Do you wonder how the phrase “fighting like cats and dogs” even came about? If it’s true, how will you keep a dachshund and a cat at home together? Are dachshunds good with cats?
If these questions have been haunting you, then relax because we’ve got you covered! We are here to answer your questions and help you decide if you can make a dachshund and a cat as part of your family.
For starters, you must know that dachshunds are friendly and loving dogs, and they can get along well with humans and animals alike. But again, we know that just like no individual is the same, no dog has the same personality.
Generally speaking, many families have a dachshund and a cat living together. So, how did that happen? Keep reading if you want to know more.
What affects a dachshund and a cat’s relationship?
It may seem like the feisty and adventurous personality of a dachshund may not suit the independent and introverted personality of a cat. But that’s not always true. If you want a cat and a dachshund to be friends, there are many factors to consider. The most important ones are:
Personality
Since every animal has a different personality, you should study both personalities to decide. While dachshunds are friendly and affectionate, they can be very territorial too. It is easier to bring a dachshund to a home with a cat rather than the other way round.
If your dachshund is comfortable being around other pets, then he will most likely accept a cat too. You need to watch your doxie closely and see how he reacts. If you see him growl or bark, then it may take some time for them to get along.
On the other hand, cats are easier to handle when they see new animals. If you are getting a puppy home, your cat may probably be inquisitive for some time and then mind her own business later. They are not very territorial or protective like dachshunds.
Past experiences
Looking into the past experiences of a dachshund or a cat will help in understanding the animal. This is especially true if you are thinking of getting an older dog or cat. If you plan to adopt a dachshund, you can ask the rehoming center how the dog is around cats. Get more information about if the dog got into any fights with a cat in the past or has interacted with a cat.
If you are getting a puppy or a kitten, you can inquire about how the parents are. Breeders will most give you all information on the pup’s personalities and the parents. With all this information at hand, you’ll be able to better understand the animal.
Age
Age is another major factor that will decide if a dachshund and a cat will get along. It is much easier to handle a pup and a kitten rather than matured one. Bringing home a kitten with an older dachshund may be tougher than getting a pup with a cat.
Dachshunds have a chasing instinct, and getting a small furry animal in front of him may tempt them to chase the animal. The best time is to introduce them when they are small.
Introducing a dachshund and a cat
There is a lot of work at hand when you plan on introducing a dachshund and a cat. Here are a few things you need to do if you want the introduction to happen smoothly.
Keep them separately at first.
When you first get the cat or dachshund home, don’t let them meet from the first day. They still have to get used to each other’s smells in the territory. You can keep them separated in two different spaces with a mesh gate or a stair gate in between.
By doing so, they will come together to smell each other out of curiosity but won’t attack if they feel threatened.
Switch smells
Animals get used to one another through their distinct smells. To make your pets comfortable with each other, you must swap smells. You can do so by exchanging their blankets every day or by playing with one of them right after meeting the other.
Rewards
Once the two of them are somehow used to each other, bring them together in one room and reward them. Make it a routine to always give them treats whenever they are together in a room. They will start associating the presence of each other with rewards and will look forward to meeting each other.
Don’t leave them alone.
Even though your two pets may seem to have become friends, don’t leave them alone in a room as yet. You still have to repeat the routine and spend enough time with both to ensure their safety. Animals take time to become really close with each other, so give them that.
Give equal attention
This is one thing you must always keep in mind- to give equal attention! Both dachshunds are possessive of their owners, so if they see you spending more time with the other, they may start getting jealous of each other.
Make sure that you are together with both of them always, and give rewards or treats at the same time.
Conclusion
If you are still thinking, are dachshunds good with cats? Then we hope you have your answer now. Both of them have distinct personalities that may either work very well together or become worse. The best time for them to become friends is when they are very young.
Another point to remember is to only get a pup or a kitten that has been well-socialized at a very young age. Make sure that you get information about the parents and if they have a history with cats.
Nevertheless, it is possible for dachshunds and cats to live together peacefully once both of them are used to each other. The owner plays an important role in making them comfortable at home. Therefore, simply follow the tips given above and get your new pet home!
