New Delhi, Feb. 4 -- One of my closest friends lives with a dog, a cat and a rabbit. Multi-species homes are becoming increasingly common. Making them work is about planning, training and understanding what each animal needs to feel safe.

Different species do not interpret the world the same way. Dogs are social and physically expressive. Cats are territorial and value control over their environment. They prefer to be solitary. Rabbits and other small mammals are prey animals wired to detect threats. Expecting natural friendship between the animals is unrealistic. Success comes from designing a home where these differences are respected.

There are real advantages to raising different species together. Mental stimulation is one. Animals ...