how can my cat get along with my dog?

Question

I have a new kitty and I have two siberian huskies what should I do in order for them to get along?

Answer 1

As you probably know, cats and dogs don't usually get along, i've heard of some rare exceptions, i once has a pupy who lived with my cat and when she had kittens, he started acting like one and even tried to nurse!!! Anyway, they just have to get used to each other, and you neet to let them know that they are all your friends. Untill you know FOR SURE that they are safe together, don't leave them alone. It might not work, it all depends on the animal's personality.

Answer 2

If this is a kitten, not a grown cat, than the issue is going to be mostly with getting the dogs used to the kitten. We've introduced our two grown cats to 4 different dogs. There have been some issues here and there.

The kitten will probably do well once the dogs accept her. Keep them separated at first, by a door or some other barrier. You can gradually move them closer. Try feeding them on opposite sides of the door so they can smell each other.

As you get more comfortable, replace the door with another barrier so they can smell and see each other. (Like a screen door or a safety gate.)

Then work on intros into the same room. If your dogs exhibit high prey drive normally (like they go crazy for birds, squirrels, rabbits), it might be best to keep them on a leash. Might be easier to do one dog at a time but what I'd do is have the dog on a leash, settle him down. Make sure he's relaxed then have someone let that kitten wander into that area. Don't force the interaction. They will want to sniff each other but keep an eye on your dogs' body language. If they seem to be "stalking", you should divert their attention with a toy or treats. If the dogs growl/bare teeth, correct them and say no. If their behavior is good -- dogs will wag their tails even though cats don't know what that means -- reward them with a treat, affection, or toy.

Keep interactions short at first, like 10 -15 minutes a day for a few days, depending on how all of the animals are doing. Then progress to taking the leash off but still controlling when and how long they are exposed to each other until you're at the point that everyone can wander freely.

A few things to be careful of: don't leave all of your pets free to wander the house without supervision until you are ABSOLUTELY sure everyone is OK with each other. It would be very easy for a big dog to accidentally kill a kitten. When/if you are ready to leave them all alone, take it in steps. 30 minutes one time, 1 hour the next, etc.

Keep a water bottle close for correcting the cat. Also keep a blanket handy. If there is a scuffle, the best way to get the kitten out of there is to cover him with a blanket then grab and go. If something happens, try not to yell/scream as it'll only scare the animals and they might think the other animal should be attacked.

Just remember that these two species do not speak the same language and it could take time. The kitten should be able to quickly adjust because it's young. And, as I learned recently, don't be afraid of set backs. You might think everything is OK and one of the pets will start acting out but it might be temporary only.

Also, be sure to share affection with all of the animals. Because you have a cute, tiny ktiten you might be inclined to give it most of the affection. Try to spread your love out.

We adopted a dog about 2 months ago and were really concerned about his intro to the cats because he had a strong prey drive. And the first couple of meetings were tense. But now, one of the cats will sleep in the bed with the other. And the other cat, who gets upset with the dog sometimes, will come up to the dog and rub the dog's face and chest with his head. Not bad in 2 months! Once the dog realized they weren't things to chase, he has been great with them.
Have fun!

Answer 3

We used to have a lot of pets - 5 cats and two dogs, plus a parrot. Cats are especially tuned into dominance issues and will always try to establish a dominance hierarchy. One of the 5 cats discovered that the way for her to become the "top cat" was to enlist the friendship of the dogs. They loved her so much that once they even got into a snarl with each other over who was the mommy to that cat.
I would recommend that you restrict their contact at first to times when you are present. It should all work out fine and you should be able to relax soon. Be sure and give everyone a lot of love.

Answer 4

usually they wont at first but if you keep them seperat forever they wont . so what you need to do is keep them far enogh apart to not feel frightend but youl need a cage or gate so they cant hurt each other. over time thell become attached or they will stay away.

Answer 5

The best is to let them grow up from young together.

Answer 6

give them time and space they are just claiming territory...they will be okay in a few weeks...

Answer 7

they might but htey might not... this will just take time to figure out... so good luck and God Bless!!