How To Introduce A Cat To A Dog
Slow can be as quickly as one week or it can take months depending on the pets being introduced.
How to introduce a cat to a dog. Introducing dogs to cats. Here s how to introduce a dog to a cat broken down step by step. Even if the dog has had experience with cats and the cat has lived with a dog before proceed cautiously during the. Ask the dog to sit and reward him with small tasty treats for calm behavior.
Methods for introducing a dog and a cat. Introduce your cat and dog by scent and sound first and reward them for calm behavior in the presence of each other. If the first method of introduction you try doesn t work or you don t feel comfortable with it try a different option. Use a head collar.
When your pets are ready to share a space be sure your cat has plenty of options for hiding and climbing. This article specifically is about introducing a new dog to a resident cat. Return the pets to their confinement areas. Toss a toy for the cat to lure him from the room or call the dog s name and reward his attention.
There are many ways to go about introducing cats to dogs but you can use these six steps for a slow and safe introduction of a new cat to resident dogs who are known to be good with cats. There are many different ways to introduce a dog to a cat. Introducing dogs to cats. When you are ready to introduce your cat to your dog make the initial meeting a quick one approximately ten minutes.
A separate though similar article will talk about introducing a new cat to a family dog. It s important to have realistic expectations when introducing a new pet to a resident pet. Give your cat treats as well. Some cats are more social than other cats.
For example an eight year old cat that has never been around other animals may never learn to share her territory and her people with other pets in the household. To introduce a cat to a dog start by touching one animal in a separate room and then letting the other animal smell your hand. Whether you already have a dog and are considering getting a cat or vice versa it is very important to think about their first introduction. This is the html version of one of our former shelter sheets which were designed to be downloaded and printed for handout by humane societies animal shelters rescue groups and.
If either pet demonstrates aggression calmly distract and redirect them. By letting a loose cat and an off leash dog meet each other in an open room for the first time you are probably setting up both animals to fail. Once each pet is acclimated to the smell of the other try short interaction periods.