Are you familiar with the phrase "fighting like cats and dogs"? Many people believe that cats and dogs aren't made to co-exist in a single household. However, cats and dogs who live together doesn't automatically mean that they are enemies. How they get along is shaped by how they are raised by their owners and their individual personalities. While some develop a good, harmonious relationship, some pairs simply ignore each other. If you want to improve the relationship between your canine and feline, here are some useful tips:

Start them young

If you're planning to buy both of each animal, it's ideal to introduce them to each other while they are a puppy and a kitten wherein they don't have any previous "bad experiences" with the other kind. This makes living together easier as they will form a bond growing up, compared to adult cats and dogs. However, kittens are more fragile than puppies so it is important to always supervise their playtime as youngsters.

Introduce the new pet slowly

Introducing a dog in a household that already has a cat isn't that easy as felines are not a fan of change and are territorial. It is important to stick to both pets' own pace and forcing them to be together isn't going to help. Spend quality time with each and when in the same room, assure each pet that they are both loved. During the first few meetings, your dog could get excited and aggressive even in play which may scare the cat, so it would be ideal to put him on a leash until both gets used to each other's presence.

Have separate comfort zones

Cats are more "sensitive' than dogs, so it is a must to have an area in the house where your feline can relax and have some alone time. This area, complete with food and water, a litter box and toys, should be off-limits to the dog. It will serve as your feline's comfort zone during this unfamiliar experience, whether the cat is the new arrival or the resident pet.

Have separate dining spots

Same with their comfort zones, canines and felines should have their own dining spots where they can eat in peace. Cats aren't likely to want a dog's food, but canines are usually attracted to cat food because of their higher fat and protein content. Dining together may cause a fight and a dog eating cat food may harm his health.

Don't force friendship between the two

While it's cute to hope that your cat and dog could be best friends, keep in mind that each kind is different. If they develop an inseparable bond then great! But if they just learn to get along with no animosity, then that's good, too.

You can only provide a good, loving atmosphere for the two but in the end, it depends on the two pets how their relationship will turn out.