Introducing new cat to our dog?

Question

In a week or so, we are getting a rescue cat, shes a spayed/neutured 1yr old female. We have an 11yr old yorkie already. He's so placid and laid back, but I'd like some advice on introducing them to each other?

Obviously we'll make sure we are still making a fuss of our dog at the same time, but its leaving them together for the first time thats worrying me? any advice?

can't figure out how to add another reply lol, but he's never been near another cat.

I'm sure he'll be fine, but better to be safe than sorry :)

funny I never think of our dog (Jake) as elderly, we lost his mum last year at the age of 18, so 11 to me seems young lol.

He was always fine with her, but then she was his mum :)

A problem I have is, they are both going to have to share the kitchen to sleep in, can't really put one in the lounge as couldn't have litter tray in there, youngest child is nearly 3 and may be inquisitive ;)

I'm in nearly all day but they would have to share the same room at night

Answer 1

I don't think you can get any better information than from Dr. Jean Hovfe at: www.littlebigcat.com. She has an article there on "Cat to Dog Introductions". She is of course a veterinarian and her partner at the site is a cat behaviorist.

Answer 2

Have the rescue people told you that your cat should be kept in a different room from the Dog for a few days.. ! This gives the cat and dog time to get use to each others smell....
When shes home.. pet the dog and get his smell on your hand or cloth...then pet the cat along her cheeks just in front of her ears... she has scent glads there..This gets the smell of the dog too the cat.
I think it could also work the other way around. Give the dog plenty of opportunities to smell the cat in the house.
Sounds like your gonna have lots of fun.
They will probably love each other to bits. Don't Worry

Answer 3

Plutoniccatgirl is right on with her answer...
Our family has been taking in "rescue" animals for the last 20 yrs.
Any new pet brought into the home is aways confined for a period of time.
(The time is based on how fast everyone adapts to each other...)
The new pet is brought out of the confined room for only short periods. (Starting at 5-15 min. each time) We slowly increase the time over a week or two...
We make sure that each pet has their own toys & bedding...
Our best is done not let other animals play or sleep with anothers
favorite stuff.. We look to be the pack leaders in the house &
work to avoid letting any one animal be dominate.

From our zoo to yours...
Good Luck!

(We have a dog, 3 cats, & a farret...)

Answer 4

If i were you i'd only leave them together when theres someone there to supervise.
You don't know how either will react.
Your yorkie is elderly so i don't suppose he'll be to bothered about the cat it's just how bothered the cat is about the dog really and if it'll pester him.
your cat will be best in a carrier for the initial introdution so neither can get to each other but they can see each other

Answer 5

Generally it's a good idea to allow them time to get to know one another through some sort of barrier (like a closed door or a baby fence). That way they can get used to the smell of one another without you having to worry that they will attack one another.

When we bring home new pets, we keep the new pet in one of our bedrooms overnight for about a month at first, again so that you don't risk aggressive behaviour in the middle of the night.

Answer 6

The first time they meet, make sure you hold back your dog. Supervise them all the time the first day and they should get along fine. If there is any sign of aggression, you should separate them. They should be OK.

Answer 7

I would think the previous behavour of your dog around cats
would give you an inkling !!