Purrrrfect
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The Truth About Cats, Dogs. and other animals.The Truth About Cats, Dogs. and other animals.
Many people believe that it is impossible for cats and dogs to live together peacefully. Perhaps this belief is brought on by images seen in cartoons or by one or two negative experiences between cats and dogs. But, in reality, it is quite possible for the two species to live together peacefully – and even to live together as friends.
Genetics
Genetically, there are reasons for cats and dogs to dislike each other. By nature, dogs are predators that tend to chase things that move quickly and that are smaller than them. Of course, cats fit this description, making them the perfect play toy for dogs wanting to utilize their predatory skills.
Cats, who are also predatory, can also exhibit stalking behaviors toward dogs; despite the fact the dog is usually much bigger. In addition, cats will defend themselves, so thus begins the rivalry.
Environmental Influence
Of course genetics and instinct alone isn't the only reason why dogs and cats sometimes don't get along. During the first 2 to 3 months of an animal's life, it learns who its friends and its enemies are. Therefore, a puppy raised with cats will most likely tend to get along better with the cats. Similarly, a kitten raised with dogs will not think much of the dogs. In fact, it is often easier to raise a new kitten in a household with dogs than the other way around because cats tend to be more territorial than dogs. A highly predatory dog, however, will make it more difficult to introduce a new kitten to the household.
Training Pets to Live in Peace and Harmony
Teaching cats and dogs that don't get along with each other to live together can be a somewhat difficult task, but it is possible. The best way to accomplish this is to allow the animals to spend time together while a human chaperone is present. The more time animals spend with one another, the more tolerant they become of the other. In fact, this can often lead to a very affectionate relationship. Puppies and kittens that are raised together have the best chance of developing a positive relationship.
If a dog has been particularly cruel to cats in the past, however, it is probably not a good idea to try to get the two species to co-exist. Even if the dog doesn't manage to get the cat, it will most likely make the cat's life difficult by continually chasing after it. Similarly, a puppy might need to be protected from a particularly territorial or mean cat.
Dogs can also be trained to leave cats alone, just as they can be trained to fetch, sit or stand still. For a pet owner who has the time and patience, the dog can be leashed with a training collar. Another person can bring the cat increasingly closer to the dog. If the dog sits still it, should be praised. If it attempts to lunge after the cat, the leash should be pulled and the dog should be told “No. Leave it!” Some dogs learn quickly while others take a little longer.
Another approach for training the dog can also be utilized. This approach uses positive association. Each time the dog is in the same room as the cat, it is provided with extra attention and treats. Soon, the dog realizes having the cat in the room is a good thing because it gets something good out of it. In this way, it positively associates the cat with things that it desires – affection and tasty treats!
Feeding Time
Even cats and dogs that get along might start fighting during mealtime. Most animals are very protective of their food. In addition, they tend to be quite curious about the food the other animal is enjoying. For this reason, it is best to have separate feeding stations for cats and dogs.
It is best to place the cat's food in a high, hard to reach area. Otherwise, the dog will have a tendency to eat the cat's food, or to at least try to eat it. Of course, the food should still be placed in an area the cat can easily reach and eat comfortably. Cats don't generally try to eat dog food. But, in the case of a cat that does, this behavior should be discouraged. The best way to do this is to feed the two animals at the same time, but in different places.
It is also important to remember that cat and dog food each have different nutrients, so one should not be used in place of the other. Therefore, it is not only necessary to keep the food separate in order for the pets to live in harmony; it is also necessary to keep them healthy.
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stkflote
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i believe cat food is mainly fish if fish food is not good for dogs why are Huskys fed almost entirely on fish doesnt seem to do them any harm
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Purrrrfect
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I found that article while surfing the net. I thought it was interesting reading. 
And with pets of differant kinds getting along.
My youngest brother had a jack russel dog and a ferret. They used to sleep, eat and play together.
And i used to have a number of guinea pigs and dwarf rabbits. And one of my cats would climb in the hutch's and wash them. Another cat used to get in the rabbit run and play with the rabbits and guinea pigs. 
So it just shows that differant animals can get along just fine in multi pet households. 
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stkflote
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Ifind if you have a cat and dog the dog will get fleas more so than if the dog was on its own ,cats are so independant they clear off any where and so get caught with fleas which then get on to dogs
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Purrrrfect
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If you are a responsible pet owner like me and use proper flea treatment like frontline, that you can now get tax free from any manor pharmacy, and not the cheap stuff you get in pet shops. Then your cat doesnt have fleas. And cat fleas dont live on dogs and vise versa. It is also possible for dogs to pick up fleas on the steet from other dogs.
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Purrrrfect
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An interesting article i found on the subject.
It just goes to show how clever animals are.
Without! Training.
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john the tinca
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Now thats the kind of story I like reading about. 
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