Cats are often kept together with other pets, along with with a dog, a bird, a rabbit, or a small rodent. Many cats make friends with the dog in the house. Some cats get along fine with rabbits or birds. However, there are some points to consider to keep a cat together with other pets.
As a predator, the cat has the instinct to go after moving small animals. This means that a cat can attack a fluttering bird, a running hamster, or a jumping rabbit. If cats grow up as young kittens with these pets and don’t learn to hunt from their mothers, it is more likely that the cat will be able to live with the other animal without putting it at risk. But it is always important to realize that the instinct to chase something that moves is in every cat. So a cat should never be left alone with parakeets or stray mice.
The cat itself is a predator but can also fall prey to larger animals, for example, a dog. A dog can sometimes live with a cat in the house, but chase cats outside. Usually, this only happens when cats run away.
When cats start living together with other animals, it is essential to introduce them carefully under supervision. Prevent the cat from chasing or the cat itself from being chased. If a cat needs to get used to a dog, it is essential to line up the dog the first time or place it in a crate. Reward calm (non-aggressive behavior) on both animals. If you notice that it goes well, you can try it on its own. Only when things go well between the cat and the dog for a more extended period, they can be left together without supervision. It is always very important that the cat can flee to a higher place, safe away from the dog.
If a cat needs to get used to birds or mice, for example, it is always wise to leave these small animals in a cage and never leave them alone. The cat remains a predator, and the small animals continue to behave like prey; run away quickly in case of danger. The cat should learn not to lie on the cage and leave the animals alone.