Can Cats and Dogs Get Along??

Cats vs. Dogs... This seems to be a popular media story line, where the two animals are portrayed as rivals against each other. Either the cats view themselves as more sophisticated and aristocratic than the uncivilized dog, or that the dogs just want to chase the cat around all day. But are either stereotypes really true? Why do we believe that such a rivalry even exists? Does this mean that both animals are unable to live peacefully under one roof?

I don't think that anybody really knows where this rivalry stereotype comes from, to be perfectly honest with you. I believe that this is actually some competition between the "cat people" and the "dog people." Think about it for a second... People who prefer one pet over the other seem to have some pretty strong opinions on why their preference is the better choice! To be clear, I'm not saying that it's a bad thing to have your preference, but let's not spread awful rumors that cats and dogs can't get along, simply because your spouse/roommate/children want a cat when you already own (and prefer) a dog. 

In all honesty, there are many households that incorporate both cats and dogs, and they live a relatively friction free life. Sure, the dog may want to play and be more active, and this may annoy a sleepy cat, but let's be clear on one thing: annoyance does not always equate to hatred. So now that we've got that cleared up, I will take some time to address the other side. 

I was reading some information stating that dogs have a natural instinct to hunt smaller animals. This may be there the whole "dogs just chase and terrorize cats!" rumor comes from. Okay, if this were true, it would make sense why you wouldn't want to pair a cat with say, a dalmatian. But what happens when you pair a toy/smaller breed with a cat? I mean, those breeds are about the same size as most cats, so would that gene to hunt small animals kick in? I am obviously just speculating here, but if both animals are about the same size, I think I just found the loophole you need to incorporate both animals into your household.

But let's just say that you aren't the small dog type. "They're just bigger/fluffier/yappier rats," you say, and you are dead set on getting a "real dog." The only kicker is that there is already a cat in your household, and your girlfriend/wife/roommate/children/husband/boyfriend/whoever refuses to give it up. Does that mean that you have to give up your dream on owning a big dog, because you don't want to end up in the doghouse yourself when you inevitably spark that dog's hunting gene? 

Not necessarily. Size isn't the only issue that determines whether or not dogs and cats can cohabit and get along. Personality plays a huge factor in it as well, because not all personality types mesh well and cohesively together. For instance, if you have a dog that loves to chase things (not just smaller animals), that dog will not be a good fit for a shy and fearful cat. If your dog likes to play roughly, consider getting another dog as well, so that it will not want to play roughly with, and injure your cat. All in all, you want to make sure that you are not trying to integrate two animals with conflicting personality types to avoid frightening (or annoying) the other animal. 

Before I close this post, I want to revisit the hunting gene that I mentioned earlier on. If dogs really do have it, is "gene" really just a euphemism for a "personality trait?" Yes and no. For example, there are some dogs that were bred to be more aggressive than others. As a result, this aggression has become part of that breed's genetic code over time. However, just because these genes now exist in their bloodline, it does not mean that these dogs will always exhibit those behaviors. Dogs can, and should be trained; this is how you can help eliminate the unfavorable genetic qualities in their overall behaviors. 

So all in all, I do believe that dogs and cats can get along. It would just take some diligence, research, and maybe a little bit of training on your part. These steps are essential to making sure that the animals' personalities and behaviors are a good match for one another.