How to Get Your Boyfriend, Husband to Love Your Cat, Dog

I won't bore you with the story of how I became the epitome of a cat lady—a proud owner of not one, not two, but four felines. They are quirky, cuddly, and a lot to handle, from their constant need for attention to the awe-inspiring amount of hair they shed. So when my boyfriend and I decided to live together, let's just say he had a lot of adjusting to do in the form of these little (and one very big) fur balls.

Whether, like me, you find yourself living with a significant other who formerly went pet-free, or you're simply introducing your new guy to the most important animal in your family, there can be a lot of pressure for your man to love your fur baby.

"If the pet doesn't like him, it can become a showdown right out of the gate," explains Jane Greer, Ph.D., relationship expert and author of What About Me? How to Keep Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship. "It's essential for your pet and your boyfriend to click in order for the relationship to stay harmonious. Without that click, it's going to be trouble."

Pet owners understand: Your cat, dog, or parakeet isn't just an animal. He or she is your "closest family member," says Greer. "You love and cherish him or her, and are with him or her all the time. They're a constant force of unconditional love." In a way, the relationship you have with your pet can be just as fulfilling as the one you have with the main man in your life. After all, your dog has likely never run in the opposite direction at the first sight of tears—instead, he climbed into your lap and gave you a sloppy, wet kiss when you needed it most.

"It's really important for your boyfriend to like your pet so the relationship will in no way threaten the bond with your pet, the love that you both share, and the sense of well-being and security that your pet provides you with," Greer says. Here's how to help your guy along, in three easy steps.