Pet Help and Information

You cannot force cats and dogs to get along. Sometimes the best you can hope for is a sort of coexistence. Introducing dogs and cats takes time. I generally recommend the cat being confined to a room or two by a closed door and the two of them getting used to first the scent of the other animal but not see it. When they are settled with that, let them see each other through a barrier like a baby gate.

If the dog tries to go for the cat, stop and redirect the dog to a good toy. Cats are NOT toys. Never force the two together. It can take weeks or even months for them to learn to tolerate each other. Sometimes they can also become good buddies - it all depends on the cat and the dog. Again, never force it. Start slow.

Set up a Dog-free zone. If the cat can fit through a hole the dog cannot, you are all set here! A Dog-free zone gives the cat a place to get away and a feeling of security.

Keep the cat's nails trimmed to lessen damage should the cat try to scratch the dog. Alternatively, ask your vet about the claw covers for cats.

I allow my cats to hiss, growl and bat at the dogs to tell them off, but blood drawing is not permitted. Sometimes the more you interfere, the slower the dog will learn. If the dog gets to learn the cat's limits from the cat (with you observing) the dog will often learn faster.

Now, breeds or crosses of dogs bred to hunt vermin may take longer to teach to adjust to the cat. Know the history of the breed you have or the breeds in the cross. For example, even though they are listed as a toy breed in the AKC, Silky Terriers and the smaller Yorkshire have their origins in vermin hunting. Cats may be seen as vermin. Sight hounds with a strong desire to chase may be more apt to chase a speeding kitty. Herding breeds may try and herd or chase the cats. Nevertheless, I have seen terriers, sighthounds and herding breeds live wonderfully with other species if they are raised, trained and socialized properly.

Now, when the dog looks at the cat but does not chase or try and torment it, praise and get the dog playing with a good toy. Even if you gave no cue or command, you can let the dog know when it is doing something that is good.

Moreover, give the dog plenty of exercise and mental workouts. A dog who is getting enough exercise and who is not bored is less likely to torment the cat.

Note: if a cat teases a dog or bats at feet as the dog walks by, I allow the dog to chase the cat a bit. Learning is a two-way street. Just as the dog needs to learn not to torment the cat, the cat needs to learn not to torment the dog.

In a perfect world, dogs and cats will play together and maybe even sleep together. Even though this is very common in my house, I still let the cats have their dog-free zone (also keeps the dogs out of the litter box and from stealing cat food at meal times!)

About the Author
From Karen Peak of West Wind Dog Training,
www.westwinddogtraining.com

Recommended Cage Sizes for Your Bunny
by Karen Peak, Your Life! Pet Editor

Most size recommendation on the internet or at stores are less than adequate for your rabbit. With the exception of the Marchioro Tommy K 120 (and even this is suited for only smaller rabbits), most commonly sold rabbit cages are just too small. A life in a cramped cage with inactivity leads to behavioral and medical issues. Here are a few guidelines for choosing a cage size. If in doubt, go larger. If you have a rabbit that falls on the upper end of the weight guide, go to the next larger size. Some breeds of rabbit may be slim and racy with a lighter weight than a similar sized rabbit but need the next cage. Belgian Hares, for example, are a lean, racy breed have a lighter weight compared to their size (6 - 9 lbs) but require a larger cage than a seven-pound English Angora.

Small Rabbits (approx 2 - 4 lbs)
No smaller than 24x24 inches

Medium Rabbits (approx 4 - 6 lbs)
No smaller than 24x30 inches or 30x36 inches

Larger-Medium Rabbits (6 - 9 lbs)
No smaller than 30x36 inches

Large Rabbits (9 - 11 lbs)
No smaller than 30x36 or 30x48 inches

Giant Rabbit (over 11lbs)
No smaller than 30x48 inches

If you have a bonded pair of bunnies in a cage, you will need to go at least the next size up. Since rabbits can be litter trained, for giant rabbits, a portable dog exercise pen on a solid floor is another option if you cannot find a large enough rabbit cage.

Combined with a properly sized cage, pet rabbits must have time outside the cage in a rabbit-proofed room.

For more information:

K. W. Cages www.kwcages.com

House Rabbit Society www.rabbit.org