Introducing Cats to Dogs

The same system can be used with cats andfollowing considerations in mind:
dogs, but after a week or so of eating at1) The cat must have escape routes and
opposite sides of the door, a face to facesanctuaries in the house available at all times.
meeting, with the dog on a lead, in the sameFaced with a bothersome dog, a cat's first
room, can take place. Make sure the dog obeysreaction is to flee and hide rather than make a
its commands to 'Sit', 'Stay', etc., and have thefight of it.
two animals at first on opposite sides of the2) When you are away from home during the
room with the cat held on somebody's lap. Titbitsintroductory period, you should always keep the
should be proffered all round. This scenario shouldtwo animals separate.
be repeated many times until there is no sign of3) Always feed the cat on a shelf or a working
aggression or fear from either party, the cat insurface - somewhere high that the dog cannot
particular not struggling to get away. Then thereach. As ever, a high vantage point will give the
two animals can slowly and progressively over acat a feeling of security and contentment.
number of meetings be brought closer to one4) Place the cat's litter tray somewhere where it
another.can gain access, but the dog cannot. Keep the cat
The dog should be praised and rewarded forflap locked until peace and amity reign in order to
good, obedient behaviour in the presence of thedeter the cat from leaving home for good.
cat, never punished, so that it does not come to5) Feed the dog separately and alone; dog food is
regard the cat as being the cause of anynot suitable for cats and a cat trying to take a
punishment. That could lead to the dog 'taking itmouthful from the dog's bowl could cause the dog
out' on the cat when it got the chance.to react tetchily.
The next stage is for you to arrange scenarios6) Until the dog is totally unconcerned by the
where the dog and cat meet in the same roompresence of the cat, you should leave its lead
with the door closed. Don't rush bringing the twoattached to its collar, even in the house, just in
together; let them take their time. The dog mustcase it decides to make a dash for Puss and you
be watched carefully and on its best behaviour,have to grab it.
calm and obedient, with no excited prancing about7) It is sometimes worthwhile giving the cat and
or barking. You will need patience as the scenariothe dog each its own territory; for example, the
will have to be repeated perhaps many times, butcat having upstairs and the dog downstairs. There
eventually the two pets will metaphorically shakeshould be no trespassing, to begin with at least.
hands, or paws, and become friends.8) Don't rush things. Remember that the
Additional considerationsintroduction period between the two species can
When introducing a cat into a household in which abe as long as three months or even longer.
dog is already resident, you should bear the