some dog breeds may see cats as potential prey, which can lead to chases and perhaps some conflict. Furthermore, both dogs and cats can be territorial, and if they feel their territory is being invaded, they may exhibit defensive or aggressive behaviors.
However, when introduced correctly and with their boundaries respected, dogs and cats can coexist harmoniously and even form bonds of friendship. There are numerous cases where these species create a partnership, play together, and even share the same resting space.
Pet Med – Why do some homes require dogs and cats to live in separate environments, while in others both species coexist naturally and harmoniously?
Flavia Gill Ricco – The need for separation or harmonious coexistence between dogs and cats is related to several factors, such as:
Personality: Just like humans, each animal has its own personality. As mentioned, some dogs are calmer and more tolerant, while others may be territorial or hyperactive, which can lead to more difficult coexistence with cats. Similarly, cats that are more fearful or territorial may avoid contact with dogs;
Previous experiences: An animal that has had a traumatic experience with another, such as a cat that was attacked by a dog or a dog that was scratched by a cat, for example, may carry that trauma, making coexistence difficult. Animals that are accustomed to the presence of the other species from a young age are more likely to interact peacefully;
Physical environment: Larger houses, with ample space, allow each species to have its own territory and avoid conflicts. In smaller environments, proximity is constant and can generate tension, especially if the cat does not have a place to take refuge;
Management: Owners who know how to introduce animals gradually and promote positive interactions generally achieve harmony in their coexistence. Abrupt introduction or reinforcement of undesirable behaviors such as yelling or aggressive separation can hinder coexistence between dogs and cats.
Pet Med – What are the guidelines for families who need to integrate a new dog into a home that already has a cat?
Flavia Gill Ricco – For a healthy coexistence, the introduction process should be gradual and respect the limits of each animal. To that end, I offer some suggestions:
Initially, keep the animals in separate environments. This allows the cat to get used to the dog's smell and sounds before seeing it directly;
Before making eye contact, exchange objects such as blankets or toys between them so that they get used to each other's scent;
Use safety gates or transport crates to allow them to see each other safely. This reduces the risk of attacks or frights during initial encounters.
During the first direct contact, supervise the behavior of both. Keep the dog on a leash to avoid unexpected reactions and allow the cat to approach at its own pace;
Cats need high places or spaces where they can take refuge if necessary. These places should be out of reach of the dog.
Reward both of them with treats and/or affection whenever they exhibit calm and tranquil behavior in each other's presence.
It is essential to be patient throughout this process. Forcing interactions can generate fear or aggression, hindering adaptation.
Pet Med – And what about the opposite case, where the dog already lives in the house and a kitten becomes part of the family?
Flavia Gill Ricco – In this case, the introduction process should be similar, but with special attention to the dog's behavior:
Keep the kitten in a safe room with all the necessary resources, such as water, food, and a litter box, and allow it to explore its new home gradually;
Show the dog items belonging to the kitten, such as its bed or toys, so that it can become familiar with the scent before meeting it in person;
During the initial eye contact, keep the dog on a leash to prevent it from lunging at or chasing the cat. Observe whether the cat exhibits calm, curious, or aggressive behavior.
Kittens are more fragile and can be easily frightened. Make sure they have access to high places or safe spaces, preventing them from experiencing trauma at the beginning, which could make it difficult for them to adapt to each other.
In the first few days, keep interactions short and supervised. If the dog shows signs of agitation or excitement, redirect its attention with a command or toy.
This process can take time, but with patience and consistency, most dogs and cats can adapt and get along well.
Pet Med – And in cases where both species already live together in the same environment, but do not live in harmony, what should or can family members do to ensure they live in harmony and safety?
Flavia Gill Ricco – When they already live in the same environment but there are conflicts, some tips can help:
Treat the coexistence as if it were the first time. Separate them temporarily and reintroduce them in a controlled and positive way;
Provide toys, scratching posts, shelves for the cat, and activities for the dog. This reduces boredom and stress, which can be causes of conflict.
Ensure that each animal has its own space, such as separate beds, food bowls in distinct locations, and dedicated resting areas;
If conflicts persist, consider consulting an animal behavior specialist to assess the situation and suggest personalized strategies.
Pet Med – We often hear: “My dog doesn’t get along with cats. My dog doesn’t get along with other dogs.” Is there any way to reverse this situation?
Flavia Gill Ricco – Yes, in most cases it's possible to reverse this situation, but it requires patience, consistency, and perhaps professional help. When a dog "doesn't accept" cats or other dogs, this may be related to several factors:
The dog may not be used to living with other animals, usually because it was not exposed to different species during the socialization phase that occurs between 3 and 14 weeks of age;
Some breeds have sharper hunting instincts and may see the cat as prey;
Dogs that have been attacked by other dogs or have had bad interactions with cats may become more reactive;
Many dogs have difficulty sharing their space or their owners with other animals.
To reverse these traumas, it is important to:
Expose the dog to the presence of the other animal gradually, in controlled situations, and reward it for calm behavior;
Associate the presence of the cat or other dog with good things, such as treats, cuddles, and/or playtime. This helps create a positive association.
Use guides and physical barriers during initial meetings to avoid conflict and protect everyone involved;
Animal trainers or behavior specialists can create a specific plan for the situation.
It's important to remember that each animal has its own pace, and some more serious cases may take weeks or months to improve.
Pet Med – Is there an average amount of time it takes for dogs and cats to live together harmoniously in the same house?
Flavia Gill Ricco – There is no exact timeframe, as each case is unique and depends on factors such as the animals' personalities, their previous experiences, and, not least, the consistency of their owners.
Generally, some families see improvements within a few days or weeks, while others may take months to achieve harmonious coexistence. The most important thing is not to rush the process and to respect the animals' pace.
Pet Med – What are the health risks for dogs and cats living in stressful environments due to a lack of harmony between them?
Flavia Gill Ricco – Living in a stressful environment all the time can cause various physical and emotional health problems. They may become aggressive, develop destructive behaviors, or exhibit excessive fear, such as hiding or avoiding interactions. Prolonged stress weakens the immune system, making animals more susceptible to infectious diseases.
In dogs, the most common problems are gastrointestinal, such as vomiting and diarrhea; dermatitis due to excessive licking or scratching. In cats, the most common are urinary diseases, such as feline idiopathic cystitis, which is directly linked to stress; loss of appetite; alopecia due to excessive licking, weight loss, and anorexia.
Continuous stress impacts the overall well-being of animals, affecting sleep, feeding, and social interaction. Therefore, providing a calm, enriched, and safe environment is essential to prevent these problems and ensure the physical and mental health of both animals and animals.
Pet Med – What are your final recommendations for families experiencing this situation, where dogs and cats do not live together harmoniously in the same house?
Flavia Gill Ricco – For families facing difficulties in co-parenting between dogs and cats, the most important thing to remember is that it's possible to reverse the situation with patience and dedication. However, it's important to consider that the animals won't always get along right away, which doesn't mean that harmonious coexistence is impossible. It's simply a matter of respecting each animal's individual pace.
Separate spaces and resources, such as bowls, beds, and litter boxes, to reduce potential disputes. Offer positive reinforcement for calm behaviors and avoid situations that could lead to conflict between them.
Provide environmental enrichment including toys, shelves for the cat, regular walks for the dog, and moments of individual interaction with each animal. All of this reduces boredom and stress, contributing to a more peaceful coexistence. If conflicts persist or are very serious, an animal behavior specialist can assess the situation and suggest personalized solutions.
I reiterate that harmonious coexistence is a process that requires effort, but, over time, most families manage to achieve a peaceful environment for all members – both human and furry.
Remember: the well-being of animals should always be the priority. Providing a safe and welcoming environment makes all the difference.
For this reason, it's important to understand that the coexistence between dogs and cats is a topic that goes beyond simply introducing them to each other.
Finally, it is crucial to remember that tutors play a very important role in this process.
It's important for pet owners to know that dogs and cats feel safer when they have an established routine. Abrupt changes in feeding times, walks, and rest periods can cause anxiety, making it difficult for them to adapt to each other.
Learning to recognize signs of discomfort or relaxation in dogs and cats is essential; for example, a cat with lowered ears and a bristled tail is feeling threatened, and a dog that stares at a cat without blinking and becomes tense may be about to chase or react aggressively.
In addition to toys and resting areas, it's beneficial for pet owners to provide sensory stimulation, such as scents – diffusers with pheromones or herbs like catnip and matatabi – and sounds, such as relaxing music for animals. These elements help reduce stress.
It is also important that caregivers always remain calm and consistent when dealing with conflicts. If there are fights or tensions, never use physical punishment or yelling, as this can intensify fear or aggression.
Finally, remember that each animal is unique and that the goal of harmonious coexistence is not to force a friendship, but to create an environment where both can live comfortably and safely. Whether for families just beginning this journey or those facing challenges, love, patience, and knowledge are the greatest allies.
