Can Cats And Dogs Live Together? Dog And Cat Nutrition Tips

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Sources say that 36.5% of households in the U.S. own a dog, while 30.4% own a cat. But can cats and dogs live together in the same home?

As long as you follow a few basic rules, getting Fido and Fluffy to be roommates isn’t as difficult as you might think. It’s important that you supervise the meeting and the interactions between them until they settle into their new routines completely. Whether you already have a dog and want to bring home a new cat, or vice versa, follow these dos and don’ts for a smooth transition.

Do:

Give kitty a place to hide. Since dogs love to chase fast-moving objects, he’ll be in hot pursuit of Fluffy should she dash off quickly. Be sure to provide a high shelf, cubby, or perch as these are the perfect places for her to make her getaway.
Restrain your Pup. If Fido does take to the chase, having him restrained on a leash will prevent too much of a scare to Fluffy when the meeting times arrives. You might even consider taking the dog for a long walk or run to give him some exercise before the meeting.
Consider a baby gate. Baby gates can help provide a barrier so that Fluffy and Fido can do a meet-and-greet with a barrier that can minimize trouble for the cat. This way they can both feel the freedom of the space behind them without being able to encroach on the space in front of them.
Talk to your vet. Inform your vet of your new addition and ask if there are any suggestions they can give to help the cat and the dog get along better right from the start.

Don’t:

Be forceful. Never force your pets to get close to each other. Don’t pick up one and hold it close to the other; this is one way to ensure that you’ll get bit or scratched and it won’t help anyone to feel better.
Forget the animal’s past. Know what kind of place or home your new pet is coming from. Were they in an abusive situation? Are they known to be aggressive or destructive? Be sure to talk to the owner or shelter about what kind of new situation might be difficult for them.
Neglect preparations. You’ll want to prepare your home for the arrival of a new pet. One important change might be the litterbox; don’t keep it near the dog’s kennel or in a place where the cat will need to walk by the dog to get to it. Anything that can avoid stress for either animal should be planned in advance.
Wait to get help. Even after you try your best to get them together, if there still are problems between Fluffy and Fido (no matter how minor) find out what else you can do to make the transition smoother. A pet behavior specialist can help.

Remember that age can make a big difference in how your pets will get along. Puppies are less dangerous to cats, and kittens are often fearless around adult dogs. However, that doesn’t mean that it won’t take some work to get them to accept each other. As always, be sure that you supervise all interactions to keep everyone safe and happy.

They Can’t Really Share Their Food

When it comes to the food you plan to feed your pets, remember that it’s not a free-for-all. Cats and kittens need foods that are made for them, while dogs and puppies need food made for their own needs. Dogs are usually the culprits when it comes to scarfing someone else’s food, and though a snack here and there won’t necessarily hurt them, it isn’t a good idea. Too much extra kitty food can make Fido overweight. Plus, many of today’s cat food brands contain peas, which act as a grain-free filler and have been known to cause loose stools in dogs, but not in cats.

Cat Nutrition Tips: The Meaty Truth

When it comes to cat nutrition tips, remember that food made for dogs does not contain enough of the proper ingredients to sustain a cat. Dogs are omnivores, meaning that they can get their nutrients through meat or plant based products. Cats are carnivores, meaning that their natural diet must consist of animal-based protein. Look for a food that contains plenty of real meat or fish in the top 5 ingredients on the label. Meat or fish meal is also a good choice as it is high in meat protein. Be careful about meat by-products as these can sometimes include unknown and even undesirable parts of an animal that are not fit for human consumption. Good choices to consider include:

Cat Nutrition Tips: The Vitamins and Amino Acids

All cats require the amino acid taurine for good heart and eye health. Without it, they are subject to devastating heart disease. Dogs can make their own taurine, so you will not find it included in most dog food brands. Cats cannot make their own, so the addition of it in their food is essential. Be sure that the cat food you choose has added taurine on the ingredient list. Some good options are:

Cats also need vitamin A, which can be found in ingredients like sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkin, and found in formulas such as:

Keep feeding areas separate to avoid mishaps. Kitty’s food can be kept on a shelf or table where the dog can’t reach it and you can schedule out a feeding time for Fido so that he’ll eat before the cat has a chance to sneak in.

Yes, dogs and cats can live together in harmony; it just takes a little work, a little patience, and a whole lot of love.