Doggone Etiquette —

Cats And Dogs!

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

Let’s face it! Some of you . . . no, many of you . . . have best friends who are cats. They are lovely and warm to curl up with in winter, and in the summer they stay out of the pool. They are also fun to chase even though they can usually jump higher than you can. They are definitely better at climbing trees.   

However, you’ll have to admit there are two things that define cats. Cats can make a terrifying hissing noise, and their sharp claws make excellent weapons (even Weapons of Mass Destruction!). But, look at the bright side. Dogs can growl and bark, and they can use their teeth and strong jaws. The point is, both dogs and cats have their unique defense systems. Keep yours under control and the cat will, too.

A Word to the Dog’s Owners:

The perfect way to be sure a cat and a dog will live in harmony in your home would be to introduce a puppy to a calm cat. Or, you could add a kitten to your very calm and obedient dog. Alas, life is not perfect! Therefore, much of the success in maintaining a happy home with a dog and cat is up to you.

There is one most important thing for all members of the family to do, and to do consistently, when introducing a dog or a cat to a household with either one already in residence. That one thing is that all corrections, all words and actions of approval, all the monitoring of socialization – all of it – must be aimed at Rufus. Dogs (even those somewhat naughty ones) are a great deal more cooperative about behavioral training than are cats. You’ve no doubt heard about cats that race to the kitchen at the sound of the can opener. A dog is more likely to respond to “Dinner!” 

A mistake people often make is to hold the cat (or even a tiny kitten) on their lap and let the dog come to introduce himself. WRONG! The cat (or even that sweet little kitten) will be quick to react in fright, you’ll get scratched and the dog will either be terrified or promptly counter-attack! The easiest way is to put the dog in his crate, or an ex-pen and let the cat investigate Rufus at its own speed, making all the observations and necessary social introductions as it sees fit.  

Confining the dog in this way for brief periods throughout the day will give the cat time to adjust.  When both are free, you must be in charge of Rufus, controlling any barking, jumping or chasing. It is discipline, not punishment and as such will extend to the rest of their lives together. If there’s a fight, or disagreement, of any sort, remove the dog and let the cat flee on his own. Grab the cat and you’ll be the victim.           

Whether the cat came first, or a new one is being brought into the dog’s home, one of the first things to take care of is clipping the cat’s claws. If you can’t do it, a groomer or your vet can. 

Some breeders are fearful of putting one of their dogs into a home where there’s one or more cats because their dogs have not been raised with cats. This brings up a funny personal note. When I had my kennel, we always had a cat. However, one lovely, sweet tiger cat who was a purring friend to all the dogs felt positively paternal about puppies. He would curl up with every new litter of pups, but guard them (hissing, with back arched) if any stranger came near. In order to avoid “cat attacks” on prospective puppy-buyers, Tigger was securely locked in a bedroom before they arrived. The good side of course was the fact that each puppy went off to its new home initially “cat trained” and with proper follow-up, remained so.    

There are exceptions – dogs that can’t tolerate the sight of a cat, and vice versa – but most cats and dogs can, and do, get along together when their people handle the introductions properly.              

Until next time  – BE GOOD!

- Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog fancy Magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me! which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award this year.