| The same system can be used with cats and | | | | already resident, you should bear the |
| dogs, but after a week or so of eating at | | | | following considerations in mind: 1) The cat |
| opposite sides of the door, a face to face | | | | must have escape routes and sanctuaries in |
| meeting, with the dog on a lead, in the same | | | | the house available at all times. Faced with |
| room, can take place. Make sure the dog obeys | | | | a bothersome dog, a cat's first reaction is |
| its commands to 'Sit', 'Stay', etc., and have | | | | to flee and hide rather than make a fight of |
| the two animals at first on opposite sides of | | | | it. 2) When you are away from home during the |
| the room with the cat held on somebody's lap. | | | | introductory period, you should always keep |
| Titbits should be proffered all round. This | | | | the two animals separate. 3) Always feed the |
| scenario should be repeated many times until | | | | cat on a shelf or a working surface - |
| there is no sign of aggression or fear from | | | | somewhere high that the dog cannot reach. As |
| either party, the cat in particular not | | | | ever, a high vantage point will give the cat |
| struggling to get away. Then the two animals | | | | a feeling of security and contentment. 4) |
| can slowly and progressively over a number of | | | | Place the cat's litter tray somewhere where |
| meetings be brought closer to one another. | | | | it can gain access, but the dog cannot. Keep |
| The dog should be praised and rewarded for | | | | the cat flap locked until peace and amity |
| good, obedient behaviour in the presence of | | | | reign in order to deter the cat from leaving |
| the cat, never punished, so that it does not | | | | home for good. 5) Feed the dog separately and |
| come to regard the cat as being the cause of | | | | alone; dog food is not suitable for cats and |
| any punishment. That could lead to the dog | | | | a cat trying to take a mouthful from the |
| 'taking it out' on the cat when it got the | | | | dog's bowl could cause the dog to react |
| chance. The next stage is for you to arrange | | | | tetchily. 6) Until the dog is totally |
| scenarios where the dog and cat meet in the | | | | unconcerned by the presence of the cat, you |
| same room with the door closed. Don't rush | | | | should leave its lead attached to its collar, |
| bringing the two together; let them take | | | | even in the house, just in case it decides to |
| their time. The dog must be watched carefully | | | | make a dash for Puss and you have to grab it. |
| and on its best behaviour, calm and obedient, | | | | 7) It is sometimes worthwhile giving the cat |
| with no excited prancing about or barking. | | | | and the dog each its own territory; for |
| You will need patience as the scenario will | | | | example, the cat having upstairs and the dog |
| have to be repeated perhaps many times, but | | | | downstairs. There should be no trespassing, |
| eventually the two pets will metaphorically | | | | to begin with at least. 8) Don't rush things. |
| shake hands, or paws, and become friends. | | | | Remember that the introduction period between |
| Additional considerations When introducing a | | | | the two species can be as long as three |
| cat into a household in which a dog is | | | | months or even longer. |