Can dogs and cats live happily ever after?

It's almost like a cartoon sketch. We've been used to the stereotype for years; dogs and cats just don't get on.

Of course, as umpteen owners around the land will testify, it doesn't have to be like this. Countless dogs and cats reside together, without any problems.

It would be fair to say that this has become more normal over time as well, and society almost encourages it. Whether it’s through veterinarians that provide packages covering both dogs and cats together, or even concepts like multi-pet insurance from Petgevity, it could almost be classed as the “new normal”.

If you're considering such an approach for your household, read on for some of the best tips to make it happen.

Get them used to each other from an early age

One of the best things you can do to ensure a happy future for your canine and feline friends is to get them used to each other from an early age. Granted, this won’t sometimes be possible, but if you have your eye on a dog and cat household – start thinking early.

If you're bringing a new puppy or kitten into your home, try and do so when your current pet is around two years old. That way, they'll be used to living with each other from the outset.

Give them their own space

While it's important to let them socialize, it's also crucial to give your dog and cat their own space.

Each should have their own bed, bowls and toys, and they should be able to eat and sleep in peace without the other bothering them.

Even though “dog” food might be labelled as such, and vice versa, don’t be surprised if you see either animal dipping into the other food if they sense an opportunity! Naturally, this can lead to all sorts of disagreements that you’d rather avoid as well.

Don't force them to interact

Some dogs and cats will naturally become best buddies, but others will always keep their distance.

And that's fine. Don't force them to interact if they're not comfortable with it, as this will only lead to resentment.

Treat them equally

Trust us, jealousy is a thing with both cats and dogs. If you're showering one pet with attention and not the other, it's only natural that problems will arise.

To avoid any issues, make sure you're treating them both equally in terms of food, affection, and exercise.

Watch for early signs of stress

Dogs and cats can both get stressed, and this can quickly lead to conflict.

So, it's important to watch for early signs of stress in either pet. Panting, excessive grooming, yawning, hiding away – these are all signs that your pet is feeling stressed, so take action accordingly.

Of course, this might be completely unrelated to the other animal, but understanding your pet’s warning signs is a crucial element of being an owner and can help with this issue as well as many more.