Why Cats and Dogs Don't Always Get Along

Are you all having a ruff day? Don’t worry – its CJ here, with Rex and our feline pal, Whiskers; we’re here to make it better! While we three may be close friends, we know that other cats and dogs are the reason why humans have the expression, “fighting like cats and dogs.” Though we may compete for food scraps, leftovers and attention, we also can live in perfect harmony. Right, Rex?

Rex: Exactly, CJ - woof! It all starts with humans understanding where our personality differences lie and how we essentially speak two different languages.

CJ: Couldn’t have said it better myself – woof, woof! I mean, come on, what does “meow” mean anyway?

Whiskers: *eye roll* I think Rex was referring to our body language differences, CJ. For example, you two love to run around and wag your tails where I run away when I’m scared and only wag my tail when I’m feeling a tad aggressive. Meow.

Rex: Ah, that helps explain your reaction to me playing with your yarn ball the other day.

CJ: Woof! Even I know, as close as we all are, you don’t touch Whiskers’ yarn ball. Anyway, it’s obvious that cat and dog communication styles are complicated. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t train and teach your cats and dogs to understand each other and get along better.

Whiskers: It starts with territory! Us cats, we need our protected space – a territory that is just ours. Make sure this space has tall surfaces as us felines are pawfectly natural climbers.

Rex: And while your cat is romping around, make sure your dog has had lots of stimulation! If we’re able to run around or play with toys then we will be less likely to chase things (or cats!) in the house.

CJ: Let’s not furget to mention that this process takes time! While it starts with a first impression, it needs to be a process that gradually takes place overtime. Schedule your cat-dog meetings during mealtime, because who doesn’t love food, but keep your dog on a leash and both animals on opposite sides of a closed door.

Whiskers: Then, once you, the human, feel comfortable, you can continue feeding them separately, but on either side of a gate or screen, before finally removing the barrier all together.

Rex: Let’s be honest though, sometimes, cats and dogs are just not going to be friends. We come from different descendants and all have different backgrounds. However, that doesn’t mean you should listen to the stereotypes and not at least try to have us cohabit!

CJ: Well said Rex! Jeez – this talk has me grateful that I have you two as my best friends furever.

Whiskers: Purrr – you’re too sweet! Now come on CJ and Rex, I believe I have a yarn ball that’s calling all our names.

CJ and Rex: Bark, Bark, let’s get to it!

If your humans ever have any questions about pet care, just have them contact Bulverde Animal Hospital.

General Guidelines for Pet Nutrition

Welcome back, humans (and fellow pets that learned how to read)! It’s CJ and Rex here, and we are once again joined by our fine feline friend, Whiskers, to talk about pet nutrition. It’s assumed that pets are naturally bubbly and energetic – but this is only partly true. A lot of your furry friend’s temperament will be a result of a balanced diet rich in nutrition! Can I get a woof woof, Rex?

Rex: Woof woof indeed, CJ! Dogs like us require six basic nutrients in our diet: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. 

CJ: Well said, Rex! And how should our humans go about providing us with a diet that includes those nutrients? 

Rex: There’s a lot of information out there about picking the best dog food, and a lot of it can be misleading. When it comes to choosing a nutritious option, pick a food that includes recognizable, whole-food ingredients. The price tag and the ingredients don’t necessarily indicate the quality, so just make sure that you find something that contains important ingredients that dogs want and need. 

CJ: Sounds good to me! For the feline side of things, we’ll turn to Whiskers!

Whiskers: Thank you for allowing me to share my purr-spective, CJ! While dogs can enjoy an omnivorous diet – meaning they can get all of their necessary nutrients from plant and meat-based sources – cats require an animal-based diet to meet their nutritional needs. The amino acid known as taurine helps with cats’ heart function and vision, and that can only be found in meat-based proteins. 

CJ: Interesting! So cat owners should I always keep chicken or fish around for kitty?

Whiskers: Right! Or it would be a real fur paw… y’know, like faux paus?

CJ & Rex: Hmm… 

Whiskers: Anyway! A high-quality, animal-based diet – paired with free access to fresh, clean water – will keep cats happy and energized! Meow.

 

CJ: Thanks for the insight, Whiskers! So is there any reliable rule of thumb to follow when picking out a pet food? Even though we don’t have thumbs?

Rex: Yes! When searching for a pet food company, it’s best to select a well-established company with a long history in the business. 

Whiskers: These companies are more likely to have robust test feeding systems that improve their products and achieve the best nutritional content possible. Can I get a meow, boys!?

CJ & Rex: Woof! Woof!

 

Whiskers: That’ll do!

CJ: With that said, I think this is a great place to stop; we’ve covered a lot! Thank you, Rex and Whiskers, for sharing your thoughts with us. If any of our readers have more questions about pet nutrition, reach out to the expert veterinarians at Bulverde Animal Hospital.