Knowing how to introduce your new cat to your dog is important. Dogs have gotten a bad rap as being enemies of cats. This doesn’t have to be true if proper preparations, precautions, steps, and dog training are taken before and during the first meet and greet between the cat and your pup.
Preparations and Precautions
When you first bring your new cat home, ensure the dog is secured in a room where the new cat won’t see them. There will be enough going on with the trip home, new smells, and sounds, so you want the new cat to be as comfortable as possible with its new surroundings from the start. You should have already chosen a room where the cat can remain separated from the new dog for a few days, maybe longer, depending on the receptiveness of both pets. Make sure to spend lots of time with the cat, allowing both pets to explore the new pet scents on you and your clothing.
Start with a closed-door room so the pets can still smell each other without being face to face. When you feel it’s the right time, open the door; however, secure a gate in the doorway. This step is important and a great way to introduce your new cat to your dog without possibly being frightened by this new creature in its new home. Supervise the interactions, and when the over-curiosity subsides, and the two pets seem comfortable with each other’s presence, it’s time for a tour of the home for the new cat.
Next Steps:
Being aware of how and when to introduce your new cat to your dog is important. When your dog is outside doing doggie things or being taken for a walk, take your cat into the home’s living area. You can carry them around or let them explore without the dog in the house. They will instinctively locate some good hiding places when they might feel scared about loud noises, the dog barking, etc. Be sure to hold the cat when the dog returns to the house. Keep your dog on a leash for this first face-to-face interaction. Remember that kittens are more receptive to other animals or pets than an older cat or one that’s never shared a home with a dog. Give this introduction a little time, then return the cat to its safe place. Do this a few times every day for a few more days when introducing your new cat to your dog.
Once you are certain both pets are used to each other, let the dog off the leash and allow the cat to explore. You must supervise closely, as dogs tend to chase and want to play with cats instinctively, and cats usually become afraid and defensive. If more time is needed for uneventful interactions and sharing space peacefully, continue to put the cat behind the gate and allow face-to-face meetings periodically and daily until you feel they are safe to roam without your presence.
Training Your Dog Before Getting a New Cat
Another important step to consider is proper puppy training before you introduce your new cat to your dog. Once they have been introduced, your dog must be taught that chasing or being rough with a cat is inappropriate behavior and be guided toward what is appropriate. Reward good behaviors in return for a treat. If your dog is always punished when your cat is around and never has “good things” happen in the cat’s presence, your dog may redirect aggression toward the cat. Most cats and dogs learn to live together, play with each other, share food, and even sleep side by side. Some learn to tolerate each other and keep their distance. However, how your new cat and dog choose to live with each other is up to them. Your job is to know how to introduce your new cat to your dog in a way that fosters a comfortable and harmonious household!
