<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn some cases, a cat and a dog will become friends more or less instantly. Usually, it takes some time for them to tolerate each other, and then in the long run maybe even become friends. If your cat and dog aren’t friends, it might still be a matter of time. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Cat and Dog Friendships: A Tale of Two Tails<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you ever feel like it is already impossible for cats and dogs to forge friendships, well listen to these amazing friendships from real life cat and dogs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>1. Pela, Sunny and Pamuk<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n Valia Orfanidou has 3 lovely pets. Pela is a German Shepherd and definitely the oldest of them all. Sunny and Pamuk are stray cats that Valia adopted and welcomed to her home. According to Orfanidou, Pela is definitely not a cat-friendly dog because she would often chase cats around like any normal dog would do. However, she became smitten with the two kittens. German Shepherds are known to be very territorial and they are great trackers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>2. Marley and Tickles<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nMarley is a labrador retriever while Tickles is a tabby ginger cat. Before Marley became a part of the family, Tickles was an \u201conly child.\u201d Tickles is kind of aloof because she\u2019s used to staying home alone. Marley, on the other hand, is an enthusiastic and playful pup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Imagine Tickles horror when her furparent brought along a ball of energized fluff! However, as time passed by they became best friends and would often snuggle together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>3. Ruth and Idgie<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis is one of the stories that will tug your heartstrings. Ruth is a mixed breed black and white cat while Idgie is a dachshund. Ruth and Idgie are stray animals and they were found together! According to an article from the Orlando Sentinel, Ruth and Idgie were found dumped in a gated driveway outside Geneva. When they were found, Idgie was providing warmth to Ruth by hugging her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After they were adopted, they both were inseparable. They became best friends. Unfortunately, Ruth had deformities. Orlando Sentinel reported that Ruth\u2019s front paw curled in unnaturally that she could only drag her back legs in order to move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eventually, Ruth was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which ended with Ruth losing the fight. Idgie, her protector and best friend, mourned over the loss of her dearest friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Forging Friendship between cat and dog<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs you can see, it is not impossible for your cat and dog will form friendships. As a cat\/dog parent, you play the most crucial part. First of all<\/em>, you must make sure to introduce them to an environment where they won’t feel stressed and is comfortable for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCats in particular need consistency, not only in territory but also comfortability. Cats tend to be aloof at first and they need a space where they can feel lurk and hide. For first time feline parents, you may give your cat an area where the dog can\u2019t walk over or trespass. You may give your cat a box and a litter box in that area. Cats love boxes and they like hiding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly<\/em>, train your dog or pup. This is very important because dogs have natural predatory instincts meaning they can see your cat as a prey. You should be able to stop your dog’s impulses and observe him\/her when s\/he\u2019s interacting with your cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Introducing the scent to the dog<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThen, introduce your kitten’s scent to your pup and vice versa. You may rub a cloth to your feline and put it in your pup\u2019s bed where your pup can sniff the cloth and eventually your dog will get used to the scent of your kitten. And you can do the same to the dog so that your cat will also become familiar with the scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, introduce them gradually. Through separate fences, you may let them roam around until they are ready to observe each other through the fence or their cages. Do not abruptly introduce them to each other, they might be more cautious of each other instead of getting along. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dogs need to be familiarized with the cat\u2019s sound, scent, and sight. The same goes for the cat, s\/he needs time to adjust to the dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So you see, forming a friendship between a cat and a dog is not impossible. It will take weeks, maybe months but your feline and canine will eventually open up to each other if and when they are ready. You just need to ensure a safe space both for your cat and dog where they can do whatever they want without annoying each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n