Opposites do Attract!

Have You Wondered Why Opposites Attract?

Opposites, opponents, but friends? They fight like cats and dogs. The Webster Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary states the idiom dates back to 1550. It is based on truth. Most people believe that dogs and cats do fight. They think there is no chance of a friendship between the two.

According to my experiences, dogs and cats can be good friends. I grew up with two dogs, different breeds and different ages. They were the best of friends. Then came two cats at one time. They were brother and sister and required a lot of attention when they were brought home. The dogs watched us bottle-feed & medicate the kittens. They were kept separate until the kittens were healthy. When they were allowed to mingle, they formed a quick friendship.

Now, I have a dog and cat of my own, about a year difference in age. They share food, sleep together, and play together. My cat even cuddled up to the dog last night and put his arm around him. I tried to snap a picture of them to back up my story but they moved. When I tell people I have a dog and cat, they always respond with the question,” Do they get along?” When I tell them what I told you, they are in disbelief.

Statistics from the University of Lincoln back me up. They found 80% of homes with dogs and cats say they are household friends who enjoy each other’s company. Some report they commingle. Others report what I reported. They say the dog and cat play together, share food, and sleep together.

Dogs are instinctively chasers and cats are known to flee. That’s why people think they don’t get along. If they are introduced properly, that scenario doesn’t happen. They learn to be friends very quickly. They even pick up behaviors from each other. My dog learned to lick his paw and wash his face from watching the cat. The cat learned to wait by the door for me to come home. The cat even thinks he’s a dog after so many years together. Not opposites at all!

So, if you own a dog or a cat and want to increase your fur family, don’t worry that they’ll fight like cats and dogs. In most cases, they get along, develop a love and friendship, and are able to live happily ever after. Like I said, It has been like that with all my dogs and cats for the last 6 decades and 80% of pet owners agree. The other 20%? They rushed the introduction, insisting it happen. Just take your time and let them get to know each other slowly. They’ll soon discover, opposites do attract!