When Cat Meets Dog!
A Smooth Introduction
Consider
These Things
• Cats and dogs may play together and amuse themselves while left alone
for long periods. But getting a cat or another cat as company for the
other pet(s) does not mean that the animals will require less time from
people. All companion animals need to develop and enjoy strong bonds with
people, so another animal actually means a larger time commitment from
the owner.
• Someone considering bringing home another pet should also be aware of
the potential problems that may develop. The introduction of a new animal
is always going to be stressful for a resident pet, and stress has a way
of finding an outlet (cats may become un-housetrained, and, in some cases,
direct aggression towards their owners, as well as towards the “old pet”,
the dog).
• Since introducing a new animal is stressful to the pet residents, it
makes sense not to do it at a time when they are already under stress—when
you have just moved to a new house or apartment, or when recovering from
an illness or injury. Dogs are very routine-oriented; they like things
done in the same way, at the same time, every day. Any disruption in their
routine is stressful, so it’s wise not to add the stress of a new animal
at the same time a dog may be feeling stressed from another cause.
• Although you’ve arrived at the decision to bring home another pet, your
first responsibility is to the ones you already own. You must protect
their health. Make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date; take them to
the veterinarian for boosters, if necessary. The newcomer must have all
his shots, be dewormed, de-fleaed, if necessary, and kept in quarantine,
either at the veterinarian’s, a foster home, or in a spare bedroom or
bathroom in your house, for two weeks, which should be enough time for
any infectious diseases to appear.
Bringing in the New Cat
Since “you never get a second chance to make a good first impression,”
how you stage the initial introduction is important.
• Move “new cat” into a bedroom or a bathroom with litter, food and water
and close the door — both the cat and the dog know there’s something going
on behind the door and can start getting used to the idea, slowly, without
fur flying and vet bills.
• Visit the cat frequently but discretely over the next two weeks. He’s
very upset about this situation. Clean your hands, lap, etc. thoroughly
before coming out to greet a very suspicious dog. Consider wearing an
old bathrobe when in the cat’s room — it’s easier to take off the robe
covered with the cat’s smells, than to descent your clothes. As time goes
by, cut down on the cleanup so the dog smells more and more of the cat
on you.
• Dote on the dog — he needs to know he’s not losing his primary status
with you.
• Feed the dog and the cat near either side of the door to the cat’s room.
Don’t put the food so close to the door that they are too upset by each
other to eat. This will help start things out right by associating something
enjoyable (eating) with each other’s presence. Gradually move the dishes
closer to the closed door until they can eat calmly directly on either
side. Next, use two door stops to prop open the door just enough to allow
the cat and dogto see each other, and repeat the whole process.
• Switch sleeping blankets between the cat and dog so they have a chance
to become accustomed to each other’s scent. Also put the scented blankets
underneath the food dishes.
• Once the cat is using its box and eating regularly while confined, let
it have free time in the house while confining the dog. This switch provides
another way for the dog and cat to experience each other’s scent without
a face to face meeting. It also allows the newcomer to become familiar
with its new surroundings without being frightened by the dog.
• After the hissing and spitting by the closed door subsides, leave the
bedroom door ajar (use a door wedge to limit the opening) — the cat and
dog can now look at each other, each from within their territories. Don’t
rush it.
• Consider placing a cat carrier, with the cat’s bedding in it, in the
living room or bedroom to provide a safe and familiar hiding hole for
the cat.
Time for the Face-to-Face
Dogs and cats who have not experienced each other will require some extra
time to become accustomed to each other. Dogs usually want to chase and
play with cats, and cats are usually afraid and defensive.
• If your dog does not already know the commands “sit,” “down,” “come,”
and “stay,” you should begin working on them. Little tidbits of food increase
your dog’s motivation to perform, which will be necessary in the presence
of such a strong distraction as a new cat. Even if your dog already knows
the commands, work with obeying commands in return for a tidbit.
• After the animals have become comfortable eating on either side of the
door, and have been exposed to each other’s scents as described earlier,
you can attempt a face to face introduction in a controlled manner.
Feed both the dog and the cat before the introduction — they’ll be less
territorial on a full belly.
Put your dog’s leash on, and command him to either “sit” or “down” and
“stay,” using food tidbits. Have another family member enter the room
and quietly sit down with the cat on his or her lap. The cat should also
be offered some special tidbits. At first, the cat and dog should be on
OPPOSITE sides of the room. Repeat this step several
times until both the cat and dog are tolerating each other without fear,
aggression, or other uncontrollable behavior.
• Avoid any interactions between the cat and dog which result in either
fearful or aggressive behavior. If these responses are allowed to become
habit, they can be difficult to change. It’s better to introduce the animals
to each other so gradually that neither the cat or dog becomes afraid
or aggressive. You can expect mild forms of these behaviors, but don’t
give them the opportunity to intensify. If the cat becomes fearful or
aggressive, separate them, and continue the introduction process in a
series of gradual steps, as outlined above.
• Next, move the animals a little closer together, with the dog still
on a leash and the cat gently held in a lap. If the cat does not like
to be held, you can use a wire crate or carrier instead. If the dog gets
up from its “stay” position, it should be firmly repositioned, and praised
and rewarded for obeying the “stay” command. If the cat becomes frightened,
increase the distance between the animals and progress more slowly. Eventually,
the animals should be brought close enough together to allow them to investigate
each other.
• Although your dog must be taught that chasing or being rough with the
cat is unacceptable behavior, your dog must also be taught how to behave
appropriately, and be rewarded for doing so (e.g.sitting, coming when
called, or lying down in return for a tidbit). If your dog is always punished
whenever the cat is around, and never has “good things” happen in the
cat’s presence, your dog may redirect aggression toward the cat.
• You may want to keep your dog on a leash and with you when the cat is
free in the house during the introduction process. Be sure that your cat
has an escape route, and a place to hide. Keep the dog and cat separated
when you aren’t home until you are certain they will both be safe.
Precautions: Dogs like to eat cat food because it is
very high in protein and very tasty. Keep cat food out of the dog’s reach
(in a closet, on a high shelf, etc.). Why dogs like to eat cat feces is
not well understood but it is a relatively common behavior. Although there
are no health hazards to the dog from this habit, it is usually distasteful
to the owners. Attempts to keep the dog out of the litter box by “booby
trapping” will also keep the cat away as well. Punishment after the fact
will NOT change the dog’s behavior. Probably the best solution is to place
the litter box where the dog cannot access it such as behind a baby gate,
or in a closet with the door anchored open (from both sides) just wide
enough for the cat. Always feed your dog alone. Cats should not eat dog
food as it may cause dietary deficiencies.
It may take six to eight weeks or longer for cats to settle down. Try
not to give the resident dog cause to be jealous and don’t force the animals
to be together if they do not get along. Cats will rotate their schedules
to accommodate the presence of a dog if they’re not particularly fond
of each other. Don’t be disappointed if they never seem close. It may
be necessary to provide separate individual time with you, too.
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