When cats and dogs hate each other, it may be because they have been taught to behave that way.

Many pet lovers state that if you raise a cat and a dog together from when they were a tiny puppy and kitten, they will be best friends forever. They will cuddle together, sleep together and will not fight, ever!

Others note that the animals will react to each other, depending on their early life experience. If a dog's life experience with cats is positive and playful, then the cat and dog will get along fine.

But, if they have negative experiences or, if their only experience is chasing cats in their neighbourhood, that will be the way they treat them.

Yet another reason put forward for the enmity between some cats and dogs is miscommunication. Cats and dogs 'speak' different languages. For example, the argument goes, the raised paw in dog language means 'let's play'. In cat language, it means 'let's fight'.

Others observe that dogs who hate cats tend to be that way because they were taught to be that way. Dogs tend to be very obedient, while cats tend to have a mind of their own.

jealousy

It is also noted that cats may be prone to jealousy. Cats are said to display a range of feelings, including pleasure, frustration and affection. Other feline behaviour is attributed to frustration and even vengefulness. Lord help the dog who gets in the way of her highness in a huff!

Many pet owners agree that when a cat and dog grow up together, though, they can be the very best of friends.

On these pages our photographer Ian Allen caught the animals being palsy-walsy. Unfortunately, though, the white cat in the picture thought all dogs were like her pal seen in the picture. Sadly, she tried to play with another dog and was killed.

Best of friends, this cat and dog seen romping in Braes River St Elizabeth. - photos by Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

This dog seems to be very proctective of his cat friend.

Best friends: This is what this dog and cat seem to be when they were spotted in Longwood, Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, recently.

- Sources include: www.messybeast.com, www.answerbag.com.