How to Make Your Pets Friends

foto: Woman's Day

Interesting - Get tips for introducing two furry family members and helping them bond. Fur-st Impressions, there are many pros having two pets: They can become playmates and cuddle buddies, and even learn good behavior from each other. But without a smooth introduction, things can get hairy-fast. The good news: It just takes a little know-how to get things off on the right paw. Click for strategies to make initial meetings between two dogs, two cats and a dog and a cat go swimmingly.

Dog Meets Dog
With digs, a low-key first impression goes a long way. Arrange their get-together on leashes outdoors and ask a friends to hold one dog when you take the another. A head-on encounter can be off-putting, so walk one up alongside the other, and have treats on hand to reward good social behavior.

Cat Meets Cat
Felines need a long time to acclimate to any other animals, so make sure your cats can keep their distance at first. Close off a room where your new cat can live for a few days. The cats will able to smell each other, which helps them get used to the idea of other cat in the house. Then swap their spaces.

Cat Meets Dog
Tire out dog first-the calmer he is, the better the meeting will go. Then, encourage the cat to jump to higher ground (like a counter the dog can not reach) so the can can watch safely from above. Until they have used to each other, separate them with a gate or closed door supervise their time in shared areas.

Consider their personalities, though: As with human, some pets just do not click, and a big age gap or divergent temperaments will make it tough for them to get along. If you have a 13 years old dog or cat, for example, an energetic 8 week old puppy or kitten can be an upsetting roommate. Ideally, the pair should have similar social habits and energy levels.

reference:  Woman's day