🐈 Conflict between cats and dogs often happens at floor level. However cats tend to naturally gravitate up high and see their territory in all 3 dimensions. Unlock all that extra space by providing LOTS of high places. One or two places is not enough, ideally they should be able to move across the room off the ground.
🐕 Place these in sociable areas, where they are most likely to encounter you and your dog, such as the living area and kitchen etc. This will provide more opportunity for them to safely spend time around the dog, helping to build that harmonious multi-species household.
🐈 Some high places should be comfortable so they can settle for longer periods, but make sure these are easy to get to. It is great to provide a tall scratch tower in the lounge for them to settle on in the evenings, but it may not be used if they have to run past the dog to reach it. View the territory from your cats point of view and make it easy for them to get around.
🐕 Without these safe areas available, the cat is more likely to disappear upstairs (or even outside) for long periods. Having safe passage through the territory builds confidence and helps them figure out how to navigate the home while avoiding negative interactions with the dog. (The dogs behaviour is crucial here too - but more on that tomorrow!).
#catsanddogs
