"Try not to transfer your anxiety to the animals. They can easily pick it up," Wilbourn says.
There are plenty of circumstances when a new dog walks into a room and immediately becomes chums with the cat. Not something to bet on, but it does happen.
The two can reap wonderful benefits from sharing the same house without being best buddies.
The introduction of a cat can ease separation anxiety for a dog that doesn't like to be left alone. Both animals are certain to get more aerobic activity and stimulation as they bound about throughout the day. Their coordination and dexterity skills are honed. And, they won't be bored.
Maintaining a cat-dog household benefits you and, in a broader sense, your community, Johnson-Bennett says. Both animals will make better neighbors with other cats and dogs. "Cats and dogs are really good at compromise. A cat will make concessions to play with a dog, taking into consideration what dogs like to do," she says. "The dog, at the same time, learns to respect a cat's needs, such as territory. They really compromise a whole lot better than people do."
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