PETS18 | July• 2019The Truth About
Cats and Dogs
Here’s what you need to know to get your hound and
feline to live happily together BY DR KATRINA WARRENTHERE’S A WELL-KNOWN EXPRESSION –‘to fight
like cats and dogs’, which means to constantly argue.
However, dogs and cats can be great friends. These tips
from veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren will help you to
enjoy a harmonious multi-species household.ACQUIRE A PUPPY AND KITTEN AT THE SAME
TIMEIdeally, you should acquire your dog and cat at
the same time when they are both young. This will help
them to get used to each other at a time when both can
establish regular routines and socialise with each other.
If it’s not possible to get your pets at the same time,
then research suggests that you are more likely to be
successful introducing a dog to a household where a cat
is the first occupant, rather than introducing a cat into a
household that already has a dog.GRADUAL INTRODUCTIONSIf you have an existing
pet, it’s best to introduce the new pet very gradually and
under supervision. A gentle introduction is far safer
than a rushed one and will hopefully result in your pets
becoming good friends. When you first bring home your
new pet, put them in a room behind a closed door so that
your other pet can get to know the new arrival ‘through
the door’ with minimal confrontation. This will enable
the pets to discover each other via smell and hearing,Our regular pet
columnist,
Dr Katrina
Warren, is an
established and
trusted animal
expert.