Cats and dogs can live peacefully and become the best of friends, but it is usually up to the owner to set the right basis for their relationship when they first meet.
A pet owner has melted hearts on the internet after sharing a clip of their cat learning how to touch their Doberman without being a nuisance to him. In a clip shared on Instagram on Saturday under the username @diesel_dobie, the tabby can initially be seen struggling to pet her canine sibling, using her nails when she wasn’t supposed to.
However, by the end of the video, the cat has learned the ways in which the Doberman wants to be petted and cuddled, and now they spend all their time together snuggling. A caption shared alongside the clip reads: “Teaching our kitten how to pet our doberman and this is how he does it now.”
Although they have long been portrayed as mortal enemies, cats and dogs can actually become best friends, and it’s up to the owner to introduce them correctly.
A study carried out in 2020 by Italian scientists, and published in the journal PLOS ONE, proved that the two can easily cohabitate without much conflict. The study showed that over 64 percent of the cats and dogs living together also played together; 58 percent chased each other; and 41 percent fought. Almost two-thirds of the pets sometimes playfully “ambushed” the other.
A proper introduction is key to a peaceful cohabitation between cats and dogs, and that’s up to their owner. British pet charity Blue Cross says that, before physically introducing the animals, you should get them used to each other’s smells, starting this process as soon as possible.
In the early days, it is better to keep the pets separate. When introducing the pets, you should make sure that your dog has a safe space where they can go and spend time alone if needed. Their interactions must be monitored at all times until they are comfortable with each other.
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The video quickly went viral on social media, getting viewers from across Instagram. It has so far received over 271,000 likes on the platform.
One user, krazysweetkeziah, commented: “How you managed that!? Wow – but I know Diesel is glad- those kitty claws can be lethal.” And isa.bella.wisinger posted: “Omggg [Oh my god] I have a kitty and I want to get a Doberman too… so glad to see proof they can get along.”
User lindagiesbrecht_ wrote: “That is so sweet, she’s so gentle.” And mehunt1147 added: “I Love this so much! How Precious is their Love!” User satine_phoenyx added: “Oooh my goodnesss, I wish my cat and dobes were like this.”
Another user, debbiedegarmo, commented: “I have always loved Doberman’s. Your boy and his cat friends make me smile. So beautiful.” And luv4red_dobies posted: “There are dogs, and there are Doberman Pinchers. The epitome of perfection.”
Newsweek reached out to @diesel_dobie for comment via Instagram chat. We could not verify the details of the case.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.