The expression “fighting like cats and dogs” exists for a reason. Cats and dogs seem to have a reputation for being enemies. Anyone who has a dog and cat knows that they can get along perfectly well, it just takes a little bit of work and planning. For this reason, we’ve put together a list of 7 activities your dog and cat can do together.
7 Activities Your Dog and Cat Can Do Together
Just because dogs and cats have a reputation for not getting along doesn’t mean they can’t. One of the most important things you can do is design time with each animal so you can form a great relationship with them.
Time with each animal separately is great, but it can also harbor jealousy. You can use some of the activities below as ideas for how to spend quality time with both pets. There are even some ideas to get your dog and cat hanging out with each other without you. If you do have them spend time together, just make sure you monitor them first to make sure they get along well.
Let Each Pet Check the Other’s Area
If you are just starting to introduce your dog and cat to each other, you can start by letting them check out each other’s area. Put your dog in another room and let your cat see and smell your dog’s area. It might be where you keep their crate or where their toys are. It could even just be your dog’s favorite spot in the house.
Whatever the area, let your cat get a feel for it. Also make sure you monitor your cat around your dog’s area. You don’t want your cat destroying or marking the area while you’re not watching.
Introducing your dog to your cat’s area is also a good idea. It may be a bit harder though. Since cats like to climb, their private space might be beyond your dog’s reach. If your cat’s special place is on a high shelf, you can also offer your dog the chance to check out some of their toys. Let them sniff and even kick your cat’s toys around. Just make sure you don’t let them chew on your cat’s toys. They are for your cat, after all.
Plan Specific Times Together
Try taking a look at your normal schedule and build specific playtime into it. Just fifteen minutes is really all you need for your pets to get into a routine. Try to find any time that works for you. It can be before breakfast, mid-day if you’re around, or even after dinner will work. Whatever time you choose, just make sure you stick to it.
Eventually, your pets will start looking for you when this time comes around. It’s a great chance to get some ear scratches with your four-legged friends.
Movement Catches the Eye
A great way to have your dog and cat spend time together is to give them something to watch. Dogs and cats love to look at movement. You can set up one of your windows with a bird feeder nearby to give your pets a comfy spot to relax and watch something.
Play During TV Time
Some nights you want nothing more than to relax on the couch with a good show or movie. Your cat and dog are probably completely fine with this snuggle time too.
A great idea though would be to leave a basket of toys within arm’s reach. You can keep wand toys or chew toys around so you can play with your pets while you’re still taking the time to relax. Even just encouraging your pet to play with their toy is usually enough to get them chewing or playing.
Redesign your Room
If you’re stuck indoors, it might be nice to change things up. Rearranging your room is a great way to make an old space seem new. Your pets might also love the newness too! You should even take some time to stash some new toys or your pets’ favorite treats around the room afterward. This is a great way to get your pets exploring, and it can give them some nice mental exercise.
Rooms within Rooms
While you’re changing up your rooms, you should consider giving your pets some extra room of their own. A fun way to do this is by making some box forts or tunnels for your pets to explore. Cats are curious creatures. A new box tunnel that shows up will be all but irresistible for a cat to ignore. You might even get a few good laughs by watching them cautiously explore this new area.
Oldies but Goodies
If you’re still thinking about what games you can play with your pets, think back to the easiest games around. Games you probably know about but have not played in a while might include:
- Tug of War
- Fetch
- Hide and Seek
- Tag
- Obstacle Course
- Obedience Training
These are some activities you may have already done with your pets, but you may have forgotten about them since they are so common. Just because they’re common activities doesn’t mean they’re not fun!
Finding activities for your dog and cat is not too difficult. You’ll just have to put some thought into it and take your time to get them accustomed to spending time together.