Do dogs and cats hate each other?

Are dogs and cats sworn enemies? Well, looking at spike and tom’s mad antics in tom and jerry and other popular movies like cats and dogs, you cannot help but stereotype the situation! The actual fact is that cats and dogs do not hate each other. Their dislike or dispute with each other is more to do with their predatory instincts and a basic communication mismatch.

Introverts vs Extroverts?

Cats and dogs are not enemies by nature. Both have different temperaments. Like extroverts, dogs love being the centre of attention and are social animals. Cats, like introverts are loners and are fiercely independent. This difference in their nature is likely to cause them not to see eye to eye with each other.

Differences in habits

Both the animals are trained differently. Dogs are trained to chase and hunt their prey when they play and a cat is most likely to see it as a threat if a dog playfully chases them. This makes us feel that they cannot get along with each other when it is just a wrong choice of game to be played between the two.

Introductions                     

The manner in which the two are introduced to each other plays a major role in cementing their relationship. Dogs are basically pack leaders and cats are particular in guarding their territory. When they are finally introduced their body language will create a lot of confusion. If a dog sniffs their butt, which is their way of greeting and getting to know the other species, cats will feel threatened and may turn aggressive.

When a dog is raised in a house of cats they do not take to each other immediately. Through constant exposure a dog will slowly learn to not think of the cat as a prey and the cat will stop feeling threatened by the dog. Dogs and cats who are raised in the same home by a caring family will learn to tolerate each other and will slowly form a close bond.

So, now you know that cats and dogs do not instinctively hate each other. It has more to do with communication issue. If you are thinking of bringing home a cat when you already have a dog or vice versa, do not worry! They will need some time to get used to each other. After all any strong relationship is formed only when there is complete understanding and clear communication with each other. This holds true even between our canine and feline friends!