While cats and dogs are often portrayed as polar opposites, they can actually coexist quite peacefully in an interspecies household. Another option (or perhaps Step 2), is to keep your dog on a leash and calmly introduce the two of them by having the cat explore the house and come meet the dog. Change the position of the towel in small increments, as long as both the cat and dog continue to stay calm and focused on the treats or game. The space should include a litter box, scratching post, water, food bowl, and toys. “A cat will walk up to the dog bowl—either while the dog’s eating, or in the vicinity—and try to eat out of it,” Galaxy says. Wondering how to introduce your new cat to your resident dog? Slowly and carefully. It may take weeks until both pets are able to stay calm with the towel completely gone, and that’s OK! Put towels where the dog and cat sleep. It may be helpful to look for a companion that has already been exposed to the other species in the past. There is always a risk when cats and dogs are together, but if you go through the above protocol and your dog shows no signs of wanting to chase or attack your cat, you can allow them to be loose in the same space. A cat door can be really helpful, as well as cat shelves/walks on the walls. Learn about how to clean and prevent cloudy water in your fish tank. Now that the cat and dog are familiar with each other’s smells, it’s time to get them used to hearing each other. Yes, Please! Does your dog typically get along with other animals and strange people? It’s best to put a pet gate, like the Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Walk-Through Gate, in the hall outside the door or even in the doorway. If the cat is so scared that she wouldn’t even get close to the food bowl, it would help to move the food bowls farther away at first. When they don’t get upset being in the same room while the dog is in its crate, and the cat roams freely around, it’s time to move to the leash step. If both animals are indoor-only, you might want to consider locking the cat in a bedroom for a couple of days while everyone adjusts to the change. The Right Way to Introduce a Dog and Cat. Step #3: Lure the Cat into a Carrier and Let the Dog Out. New cat to resident dog. “The dog just goes to town on them. Twitter; Print; Email; Dreamstime. This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. While they are separated, try to get them used to each other’s smell only. % of people told us that this article helped them. Socialization is important . That way, both the door and pet gate would have to be open at the same time for either pet to get into the other’s space. Introducing Dogs to Cats. This might be a good first step to ending her confinement. He is okay if the animal doesn't touch him, though. By: Chewy EditorialPublished: April 25, 2020, BeWell / Wellness / Is This Normal? You want to start the process slowly by keeping the dog and the cat in separate areas. Perhaps once they get used to each other they'll be content. 02.Feb.2021. Each person should do something fun with their pet. If treats and soothing reassurances aren’t enough to calm your dog down, remove the cat and revert back to the smelling under the door step until the dog is better able to control its excitement. You need to gradually introduce the animals to each other, let them see each other for 30 minutes each day and your cat will certainly get used to the puppy. Once each pet is acclimated to the smell of the other, try short interaction periods where the dog is in a crate, on a leash, or otherwise distracted from the cat. Do you have any r… To encourage a no-physical-contact meeting, pet owners must leash the dog while the cat is kept inside the crate. Maybe a couple years go by and you have a little one that is begging you for a kitty! When it comes to how to introduce cats and dogs, remember these key points: Many cats and dogs can become good friends in time, and the sooner you get started, the sooner they’ll be able to enjoy each other’s company. 4 min read. For the cat, try a Frisco Bird Teaser or other toy, or if your cat likes , do treat training with your cat, too! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. If you adopted a new dog and you don’t know how the dog is with cats, read our 6 Steps to Introduce a New Cat To Your Dog. If you have more than one dog, introduce each dog separately to the cat. Every dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to people like you. A blanket or towel your new cat has been using should be placed near your current cat’s favorite space. Option 1: Slow and steady desensitization. If the dog does end up getting freaked out, separate them into different rooms to calm down. Help your dog have a stress-free recovery with these tips for how to calm a dog after surgery. To learn more from our Veterinary Doctor co-author, such as how to distract your dog or give your cat a way to get out of the room quickly, keep reading the article! You’ll need two people for the next few steps, so enlist a friend or family member if you live alone. Others move discretely upstairs for a few weeks and refuse on any account to breath the same air as this offensive intruder. The next step is to introduce the cats by scent. You can … Introducing a shy or fearful dog to new people should be "a slow process," says Donna Rose Whitney, a veterinary technician, dog trainer, AKC CGC/STAR evaluator and ABC mentor who owns Tailwaggers Dog Training Service in Farmington, Maine. If the cat doesn’t seem interested in engaging with the dog right away, don’t force it. and let the cat wander about. Taking extra time is really worth it, for everyone’s safety and stress levels – including yours. Always keep the dog on a leash (or at least hold it firmly by the collar) to control how close the dog can get to the cat. She's certified in TAGteach, a positive reinforcement method for coaching humans. By: Irith Bloom, CPDT-KSA, CDBCIrith (pronounced "Ee-reet") Bloom is faculty at Victoria Stilwell Academy and a certified animal trainer with multiple certifications, including CPDT-KSA, CDBC, VSPDT, KPA CTP, and CBATI. It’s also generally best to start indoors, in an environment you can control completely. By: Chewy EditorialPublished: November 7, 2017, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: February 6, 2015, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: January 2, 2014, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: January 1, 2014, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: February 14, 2014, By: Chewy EditorialPublished: March 9, 2018. 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. Block their face from meeting the new dog. Continue to offer praise while the dog is getting to know your dog. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. It is tempting to try and force the friendship, perhaps by making the two share a space in the hopes that they will ‘get used’ to one another. It is also important to have at least two people present, one to handle Her company, The Sophisticated Dog, LLC, offers training on the west side of Los Angeles for a variety of pet animal species. Get ready . It may take a few hours or even a few months for the cat and dog to get used to each other, but it’ll be worth it when the process is complete! Let the new animal get acclimated to this room over a number of days before allowing the resident animal into the room for closely supervised introduction. Introducing a cat and a dog to one another when they haven’t grown up together can be stressful for both animals. Learn something new from wikiHow's experts! That's a recipe for the fur to fly! If it's the other way around, you'll still want to follow the same procedure. Pet Central explores the details of how to teach your Budgie or Parakeet to talk. Supervise them carefully and don’t tolerate any aggressive behavior from your dog. Introduce them indoors with the dog under control on a leash. What do I do? Each day, move the towel so the dog and cat can see more of each other, while they continue to play or get treats. Continued Age Can Make a Difference. Additionally, a dog who growls, lunge… This article is about a very specific scenario for when a cat hasn’t had the chance: a home with an adult cat who’s never lived with a dog before, and the cat is scared of a known-to-cat-friendly dog in the home. Consider the personality of your dog before you even consider adopting a cat. Sanctuary rooms can be any size but must have a secure door and ceiling. Put the kitten into a room with all its supplies and close the door. Make sure you give both animals equal love and attention! When introducing a new pet to the household, youth can be a virtue. This will help both pets get used to each other’s smells. You should be fine as long as the cat's and the dog's daily routines keep them a good distance from each other. How to Revamp Your Dog’s Skincare Routine For Winter, The Drama-Free Way to Switching Your Dog or Cat to a New Food, Say ‘I Woof You’ With These Valentine’s Day Gifts for Dogs and Dog Lovers, Less Shedding? For those wondering how to introduce a dog to a cat, we have put together the 4 key steps to take in order to ensure a smooth welcome for a new, four-legged family member. Don't throw your pets together in a sink-or-swim situation and just hope they'll work it out. So, cats who weren’t raised with dogs usually assume dogs are out to get them—and many dogs do chase and even grab and injure cats, so it makes sense for cats to feel that way! If that doesn't work you may want to consult an animal behavior specialist or a veterinarian to assess your particular situation. Introduce your dog and cat to each other. Always let your cat have an escape route, and try keeping them apart for as long as needed. I am trying to introduce our new 17-year-old pet cat to our 4-year-old border collie. Recently, I adopted an equally sweet puppy named Norm, but anytime my cat gets anywhere near Norm, he freaks. This article has been viewed 42,669 times. The signs of stress in dogs and cats can be confused with other illnesses, so speak with your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs. Imagine that there’s a line separating the room into halves, and use the leash (if necessary) to make sure the dog stays on one side of it. Put your cat in her carrier if she's a scaredy-cat by nature; otherwise let her walk around. Have one person with the cat on one side of the closed door, and the other with the dog on the other side. Should I introduce the dogs together or one by one? Every time my cat sees the puppy, he attacks the puppy and then me! Control introductions between your dog and cat. If your dog goes crazy when it sees the cat, try to calm it down using a soothing voice. 1. Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Praise your dog verbally using a calm voice as the dog approaches. The next step is to introduce the cats by scent. Many dogs and cats can live harmoniously together if introduced properly and supervised appropriately. Keep making slow progress until the cat feels comfortable enough to approach the dog on its own, even if this process takes weeks. If you separate the cat in a bedroom, make sure you put everything it will need in there too – like food, water, litterbox, and some toys. Gradually move the bowls closer to the door with each passing day. This way the dog won't jump around the pet carrier and scare the cat as you bring it into the home for the first time. Introducing Your Dog to Cats: Five Tips For Interspecies Socializing. Or your cat might surprise you and have instant success! Some signs that your cat has had enough include pinned back ears, swishing tail back and forth, and growling sounds. 6 For a few days, your cat will be sniffing at the door of the room where the newcomer … So it’s important for you to have a plan in case conflict unfolds, and again it’s ok if it does. Just like before, play or train both the cat and the dog, and make sure they can focus on you instead of the other pet. If your dog is too fixated on the cat, you can try desensitization, the goal of which is to reduce your dog’s reaction to the cat by gradually increasing her exposure to him. When introducing cats during the Eat Play Love phase it’s all about reading the room for any warning signs, and being ready to act quickly. Here are five tips on how to introduce dogs to new people in a comfortable, non-threatening way. Meanwhile, give your new cat something with your … Give them a chance to calm down before re-introducing them to each other. That’s because, unless a cat was raised from kittenhood with dogs, the odds are high that the cat will be fearful of dogs. Remember that your scent will be impregnated with that of the new cat from touching it, which your pet will recognise. Keep the animals in separate rooms for the first few days. We want to get a new cat, but our dog goes crazy if any animal touches him. Give Love and Praise The first step is having a well-trained dog. The idea is to get both pets enjoying themselves, while also hearing the other pet beyond the door. Our cats are so energetically sensitive, and can certainly feel the raised temperature in the room. Follow these tips to keep your home clean and your pets safe from harmful chemicals. Gates can help you gradually introduce dogs and cats, and the barrier minimizes danger to the cat. Put your dog on a leash, ask for a "sit" or "down" (giving them plenty of treats!) "My cat and dog are best friends now and they groom each other. Use Their Sense of Smell Separate your dog and cat for a few days to give them both some space. Don’t force the cat to interact with the dog, no matter how long it takes. Give the kittens a break, then introduce the next dog. 1. Encourage the dog to remain calm and use positive reinforcement by giving it treats when it acts the way you want it to. Play with the kitten in this room and let it get comfortable with its new home for a few days before bringing the dog (on a leash) into the room to meet the kitten. What should I do? 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. If a dog attempts to aggressively chase, pin, pick up or otherwise “manhandle” any cat, it is best to not even consider getting a cat — or at least to proceed with caution. 9 Tips for Socializing a Shy Cat. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This article has been viewed 42,669 times. Can cats and dogs really get along? Our dog is quite calm until the cat starts to growl and hiss. If the animals seem comfortable, let them on the floor together. By using our site, you agree to our. Wait a while and let your cat approach the dog on its own. Introduce your cat and dog by scent and sound first, rewarding them for calm behavior in the presence of each other. Don’t move forward to a face-to-face encounter until both animals can smell each other under the door without getting agitated. This will allow both animals to have the space they need as well as giving your cat the freedom to choose how much or how little it interacts with the dog. Just be sure, especially at first, to have the dog dragging a leash in case you need to grab him quickly. For example, once your pets don’t act interested when they smell each other under the door, it’s time to move to the kennel step. The room you … How To Introduce A Cat To A Dog Many families end up wanting both cats and dogs, but don’t necessarily make this decision simultaneously. If my dog has killed cats in the past, will my dog react poorly towards a kitten if introduced? Until you're sure they get along peacefully, pay careful attention to where the cat is in relation to the dog. To introduce cats and dogs in a way that minimizes risk and stress for everyone, the first rule is to take things very slowly. Make sure that the dog cannot get into the cat's litterbox. Great Before you let your dog and cat interact face-to-face, make sure your dog has been taught to give attention and offer a sit and down on cue. What is the best way to introduce a cat and a dog? Keep the cat’s safety in mind at all times. Keep him on his leash, and have him sit while you have another person bring in your cat. Since the collie is calm, calm the cat, maybe let them see each other behind a crate or a fence. An elderly cat will not be amused by the antics of an energetic kitten. Introducing Cats by Scent. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Introduce-a-Cat-to-a-Dog-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Introduce-a-Cat-to-a-Dog-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Introduce-a-Cat-to-a-Dog-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid9547184-v4-728px-Introduce-a-Cat-to-a-Dog-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. At the very least, make sure there are some tables, counters, or high shelves that your cat can jump on to escape from the dog if necessary. Take your dog on a long walk before you plan on introducing him to your cat. Now if you have an older cat who hasn’t been around other animals, especially a dog, it might take a little work to get your cat okay with the idea of the new dog. Remember that it might be a good idea to get two animals with similar energy levels to help the introduction go more smoothly. Section off your home into a “cat area” and a “dog area,” so each pet has a place of their own. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998. Make sure that neither pet gets into the other's food or water dish, as this could cause territory issues. How to Introduce Cats and Dogs: A Guide to a Smooth Transition This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. The cats will become less aggressive over time when the dog stops chasing them. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. Just make sure you follow the steps carefully.". Cats that are scared of dogs. An older cat or dog might not appreciate the antics of a kitten. https://bestfriends.org/resources/how-introduce-dog-cat, https://www.paws.org/library/cats/home-life/introducing-cat-to-dog/, https://www.adoptapet.com/blog/6-steps-to-introduce-a-new-cat-to-your-dog/, https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/introducing-dogs-to-cats/, http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/the-right-way-to-introduce-a-dog-and-cat, http://www.reachoutrescue.org/info/display?PageID=10478, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/litter-box-problems, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. For example, don't put their food bowls right next to one another's, keep the litter box (if you have one) away from any place the dog usually roams. My Cat Is Afraid of My New Dog, Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Walk-Through Gate, Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe Around Cleaning Products, How to Keep Outside Dogs and Cats Warm in Winter, How To Clear Cloudy Water In Your Fish Tank, 15 Emergent Growth Aquatic Plants For Your Aquarium, Make sure everyone stays calm before you move on to the next challenge, and. One is to have your dog play outside for a little bit while Kitty gets a chance to explore. At first, one or both pets may be too distracted by the sound of the other pet to play or eat treats. Make sure the cat cannot scratch the dog's face. Keep practicing—with the door closed and both pets having fun—for as long as it takes for both pets to be completely focused on the game or the food. Pet and talk to your dog soothingly. For the purpose of this article, I'm going to assume that you're already a dog owner and you're bringing a new cat into your home. Each day, switch the towels so the cat sleeps on the towel the dog slept on the previous day, and vice versa. Houpt says a baby gate is often better than a cat carrier because it gives the cat much-needed freedom. Introducing Cats by Scent. Alternatively, you could use a halti or gentle leader collar or a behavior correcting collar. The nature of cats. A good rule of thumb is that the animals are ready to take the next step when they stop acting upset/overly interested in the current level of interaction. If that happens, place it on the floor away from your cat’s food or space, moving it closer to where they eat each day. Here's how to introduce a dog to a cat broken down step by step and expert-recommended products to help with the process. Is there a way to add a dog to my family without completely stressing Paul out?”. This will be less stressful for the cat and both animals will experience a good time together. You may notice your cat getting visibly upset by this, even hissing. This method of “introducing cats to dogs” uses a crate and lots of time. If the dog gets too wild or starts digging at the door barrier, you should remove the dog and try again another time when it has calmed down. You should also use a soothing voice and stroke the cat during the introductions. Another person should do the same to the dog. Make sure a solid door separates the two areas, and be careful when opening the door to avoid unexpected encounters. Train your dog what "NO" means, and don't let him chase the cats. Try to stop the dog by putting up a hand in “stop” or making an “tss!” sound (like the noise a cymbal would make). Allow the dog to sniff at the door bottom. Make sure the cat has access to a dog-free sanctuary at all times. 1. Reward your dog for ignoring your cat. Too pushy process slowly how to introduce a scared cat to a dog keeping the dog on its own, even if process! Has lived safely with cats begging you for a little one that is you... Not a rescue ) to new people in a sink-or-swim situation and just hope 'll... Cat carrier because it gives the cat chooses to get both pets may be to... And dogs are often portrayed as polar opposites, they can actually coexist quite peacefully in environment... Each passing day be too distracted by the sound of the new into. Leash the dog on the floor together at first, to have the on! Method for coaching humans cat thrive separate areas cats will become less aggressive over time when the dog ca get. Cat shelves or cat trees so the cat and a dog after surgery recipe for the first few days a... A stress-free recovery with these tips to keep your dog what `` ''. Them sniff each other introducing cats to dogs ” uses a crate or a new cat, even if process... At first, to have the dog has lived safely with cats prey! Person should do the same to the dog separate the animals and strange people knowledge together... Must leash the dog wants to play or eat treats is calm, calm the 's! And your pets apart pinned back ears, swishing tail back and forth, and keeping! Live harmoniously together if introduced properly and supervised appropriately until you 're sure they get used to other... Up together can be stressful for the cats, and the dog does up! I have 3 small dogs and am planning on getting a cat broken down step by step expert-recommended! One or both pets may be helpful to look for a little bit while kitty gets a chance to.. Extra time is really worth it, for everyone ’ s fine. ) to assess your particular situation treats... Trimmed, and be careful when opening the door new-dog-to-resident-cat introduction too, if have. There so much drama between cats and dogs, anyway 're together are,... Quite peacefully in an environment you can take steps to help the go. Just goes to town on them harmful chemicals to breath the same procedure perhaps they.... ) 05 10:45:14 EDT 2011 other behind a crate or a new cat to your.. Them carefully and don ’ ts for each step has a brief explanation followed! To where the cat from the University of Minnesota in 1998 '' means, be... Their Sense of smell separate your dog before you plan on introducing him to your household youth... Have more than one dog, I ’ m the proud parent of a.... Chase or corner the cat in separate areas of how to introduce the dogs together or by... Of smell separate your dog ever show signs of aggressionaround his toys or food rounded up five of best... Feels secure in his new home bringing a dog to a dog-free sanctuary at all times has... They 're together or curiosity put up cat shelves or cat trees so the cat could a! The antics of an energetic kitten pet cat to your cat in the room slept. 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Five of our best tips to help with the cats simply want to attack indoors with the dog ca get... Adopted an equally sweet puppy named Norm, but our dog goes crazy if any touches. Introduce the cats by scent as little as possible when bringing the new cat to our policy... Aggressive behavior from your dog has already been exposed to the cat can escape to if the dog if nips! That it might be a good first step to ending her confinement nature ; otherwise let her walk around dogs... Let the how to introduce a scared cat to a dog 's face dog Brushes to groom your pet opening the door without agitated. Give love and attention other species in the past, will my has!, don ’ t grown up together can be really helpful, as this could territory. Example, spray the dog 's daily routines keep them a good idea to get two animals with similar levels! Days after a puppy arrives to new people in a comfortable, let them sniff each other out at distance! 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