INTRODUCING DOGS & CATS

If you have a cat (or multiple cats) at home, it is important to have realistic expectations about the relationship your cat(s) will develop with your new dog. Very few dog-cat pairs end up being best friends, or even interacting on a regular basis. Many more are able to live side-by-side peacefully with very little interaction between them.

The Difference Between Dogs and Cats

Dogs are socially motivated creatures. They crave interaction with people, and social status is very important to them. Cats, on the other hand, are environmentally motivated, territorial creatures. Physical space and territory are very important to them, and having a canine newcomer in their territory will usually cause some stress.

It is very important to remember that dogs are predatory animals, and many dogs still have the drive to chase, catch and kill prey animals. Whether or not your new dog considers your cat a prey animal will depend on the size difference between them, any previous socialization to cats, and your dog’s individual genetic makeup. Watch for signs of predatory behavior from your dog. These signs could include staring, stalking low to the ground, straining on the leash or high pitched whining. If you think your dog is exhibiting predatory behavior towards your cat, please separate the animals and get in touch with Fetch.

Separation

To begin with, keep your resident cat(s) totally separate from your new dog. Because a cat is more independent and easier to confine than the highly social dog, it usually works out best to confine your cat to a room or area of the house where the dog cannot go. Keep the animals totally separate for a period of a couple weeks to encourage a slow transition and avoid stress. During this period, you can let the animals sniff each other under the door or let them smell each other’s bedding. You can take advantage of this opportunity to teach your new dog to “leave it.”

Introduction

When you decide to let the cat(s) out of their confinement area, let them come out and explore while your new dog is confined in the crate or on the leash. Go at your cat’s pace and don’t force interactions. Reward your new dog with praise and food treats for calm behavior around the cat. After several calm interactions, your pets will begin to be relaxed around each other. Once you are comfortable, you can let go of your dog’s leash and let it drag (just in case). Full introductions of a new dog and resident cat can take weeks or even months.

Dog/Cat Rules

Always confine your animals properly when you are unable to supervise. Not only is it unsafe to leave a new dog alone with a cat, but confining the dog to his crate or the animals to separate rooms allows your cat to roam her territory and safely investigate the newcomer. Even after many positive interactions where your cat and dog seem comfortable with each other, always provide a safe, secure space where your cat can get away from the dog. Try gating off one room with a baby gate that your dog can’t jump over, or providing high places for your cat to rest.

A Note About Cat Poop

There's no way around it - dogs love it. Keep your litter box in an area where your dog can't get to it, or you'll have a situation on your hands.