My Cat & Dog Hates My Date! Valentines Tips For Pets Lovers

by Amy Shojai | Feb 6, 2020 | Cat Behavior & Care | 17 comments

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but all too often I hear the lament, MY CAT HATES MY DATE! Dogs tend to be more forgiving but there can be dogs that hate your boyfriend, too. It seems appropriate to revisit the topic, so I’ve updated this post.

“He’s looking at me, what do I say?…he IS kinda cute…”

The past few years, I’ve recorded a couple hundred videos in ASK AMY quick tips on my YouTube channel. So I figured it’s appropriate to share with you one of the most popular ones “My Cat Hates My Boyfriend!” as well as a couple of brand new ones. Scroll down for the latest–some tips for an emergency cat sitter helping out a friend, when the cat HATES the stranger.

You’ll also want to check out Valentine’s Day pet dangers. Yes, there are some scary things that can affect cats and dogs, so take a look here.

The best way to your lover’s heart and affections, though, is to win over the pet. Instead of giving her a gift, bring something for your girlfriend’s dog or cat. That shows you’re not only considerate of what’s important to your date, but that you’re sensitive to her family (the furry ones).

So in addition to these brief videos, you can find detailed step by step info in my quick-tips guides. Hey, it’s not just about dates…what happens if the pet hates the new grandbaby?

Here’s a fun question, I’d love to know. Would you ever date (or consider marrying) someone who didn’t like your pets? Or that your pets didn’t like? Do tell!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

17 Comments

Live.Wag.BARK! on February 8, 2016 at 1:40 pm

I love this post and your videos! I’m subscribing to your channel now! I’m still dating so this is a topic very close to my heart. My dogs have loved everyone they have ever met but you never know. For me, the problem is making sure the man I’m dating actually likes being around my dogs. If he doesn’t, I already know it won’t work.
Reply
- Amy Shojai on February 8, 2016 at 1:58 pm
  
  Thanks so much! So glad that the tips are helpful…and best wishes finding the perfect person for you AND your dogs!
  Reply
Lindsay, Matilda - Little Dog Tips on February 5, 2016 at 3:39 am

While dogs need to be trained and socialized, I do feel better about people who make an effort to make friends with them, even if it’s just tossing a treat in their general direction.
Reply
Sweet Purrfections on February 4, 2016 at 9:30 pm

If I ever did have a date, he better take care of my girls and show them appropriate attention!
Reply
The Daily Pip on February 4, 2016 at 3:24 pm

This is such a fun, but important post. I would NOT date anyone who didn’t love my pets. Now, for the record, I have been happily married for twenty years. My now husband and I talked about our cats (he had one and I had two) on our first date and by the second date, he asked to meet my cats and was quite good with them. They seemed to approve of him and so things proceeded very well and here we are 20 years later.
Reply
- Amy Shojai on February 4, 2016 at 4:44 pm
  
  My future husband met me at my parent’s house and was amazed (and intrigued) by the 3 shelties (“they’re so clean! and inside dogs?!”) and from there, it only got better. We’ll celebrate 36 years this summer.
  Reply
MattieDog on February 4, 2016 at 3:02 pm

Amy – you are awesome! I absolutely loved this post – great advice and such a warm and wonderful way to share your knowledge!
Reply
- Amy Shojai on February 4, 2016 at 3:04 pm
  
  Awww…thank you so much! Just hope it helps.
  Reply
Tenacious Little Terrier on February 4, 2016 at 2:33 pm

Hmmm… I think they would have to at least get along with Mr. N. They don’t have to be crazy dog people but at least like dogs!
Reply
- Amy Shojai on February 4, 2016 at 3:00 pm
  
  My husband never had a pet before he met me. Today, he’s a pet advocate of the highest order!
  Reply
Cathy Armato on February 4, 2016 at 1:16 pm

This is such a hot topic, especially in the month of Love! When I had this issue I worked on it with training. I wouldn’t just give up on a mate, I’d try diligently to work on the problem through training – training BOTH the pet and the guy or gal!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Reply
- Amy Shojai on February 4, 2016 at 3:02 pm
  
  In most cases (unless the person is just EVIL), training can work wonders. The person has to want to change, and understand why it’s important. I think most pets will meet people halfway if they at least try. Well…not cats, necessarily. *s*
  Reply
Kelly on February 4, 2016 at 11:40 am

Love me – Love my pets I say! I couldn’t imagine being with someone that didn’t like pets or animals as much as I do.
Reply
- Amy Shojai on February 4, 2016 at 3:03 pm
  
  I think as long as the person understands and accepts that pets are important to the human they love, some training and patience can help both parties.
  Reply
nichole on February 4, 2016 at 10:55 am

BOL! We hope everyone has a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Reply
- Amy Shojai on February 4, 2016 at 3:03 pm
  
  Thanks, you too!
  Reply
Brenda on February 3, 2016 at 10:22 pm

My cat at the time HIGHLY, HIGHLY approved of my husband-then-boyfriend (and he was a great choice) so I’d say your date has to pass your cat’s vetting!

There are rare exceptions but mostly people who don’t like cats aren’t people I want to be around.

Love the topic!
Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

Celebrating Valentines Day the Furry Way: Gifts for Pets and Pet LoversAMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - […] to please the pet lover in your life, get ’em something for the dog or cat. And what if…
Pet Music Therapy: How to Use Music to Sooth Dog Stress & Calm Cats - […] this weekend, some pets with “stranger danger” issues are in for a rough ride (tips here for helping when…

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