It's Finally Out! The Reason Dogs And Cats Hate Each Other!

#1 It Starts At The Dawn Of Time!

Dogs and cats have been at it for the longest of times. In fact, it started way before humans came into the picture. When the felids (cat ancestors) and canines ( dog ancestors) were evolving back in the day they had to deal with each other. Both being predators, they shared the same targets and would actually eat each other. What's actually surprising though is that it wasn't the dogs eating all the cats... the cats were eating the dogs.

Studies have shown that at least 40 species of dogs became extinct due to cats. In North America, around forty million years ago, the ancestors of dogs had more than 30 different species running free... then came the cats from their homeland in Asia.

#2 How Did That Happen?

There were several factors. Cat's had a size advantage as well being better hunters. A dogs' claws would become dull and were easily damaged because they lacked the ability to withdraw them the way cats can. Not only that but cats were solitary hunters. They didn't have to support a pack and could spread out further without depleting their resources. So dogs went from 30 species in North America to only 9 species, including wolfs, coyotes and foxes.

That's when dogs had a brilliant idea. Time to get a partner! It was great for the first 5,000 or so years. Then those usurpers followed and started hanging around about 10,000 thousand years ago.

#3 USURPERS!

Imagine you're just chilling with your favorite person in the world when this mewling mongrel just jumps up into your chair... but that's not it. They also ate your portion of dinner and then your favorite person is telling them how good they are for bringing home a meager paycheck while they laze around all day and you're busting your ass. That's not the worst of it, though... they still your bed and you keep getting punished if you try to show them the pecking order.

Seems a bit unfair, doesn't it? The competition for food, affection and space is mostly fueled due to both species contact and affection for humanity and well as humans bringing them into constant contact with each other. You would think that they would be able to sort out their differences, but there's just one issue...

#4 They Don't Speak The Same Language.

Not being able to communicate should be something people can empathize with. We have many different languages across the globe. With cats and dogs, their body language is completely different. Cats hang back and observe until they're comfortable they're not in danger. Should they be rushed through that they get frustrated and either get ready to fight or start to run!

On the other hand, we have the dogs. Dogs are curious and ready to investigate as well as highly social. They immediately adapt to new surroundings and jump at the chance to get to know new friends. You can just imagine what happens when the two meet.

The hyperactive, obnoxious and large kid jumps up in the face of the overly-defensive, antisocial and puny punk... It doesn't work out so well does it? But it's not a total bust!

#5 They Can Get Over It!

This is where the dog actually trumps the cat. The dog is an amazingly empathic and social animal. They are quite capable of learning the cat's language. Sorry cat lovers, that cat just isn't capable of learning the dogs. They don't have centuries of development of the social skills that is needed. You essentially have an older sibling and baby situation. Don't expect the cat to do anything except run or hide or hit back.

First, you have to make sure your dog listens to you. Work on the training and most especially their leash manners. Second, you need to slowly introduce their scents to one another. Keep the cat in a separate room while the dog is inside. That way they get used to each others smell and sounds. Next, open the door while the dog is on the leash. It's best that the cat has the time to slowly come out and not run. Running triggers the dog's instincts to chase and catch the cat. Once the cat and dog start ignoring each other you can let it go from there!