Multi-Pet Households or The Truth About Cats and Dogs

It’s human nature. We think everyone needs a companion. You might even remember you mom saying: “If you have one child, you might as well have another.” This isn’t necessarily the case in the animal world.

Cats
It’s a fact--cats do not need a companion. They are not direct descendents of pack animals like dogs are. They are descendents of the African Wildcat, which means they like solitude. It just isn’t lonely for a cat to be alone. So, stop fretting if you believe your cat is lonely. It probably isn’t.

However, if you do decide to take that step into a multi-pet household, you should consider the sex of the cat. Expect problems if you bring a female adult cat into a male cat’s territory. As in the human world, the males tend to “mark” their territory.

It’s best to bring a female cat in to a house with another female cat. But always keep in mind, sometimes toleration is the best you can expect when bringing another pet into the household. They may not become best buddies.

Cats and Dogs
How about mixing the species? It can work. The best scenario is to bring a kitten and puppy together. The young always tend to get along better. They will have the same type of energy and be learning and growing up together.

How about dogs and cats? Well there are some things to remember when mixing the species. Let’s just say, some dog breeds have pretty strong prey drives. These breeds – retrievers, labs, terriers, sight hounds such as greyhounds and whippets – may pose more of a challenge if you bring a cat into the picture.  It would be best to have an outgoing cat if you have a large dog. It makes things a little bit more equal.

It really comes down to communication between the species. The problem is dogs and cats don’t always understand one another’s body language. Sounds like a problem us humans have. Dogs don’t understand hisses. Cats and dogs postures are also different. The stare however, a challenge, is understood across species. How appropriate…. it seems to work in the human world, too.

Dogs with Dogs
The best case scenario – if you already have a dog – is to bring your dog to meet the new dog away from your home.  This way you can see if they will be a good match.  You may have to try many new dogs before you find a dog that will get along with the dog you already own.  Take your time and do not rush your decision in getting a new dog.  Remember, if your dogs live to be 18 years old you want to make sure that the new dog and the dog you already own are a great match.  Otherwise you might spend many years dealing with two dogs that never seemed to get along from the start.  Many think that the dogs will just learn to get along with time and that is not always the case. 

It’s not the best idea to bring a puppy to a household if the other dog is geriatric. This may result in a very difficult situation.  Extreme opposites are not a good idea, i.e., young vs. old. It will become even more challenging if the older dog is sickly.

As in all cases in multi-pet or soon to become multi-pet households, it’s best to look at the breed and history and know the individual pet.