Are you thinking about rescuing a pup and giving him a forever home, but you’re worried how to introduce him to the real king/queen of the house, your cat?
Many dogs and cats can cohabitate and become one big happy family. But as Reader’s Digest reports, as much as you want your two beloved pets to be besties, it’s not likely to happen overnight. “Go slow to go fast!” advises Colleen Demling-Riley, the founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. “If the dog and cat have initial negative interactions, then it will be much harder for them to become friends.”
Cats are territorial and can experience fear and anxiety if they feel their space is at risk. Before you make the introductions, gauge your cat’s mood.
Step 1: Separate but within smelling distance
“The dog and cat should always be separated by a barrier for at least the first two weeks,” advises Demling-Riley. Crate the dog and/or use a sturdy gate to block the dog from making contact with the cat while it is roaming around the house. When it’s the dog’s turn to explore the house, be sure the cat is in a room with the door closed. While you’re in this phase, focus on scent communication. Place a sock or blanket with your dog’s scent in your cat’s space and an item with the cat’s scent in the dog’s space. If they’re not showing signs of stress, fear or aggression, move to the next phase.
Step 2: Give your cat space
“It’s important to build up a slow and steady desensitization by gradually increasing the amount of contact to reduce the reaction of both cat and dog,” says Danielle Bernal, a global veterinarian with Wellness Natural Pet Food. As you slowly open doors and gates, ensure your cat has elevated and secure vantage points, like the top of the fridge, couch or bookshelf, to survey their home.
“Vertical space can let your cat achieve safety and control without having to engage in aggressive behaviors,” says Rachel Geller, EdD, certified cat behaviorist. Your cat will also appreciate being able to travel incognito at ground level via hideaways behind furniture, cardboard boxes and cat tunnels. Be sure you are giving both pets loads of affection and attention.
Step 3: Casual interactions
If there aren’t any growling or hissing fits while they’ve been in separate areas, try introducing your pets in the same room. Look for signs the intro is going well. “Happy cats and dogs have relaxed body postures and will show casual curiosity toward each other when in the same room. There will be no vocalization and the pets will be easy to distract if needed,” says Demling-Riley.
Never allow pets to be together if the cat starts hissing, pinning its ears or swishing its tail back and forth or if the dog stiffens up, growls or gives the cat a death stare. If it’s not going so well, give them a one-minute break and try again. Then when you try again, be sure the cat has an elevated surface and the dog is on a leash. Praise both pets when they have calm reactions. “When the pup and cat become more acquainted, they should spend time together in the rest of the house and with fewer barriers,” says Demling-Riley.
Step 4: Treats!
If things are moving along nicely, you can start creating positive associations with food. Cats and dogs can get to know each other a little better by eating in the same room. Keep them far enough apart, in their comfort zones, and place a highly desired treat in their bowl. As the cat and dog get more comfortable with each other, move the bowls closer. “Having the cat and dog eat in front of each other teaches them that positive things happen when the other is around,” says Geller.
Success!
As long as there aren’t signs of fear, stress or anxiety in your cat or dog, decrease the distance between the cat and dog each day, Dr. Bernal says. Reward the pets with affection and treats when they are in the same room. “Eventually, your cat will learn that the appearance of the dog means food, treats, playtime and attention,” says Dr. Bernal. If it all goes well, the cat will stop self-isolating and return to its everyday habits.
Still, you should err on the side of caution and separate the dog from the cat when you are out of the house for at least the first 30 days, advises Demling-Riley. In time they could be the best of friends—or at least tolerate each other when left home alone.
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Photo Credit: Javier Brosch / Shutterstock.com
