Are you thinking of getting a dog, but are you afraid your cat doesn't like it? Do you have a cat and a dog, but they just don't stop fighting? While cats and dogs often don't get along right from the start, there are some ways to get them together. By finding time to understand what they need, you can create a happy and peaceful environment for both of you.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Introducing a Dog and a Cat for the First Time
Step 1. Prepare for presentations
Whether it's adopting a new kitten or puppy or getting those who already live with you to get along, you need to create a solid foundation on which to develop their relationship. For starters, make sure you have enough space in your home for both of them so they don't come into contact with each other. You will need to keep them separate for several days, so you will need to have more rooms available.
- Also, make sure the dog follows your commands. You will need to refresh the training rules if he doesn't obey you. If the puppy is too energetic and aggressive, do not allow the first encounter between the cat and the dog to be negative.
- If you bring a new puppy home or have a puppy that does not yet know the commands, then you will need to be more cautious when introducing him to the cat.
Step 2. Don't rush
Don't let the dog chase the cat around the house. At first separate them, waiting 3 or 4 days before they get acquainted. An animal needs time to become familiar with the smells and the new environment before it can face the knowledge of another animal.
- Dogs and cats are much more likely to argue or get sad if you force them to be together all of a sudden. Keep them in separate rooms so they can't even see each other until they've both calmed down.
- Start mixing their smells by stroking the cat first, then the dog and vice versa (keeping them in separate rooms).
Step 3. Toggle the rooms they are in
In this way everyone will be able to smell the place where the other has been, in the absence of the partner. Smells are a very important means by which animals get to know each other. Let each of you get acquainted with the other's scent before they actually get to know each other up close.
Try rubbing a towel on the dog and then placing it under the cat bowl. By doing this, you will help the cat get used to the smell of the dog and accept it
Step 4. Allow the cat and dog to smell each other while they are separated by a door
In this way, everyone will be able to associate the perception of a new smell with the presence of another animal, even if they cannot actually see it.
Try feeding them while they are separated by a door. They will be forced to mutually adapt to their smells
Step 5. Wait to introduce them until the cat looks relaxed and ready
If the dog is scared, runs and hides every time the dog approaches the door to his room, you need to give him more time. When they get used to the smell and noise of the dog, it will probably be time to bring them together.
Step 6. Hold the cat in your arms until it is calm and relaxed
Then ask a family member or friend to slowly lead the dog on a leash into the room. Gradually approach the dog, waiting for them to calm down with each step before bringing them closer. Don't let them have physical contact. It will be enough to get them used to their mutual presence.
- Make sure you only pick up the cat if he wants to.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms from scratches.
- Another solution is to put the cat in a carrier while keeping the dog on a leash. This way there will be no physical contact between them the first time they meet.
Step 7. Give both of you the same amount of love when you introduce them
Animals, like people, get jealous when someone else gets more attention. Show both of you your affection and that the other animal does not fear you.
Step 8. Separate them again
Do not force them to interact for too long, otherwise there is a risk that they will get unnerved, even going so far as to argue. Make sure the first meeting is positive, short, and pleasant.
Gradually increase the length of their encounters
Step 9. Keep interacting until they are both relaxed when they are together
Once the cat seems practically comfortable, keep the dog on a leash, leaving the first one free to walk around the room. After several weeks the dog will get used to not following his partner, so you can take off the leash and let him free too.
You can also use pheromones, available from your vet, to help both of you stay calm and relaxed. Ask your vet if they think the use of synthetic hormones would be beneficial to your furry friends during the acquaintance phase
Part 2 of 2: Get them used to living together
Step 1. Separate the dog and cat when you are not at home or not present
You should do this for some time, so that they do not run any risk of harming themselves.
Step 2. Correct negative dog behaviors towards cat
Which includes rough games and barking. Get the puppy to do something else or learn a few rules to follow around the cat instead of letting him focus on the feline.
Try not to scold the dog under these circumstances. If you have a positive reaction, the next time the dog will be more likely to associate pleasant sensations with his companion
Step 3. Reward and praise the dog for behaving well in the presence of the cat
Do this, for example, when he assumes friendly attitudes or when he ignores his partner. Make sure that when the cat enters the room, the dog likes to treat him well, is not aggressive and is not on guard against him.
Try saying in a happy tone: "Oh, look, Bobby, Minù is here! How beautiful!". Then give him a small reward for training him. The dog will soon learn to associate pleasant sensations with the cat's presence
Step 4. Get the cat a place where it can be out of reach for the dog
This could be a scratching post or a gate installed near a door, whatever allows him to escape. Cats typically attack dogs when they have no choice or way to avoid them.
Step 5. Try to have realistic expectations
If the dog or cat has never lived with another animal, they surely won't know how to deal with the situation. Furthermore, until you introduce them, you will never know if the dog sees the cat as a game, a prey or a being that stimulates his curiosity, nor if the cat considers the dog as a danger or an element that piques his interest. Realize that the adjustment period between the two may last a long time, but it will be beneficial because it will allow you to make their chemistry stronger.
Advice
- Try not to make preferences between the two. Sometimes quarrels are triggered by jealousy. If the dog notices that the cat is getting more attention, it will react negatively.
- It is useful to introduce animals when they are still puppies. As children, they adapt more easily to the idea of living with individuals of other species. However, puppies love to play even though they are unaware of their own physical strength and therefore there is a risk that they will harm a kitten unintentionally.
