Many people love both dogs and cats. They feel that they cannot keep the two pets at home as cats and dogs generally do not get along. With proper socialization, cats and dogs can live together in harmony. Here are some tips to help cats and dogs get along.

• When bringing a cat or dog into the home with an existing pet, make sure there is room to give them some space. Until pets get used to it, they may need to be kept separate. Animals should be kept apart for three days until they come face to face. This will give them a chance to get to know the smells and allow the new pet to get used to your home.

• To help the animals become familiar with their scents, pet the dog and let the cat smell your hand. Do the same with the dog. Also change the rooms in which the animals are kept. Allow the dog to enter the room in which the cat was kept and the cat should go to where the dog was staying. This will also give them a chance to get to know the smells. Once the animals have become familiar with your scent, allow them to look at each other under the door. They will be able to see each other, but they will not be allowed to run or attack each other.

• When introducing the animals, make sure they are relaxed. If the cat escapes, it is not the time for the presentation. Once the cat is calm; hold him. Another family member should lead the dog into the room on a leash. Let them look at and smell each other. Let them look and get closer too.

• Be sure to show love and affection to each animal. Animals, like humans, can get jealous and will compete for their owner’s attention. Both pets need to be loved and show them that they don’t have to compete for their attention.

• Even if the cat and dog seem to get along, it’s important to keep them separate when no one is home. This will help prevent injury. If the dog barks or the cat tries to play too roughly, redirect the behavior. Don’t yell at the dog, but instead divert your attention to another activity. Yelling can lead to a negative feeling associated with the cat. If the dog is good to the cat, be sure to praise him for this behavior. He sounds very happy to give the compliment. This will help the dog associate positive feelings with the cat.

• Cats need their space. There should be some kind of item, like a cat tree that the cat can go to when it wants to get away from the dog. The dog should not be able to reach the cat. If the dog has the cat cornered in a corner, this is where seizures can occur. If the cat can get away from the dog, it will be fine and it will not attack.

• When presenting cats and dogs together, it is important to have realistic expectations. If one of the pets is used to being the only one in the home, it will take some time to adjust to this new addition. When they are first introduced, pets will be curious about each other and this new fragrance they are selling. Allow them to be curious as you keep a close eye on the situation. Pets will take some getting used to before they get along and can even become friends. Both animals need to feel safe for this to happen.

• When having a cat and a dog in the same house, it is important to be patient. The cat may be afraid of the dog and want to hide. Allow the cat to remain in its safe place. Slowly introduce the dog into the room. It’s better to take it easy so pets get used to it and feel safe with each other. This will help them get along and live in the same house with peace.