How to introduce dogs to a cat?

Question

Several years ago my husband and I fed a skinny alley cat that was hiding on our patio to escape the rain. 3 years later, she is fat, happy, sleeps all day and parties outdoors all night. Pretty normal cat. Well, my husband and I are looking at adopting two mut puppies from the shelter. Their smallish (look poodley-terrierish) and not of the hyper variety. Playful but not insane. And they are cat-friendly and non-aggressive. We are looking for any literature/sites/personal advise/etc. that will help us aclimate Turkey (our cat) to the new arrivals. Turkey rules the house and appears to hate all other animals except humans. Thanks!

Answer 1

I did this just a week ago and I was really anxious at first, but everything has settled down now. As long as your cat still has her claws she will be the one to set the relationship and show the pups who the boss is. Our cat spent the entire first night on top of our dresser but only a week later she was back to her old self. The two most important things are to put her food up where she can get to it and the dogs can't. Second, make sure there is a place where she can have a dog-free sanctuary. For our cat, it's the top of the furniture since the dog isn't allowed up on the furniture. I hope this helps. They will work it out for themselves.

Answer 2

I had the same issue with my pets. the only thing you can do is to introduce them but with caution. hold the dogs in your arms and see how they interact. If the cat hisses (which she probably will) then you know you have a good 2 weeks of them hating each other. My cat and dog fought for about this long b/f i guess they got to the pt. that they werent going to do it anymore. Dont let them kill each other ~ which probably wont happen b/c the dogs are smaller but there will be some scratches. they will be good friends in the end.

Answer 3

It would've been smarter to introduce the three when they were young. Or at least when the cat was. If the cat is friendly the puupies will be fine. Usually a female cat would accept a baby of any kind, but if it's a guy... I sure hope he loves puppies.

Answer 4

in the experience that your cats have in no way been around a canines and that they are finished grown then that's a lot extra durable to handle. they are going to be frightened and so on. you may prepare a canines regardless of if it rather is domestic dog or grownup yet as quickly as cats are set of their procedures they're surprisingly sturdy. combine the canines slowly. take towels/blankets rub them on the cats and function the domestic dog sleep on those and vice versa. you like their smell to be a common heady scent with the aid of the time they meet. continuously use a leash till you have experienced behavoir from the two components. additionally the canines will not be able to be on my own with the cats till you recognize for a certainty the two animals would be risk-free. a canines can kill a cat thinking they're enjoying. and cats' claws can tear open a canines nostril,ears and eyes. i propose crating the domestic dog yet in basic terms for 4-5 hours max. commence slowly. crating for 10 min then 30 minutes and various instances an afternoon so he isn't frightened of the crate and grows familiar with it. do a sprint diagnosis!! purchase and consider a e book. or watch "its me or the canines" on animal planet and the canines whisperer. taking over a domestic dog is a extensive activity! please be arranged for suitable preparation. do your learn and ask your vet any advice and advice! good luck

Answer 5

Put The Cat In His Food Bowl

Answer 6

I would worry more about the cat's reaction to them. Maybe slowly mingle them together. If the cat gets upset maybe you can put the dogs in another room to give the cat time to adjust. You need to be sure to give the priority to the cat so that she doesn't feel threatened as they are very jealous and territorial.

Answer 7

Our dog chose our cat. We watched the dog play with the cat. When we were watching the play from another room got quite active, but never overly aggressive. The dog became quite protective of her cat.

Just supervise them for awhile until you're comfortable with their interaction.

Answer 8

That cat will decide immediately whether or not they'll get along. I don’t believe they “get to know each other.” The relationship won’t change over time. You can only cross you fingers and hope. Being a cat outdoors, she'll be fine whatever their relationship.

Answer 9

I would keep them separated until you can familiarize the dog scents to your cat. rub your shirt or jeans on the pups before you wear them, so your cat will smell that and learn to associate it with you, and that its an okay smell. Pretty much, your cat will stay away from them if he feels threatened. Good luck!

Answer 10

I had a dog he was my only dog.Then this one day we went to my grandmas and she gave me a cat so what i did .Is i held the cat up to my dog and let them kinda sniff echother i wouldnt let the cat out of my arms unless my cat was in a differrent room as my dog .I did that for a week then graduly they learned to like echother keep your eyes on them though.good luck:)