10 Clear Signs Your Pets Are Getting Along and Building a Bond
Introducing a new cat or dog into your home can feel a bit like a matchmaking mission. Will they get along? Will they become best buddies or just tolerate each other from a distance? At Petdirect, we get pet, and we know how important it is to spot the encouraging signs that your furry family members are building a bond. Whether you're blending a cat and a dog, two dogs, or a few feisty felines, here are the key signs your pets are getting along swimmingly.
Relaxed Body Language
The first way to tell if your pets are getting along is by watching how they carry themselves around each other. Relaxed postures speak volumes. A dog lying on its side while a cat saunters past without a fuss? That’s a win. Ears, tails and faces give away a lot, too. Soft eyes and upright ears (not pinned back or twitching) mean your pets are comfortable and not feeling threatened. Look for:
- Gently wagging tails (for dogs) and upright tails (for cats)
- Loose, wiggly body movements
- Comfortable proximity, such as lying near each other
If you're seeing tense staring, stiff bodies or raised hackles, it's worth slowing things down and giving them more space and time to adjust. Calming aids like diffusers, sprays or supplements may help reduce stress and ease introductions.
Playful Behaviour and Gentle Interactions
Play is one of the most obvious and joyful signs your pets are forming a friendly bond. Play bows, bum wiggles, chases (as long as it’s mutual!), and even rolling around together are all signs of a positive relationship. Cats may engage in interactive games around dogs or initiate play with paw taps or tail flicks. Dogs might respond with gentle nudges or even join in with a soft toy.
It’s all about the vibe. If you’re seeing playful, curious behaviour without aggression or overexcitement, you’re on the right track. Just be sure to supervise their early play sessions to ensure no one gets too rough.
Sharing Space Peacefully
When pets are comfortable around each other, they start to share their favourite spots without conflict. That could mean snoozing on the same couch (or even the same dog bed or cat perch) or peacefully sunbathing in the same patch of light. No growling, hissing, or swiping? That’s bonding in action.
If your pets are eating in the same room without drama, that’s another indicator they’re feeling secure. Just make sure each pet has their own food bowl and water source to avoid resource guarding.
Grooming and Sleeping Close Together
Mutual grooming is a huge sign of affection between animals. It often happens in bonded cats, but can also occur between dogs, or even across species (we’ve seen cats give their dog mates a little face wash!). Grooming shows trust – your pets are literally letting their guards down around each other.
Even if they’re not grooming, snoozing side by side or sleeping back-to-back is a big tick in the 'getting along' column. This closeness signals comfort, safety, and affection – a sure sign you’ve got a budding friendship blooming.
Following Each Other Around
Curiosity is natural, especially in the early days. But when your pets routinely choose to be near or follow each other through the house, it's a big indicator they enjoy each other’s company. This often happens between bonded pets who share routines – patrols through the backyard, snack times, or daily snoozes.
To encourage positive interaction, try shared playtime with toys and rewards, and keep both pets enriched with individual attention as well. You’ll soon see their trust blossom as part of a healthy dynamic.
When To Pause and Reassess
Just like people, not all pets will click immediately. If you notice persistent signs of stress – like hiding, growling, hissing, snapping, or one pet avoiding the other – it may be a good idea to take a step back. Try separating them for a while and reintroducing slowly, using tools like calming solutions for cats or stress relief for dogs.
If tensions continue or escalate, reach out to a qualified animal behaviourist for help. It’s all about creating a peaceful pack – and that may take time, patience, and expert support.
Celebrate The Little Wins
Seeing your pets build a bond can be incredibly rewarding. From wagging tails to shared nap times, these subtle moments show that your pets are not just coexisting – they’re truly living in harmony. Keep encouraging those positive associations with treats, praise, and shared positive experiences. And remember, there's no one-size-fits-all friendship – every tail wag and nose boop is worth celebrating.
Need support bringing pets together? Explore our range of calming essentials, enrichment toys, and cosy bedding to help set the stage for a strong bond. Because at Petdirect, we get pet.