There are too many movies where the cat hisses and the dog barks, and most people just assume that's how it is in real life.  But anyone who's ever owned both a cat and a dog knows that's not true. 

It's a classic debate: can cats and dogs be friends? The answer is a resounding yes! 

Contrary to popular belief, these two animals can get along just fine—in fact, they can be best friends.  While it's true that cats and dogs are different in many ways, that doesn't mean they can't form strong bonds of friendship. In fact, there are plenty of reasons why these two species make such great companions for one another.

Sure, there may be some initial competition for dominance when they first meet, but with a little patience and some training, your furry friends can become the best buddies. Plus, having a cat and a dog around can have some big benefits for both of them.

And that's what this blog post is all about – how to get your cat and dog to get along, so everyone in your home can live in harmony. Stick around, because we're going to cover everything you need to know!

Here’s a quick list of a few reasons why cats and dogs can be best friends:

1. They both need exercise. Dogs need to walk, run, and play to stay healthy, and cats need to scratch, climb, and chase to stay active. By playing together, cats and dogs can get the exercise they need while spending quality time with their best friend.

2. They both love food. Cats and dogs both love food, so they have something in common from the start! Sharing meals is a great way for them to bond with one another.

3. They both need love and attention.Whether it's cuddling, playing, or simply spending time together, cats and dogs both appreciate quality time with their best friend.

Now if that’s still not enough for you and you’re still planning on getting a new pet. Here’s how you can make sure that your cat and dog can get along:

First impressions are vital

In order to make your cats and dogs friends, you must start by making the right introductions. The first encounter needs to be a positive one because cats are unforgiving by nature and are less likely to open up if things don't go well.

❕ Important tip ❕

Part of the reason cats and dogs don't get along is because they don't understand each other's scents. 

Let your cat and dog sniff each other's scents. Introduce their scents first by swapping beddings or collars. When they’re meeting for the first time, let them sniff each other (tails, and feet, and anywhere else they want to sniff), they will begin to understand each other's smells. 

This is an important first step in getting them to accept each other. Once they've had a chance to get used to each other's scent, you'll be one step closer to having a furry family that gets along swimmingly.

Match Their Personalities

One way to help ensure a harmonious home is to choose an animal with similar personality traits to your existing pet. For example, if you have a high-energy dog, you may want to consider getting a cat that enjoys playing and being active. That way, they can tire each other out and you won't have to worry about restless pets wreaking havoc in your home.

Cats and Dogs Can Communicate

One of the reasons why some people think that cats and dogs can't be friends is because they don't think that they can communicate with each other. But that's just not true! Dogs are very good at reading body language, and cats are very good at using their body language to communicate. 

So, even though they don't speak the same language, they can still understand each other.

Cats and Dogs Can Bond Over Activities

Another reason why some people think that cats and dogs can't be friends is that they think that cats are lazy and dogs are always running around. 

While it's true that cats do like to take naps (what self-respecting cat doesn't?), it's also true that they like to play just as much as dogs do. In fact, some cats love to play fetch!

If you're looking for a way to bond with your cat, try playing a game of fetch together. It’s guaranteed that you'll all have a blast.

Though they may seem like natural enemies, cats and dogs can be best friends. If you have both a cat and dog at home, there are some things you can do to help them get along even better - like giving them each their own space in the house and distracting them with toys when they start to fight. And of course, it's important to protect them from pests with GCP flea tick and mosquito deterrent soft chews. That way, they'll both be happy, healthy...and itch-free!