THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS
Behind Canine-Feline Rivalries It’s the basis of countless cartoon gags and the phrase “fight like cats and dogs”: felines and canines don’t mix. Of course, we also know many inseparable cat-dog duos, so there’s no hard and fast rule against the species getting along. But it’s hard to deny their interactions often come with tension. Why do cats and dogs struggle to coexist peacefully?
to show excitement and friendliness; cats whip their tails as the prelude to an attack. Many of a dog’s playful movements seem threatening to cats, especially when the dog is significantly larger. Meanwhile, cats purr to indicate contentment, but dogs may mistake the noise as an aggressive growl. Fortunately, there are ways for cats and dogs to overcome their differences. Puppies and kittens that grow up together will learn each other’s mannerisms early and find ways to communicate. At the same time, negative experiences with the other species during their first weeks of life can create permanent distrust. For adults, cat-dog interactions often come down to personalities and proper training. Two laidback animals are more likely to get along than an excitable dog and a grumpy cat. Choose your dog species carefully and invest in training. Further, remember cats and dogs also fight for the same reason human siblings do: they’re competing for attention and resources. You’re more likely to find success if your cat and dog have their own belongings, quality time with their owners, and spaces to decompress.
Simply put, they’re two very different animals. While both make excellent pets, their instinctual behaviors often clash, leaving plenty of room for miscommunication. The problems start from the moment a dog and cat meet. Cats greet others by making eye contact but otherwise behave aloofly. It’s their way of saying they mean no harm. Meanwhile, dogs perceive eye contact as a sign of aggression and prefer to approach others with excitement. It’s easy to see why the two get confused!
While some dogs and cats will never get along, remember, it’s not anything personal. Your dog doesn’t “hate” cats or vice versa — they just
profoundly misunderstand each other. Still, trying to force a relationship two
There are other ways cats’ and dogs’ fundamental body language conflicts. Dogs wag their tails
animals don’t want can do more harm than good.
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Peanut butter and jam is a classic flavor combo — even for dogs! Your pups will love these PB&J frozen snacks to beat the summer heat. aPn ud pJpaymPFe ar no zuetnBTur et taetrs Inspired by Rover.com
Kent Woodard John Triebwasser Bill Helmsing Liz Neff Cheyenne Anderson Kyndra Robidoux Terry Kneebone Derek Udy
INGREDIENTS
• •
1 cup strawberries
1/4 cup water
• A few dollops of xylitol-free peanut butter (Xylitol is a sweetener sometimes found in peanut butter that is toxic to dogs.)
DIRECTIONS
1. Wash strawberries thoroughly and slice off the tops. 2. To a blender, add strawberries and water and purée until smooth. 3. Pour the liquid into an ice cube tray or mold until each slot is 3/4 full. 4. Using a spoon, top each ice cube slot with a small amount of peanut butter. 5. Pop the tray into the freezer and leave until completely frozen. 6. Serve treats straight out of the freezer, and watch your pup enjoy!
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