How To Introduce A Cat To A Dog Household

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.

How to introduce a cat to a dog household. A kitten is more likely to be injured by a young energetic dog or a predatory dog. If you re bringing home a new dog consider keeping your existing cat in a separate portion of the house and follow crate training protocol with the dog. Take note that cats unlike dogs are animals that do not go around in packs they are very independent so the introduction of the new family member must be done with great care and attention if you want. It s important to have realistic expectations when introducing a new pet to a resident pet.

Sanctuary rooms can be any size but must have a secure door and ceiling. Make sure the cat has access to a dog free sanctuary at all times. Whether you re adding a new cat or a new dog to your household the top priority is always safety. Introducing dogs to 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. If you already have a cat and have decided to increase the family by introducing a new cat into your home you should know the best way for both pets get along and to get to know each other. 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. If you have a shy cat be more cautious as a puppy will not.

Make sure to cat proof the space by removing any poisonous plants medicines fragile knick knacks and hiding or tying up. Some cats are more social than other cats. Bales suggests placing some of each animal s personal items like beds in the other animal s space during this time period so that the cat and the dog become accustomed to each other. If you are introducing a dog into a household with a kitten use extra caution.

A separate though similar article will talk about introducing a new cat to a family dog. Having a cat in your canine household can be a happy time but it is also one that can trigger all sorts of unpredictable feelings and responses in a family. Many dogs and cats can live harmoniously together if introduced properly and supervised appropriately. This article specifically is about introducing a new dog to a resident cat.

The space should include a litter box scratching post water food bowl and toys. 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. Then let them smell each other under a door or through a gate or fence to see how the animals react to being close to each other. 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.

When introducing a puppy to a household with a cat a well socialized cat will typically be able to deal with a puppy. How to introduce a cat into your canine household.