It's still a common belief that cats and dogs are some kind of mortal enemies and do not get along. That is not quite the case in my house. While cats and dogs are very different, they can and do coexist as family pets and even become friends.
Cats do not have a social hierarchy and can be very territorial. Piper was the only pet in the house for nearly a decade before the boys came along. Although she had met a few dogs throughout the years she had never lived with one or spent a significant amount of time with any. Both Ares and Chaos were very young when they came into the family so they were small, posing less of a threat, and learning socialization.
Since dogs do establish a social hierarchy, the boys were quickly able to learn that Piper was the leader of the pack. Although I think she's just too old and set in her ways to be friends with the dogs, she does tolerate and live peacefully with them for the most part. She lets them know if they invade her space or disrupt her but it's just a little hiss or bop on the nose with her clawless paw.
Little O was born into a rescue and fostered in a home with another cat and 2 dogs. Since the dogs had been raised with a cat and learned that cats are friends not prey, they were very accepting of the new family member. Orion was already comfortable being around dogs so he did not hesitate to walk right up to the dogs at first meeting. All three boys were very curious of each other and became fast friends. Piper was less than thrilled but again, she's an old lady and we're just happy she came around to him.
While Piper may allow one of the dogs to sit by her every once in awhile, Little O will initiate play, cuddle time or just hanging out regularly with the dogs, as they will with him. Since Chris filled the bird feeders out back and the birds are starting to return for Spring, Little O and Ares have been enjoying watching them from their perch on the back of the couch. O loves to cuddle up to Chaos on the dog bed and they all three like to cuddle on the couch and with mommy.
Some cats and dogs definitely do not get along but in our family they are all just brothers with a divalicious older sister.
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