Dogs and Cats Getting Along: One Big Happy Family

Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela.

Dogs and cats don’t always get along. It depends on a lot of factors, such as their age when first introduced, whether they were socialized with the other species when young, their individual characters, and their former experiences. Previous dogs I had weren't fans of cats, and I got used to keeping them at a safe distance, just in case. My biggest concern when I got my first cat 2 years ago, as a kitten, was how Lava and Hela would react to him. Now, with three dogs and three cats, I am genuinely grateful for the types of relationships they established, as I don’t need to worry that anyone will get injured.

Some Things Still Need to Be Respected

Despite my cats and dogs getting along exceptionally well, regardless of the fact that the dogs are all grown up and, other than Lava, have an unknown history of living with cats, there are still a few things I like to be mindful of. Most importantly, this relates to meal and treat times. My dogs are generally greedy, and while eating, could even interpret a cat just passing by as a threat, although they couldn’t care less for whatever boring kibble is in the dog’s bowl. But still, it’s better to be safe than sorry. And there are differences between the dogs, as well. Lava hates anyone coming near her bowl when she eats, and even the cats have learned to stay away during this time. Hela is not super fussed, but she also inhales her food before she gets a hint of a threat that someone could steal it from her. Lajka seems least bothered about the cats passing by when she eats, but I always ensure they are well away from the dogs during their meal times.

Funnily enough, of course, it doesn’t go both ways. When cats eat, all three dogs try to stick around in case they drop anything from their bowls, which are raised on a shelf, that may end up on the floor. Hela has developed a whole subtle tactic of pretending to be doing something very important close to the cats’ feeding area, and then licking everything and anything. If I stop paying attention for even a minute, her nose will slowly end up in the cat bowls.

Sharing Beds

Beds, both mine and the dogs’, are on a first-come, first-served basis. Still, whoever gets on first generally lets the rest of the gang join in, or they find themselves a separate spot, if they’re feeling like needing their own privacy. Lava is the only one particular about sharing. After all, she was the first pet in the house. She will let Hela and Lajka, as well as the cats, come close, although she will appear clearly annoyed.

Swapping Water Bowls

A very interesting thing is that the dogs love to use the cats’ water bowls. Lava even takes it a step further and drinks from the water fountain, which is conveniently located just next to the biggest water bowl ever. She must think the cats get some special sort of water that they don’t. Hela and Lajka will drink from their bowls mainly, but Lajka has tried the cats’ water fountain as well once, presumably just to see if she was missing out on anything.

Unique Points of View

It’s funny to observe how the cats see the dogs, and vice versa. Generally, the dogs seem to think of the cats as fun creatures to be around, to occasionally playfully chase and snuggle with. And the best thing, of course, is sniffing their butts and picking up their food leftovers. The cats have very individual opinions of the dogs. Minnie likes the dogs and will play with their tails. Nara stays well away from them, as well as from anything causing noise and disarray, while Miki’s favorite thing is to rub and head butt the dogs while greeting them during our walks. They have all found a way to respect each other and live in harmony, and this is the thing I am very grateful for, as life wouldn’t be the same any other way.