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A black Poodle lies on a couch while a red Maine Coon cat climbs across his back in a cozy living room. 22 / 31

The Poodle Stayed Perfectly Still While the Cat Used Him as a Bridge

AI imagepoodlemaine cooncouch

The black Poodle lies stretched out on a woven couch with his chin resting down, looking calm and a little amused, while a ginger Maine Coon makes her way across his back. Her plume of a tail swings behind her and her amber eyes are fixed ahead, as if she is walking along a narrow log. A lamp glows in the background, and a basket, books and a houseplant fill the room.

We can call them Licorice and Marigold. The dog stays perfectly still, and the cat picks her steps carefully, so that nobody gets bothered. There is real trust in every motion.

Many dogs tolerate cats better when they have been raised around them or introduced slowly. Poodles are intelligent, trainable and sensitive, and they respond well to calm, positive routines. Maine Coons are large, friendly cats, often described as gentle giants, and their weight and claws mean even a cuddly climb can sting. Keep your cat's nails trimmed and give her a tall cat tree so she has a better place to climb than the dog. If either pet seems uncomfortable, separate them and try again later. A quiet dog who allows climbing is generous, so reward him with praise and a treat.

Licorice has the patience of a saint, and Marigold knows exactly how lucky she is.

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