Cross Breeds

Is it healthy to treat dogs and cats the same?

My son said tonight I messed my animals head up. They do not know if they are cats, dogs or people. That if they ever got outside on there own they would get hurt. ( Well duh, but i knew where he was going with his thoughts) They would not understand other cats would hurt them so on. And that mentally they had no clue what they were. I have taught the dogs tricks and the cats tricks. It is really funny watching a cat roll on its back and pretend die.You just do not see that often. They sleep together, clean eachother, sleep on top of the back of the couch when they want. (Dogs to) And sit in the window watching birds. I have two cats that have leashes for walks. They wanted to come so I took them. So, do you think it is bad for them? Do you think they care? I do not think they care if they are a dog, cat or human. Really is there something some one can show me on a site that shows it is not good to treat them the same.

Public Comments

1. If it's working for you and the animals are healthy and happy, I see no problem.
2. They have done studies that show human companions replace domestic animals mothers. They call them subsitute families (or stepfamilies, what ever works). So if this is a situation that you all are feeling happy in, be proud of your children and tell your son he needs to be nice to his brothers and sisters!
3. No, in fact I think is great you have taken the time to train your cats! They sound like happy and well adjusted cats. Many cats that are ignored tend to be antisocial and then when there is a new addition to the home (another cat, baby, etc) they become antisocial and little nightmares. They dont care at all, as long as you dont care either :-)
4. I agree with Bozema. If they're healthy and happy - and you're sure they won't ever GET out on their own where they can get hurt, then kudos for training them so well.
5. Since man first invited dogs and cats to sit around the fire with him and come into his cave, dogs and cats have not really been "dogs and cats". There is nothing wrong with taking your cats for walks on a leash if they like it. There is also nothing wrong with your dog liking to sit on the back of the couch and watch the birds. Mine sits on the couch and watches the squirrels. Just enjoy your pets and don't worry about treating them the same. It doesn't cause their heads to get messed up.
6. No... its not bad just so lon as you don't feed the cats dog food all the tme or the feed the dog cat food all the time. Other than that... hey, I think your pets have a fine pet guardian indeed and I think they are having a ball with you! My cats are also leash=trained and one of them actually trots on the sidewalks with me like a doggie. Can't resist telling this story: When I was a kid, my family had two white kittens and two white pomerranian spitzes (little dogs). As they grew up, the dos thought they were cats and the cats thought they were dogs. They would all sit by the windowsill on rainy days and all jump into our shallow fountain on hot summer afternoons for a quick swim. It was hilarious.
7. my Friends have 5 dogs, and 4 cats, and they are all treated the same the dogs are funny around the cats and when told kiss the cat, lol they will go up to the cat and lick its face. they all play together and eat together and walk together. its great they they are one big happy family. that's what you have is a happy family keep it that way. your cats and dogs are very happy animals and it shows. good job!!