…according to science. But only if the right conditions are met.
Research at Tel Aviv University, the first of its kind in the world, has found a new recipe for success. According to the study, if the cat is adopted before the dog and if they are introduced when still young (less than 6 months for kittens, a year for dogs), there is a high probability that your two pets will get along swimmingly.
While ‘high probability’ doesn’t guarantee success, it certainly sounds a lot better then just guessing and hoping for the best!
There was a reported indifference between the cat and dog in 25% of the homes, while aggression and fighting were observed in 10% of the homes.
One reason for the fighting might have been crossed inter-species signals. Cats and dogs may not have been able to read each other’s body cues. For instance, cats tend to lash their tails about when mad, while dogs growl and arch their backs. A cat purrs when happy, while a dog wags its tail. A cat’s averted head signals aggression, while in a dog the same head position signals submission.
In homes where cat/dog détente existed, Prof. Terkel observed a surprising behavior. “We found that cats and dogs are learning how to talk each other’s language. It was a surprise that cats can learn how to talk ‘Dog’ and vice versa.”
Not being a dog person (surprise!) I found it interesting about the different signals. I know what Train means by a swish of a tail or a tilt of the head, but would not have a clue what the same gestures mean when a dog does them.
Have you had any luck introducing a cat and a dog? Let us know in the comments.
savvycat x
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We introduced our tabby kitten to our 3-year-old Doberman and never had a single problem. They became great friends, and in fact the two of them romped together routinely with the Bishon next door. When the Doberman died at age 13 the cat mourned for months afterward.
I have a 4 year old cat and a 2 year old dog, the cat definatley rules the roost! The dog is a Vizsla and not small by any means but she loves the cat and always brings him gifts. I also foster small kittens that the dog loves to groom and she will tell me if the kittens cry or stress. Dogs and cats can live together and you dont have to be a ‘dog’ or a ‘cat’ person you can be both!