just got a new golden retriever about a week ago, is there anyway to get my cats to bond with him, they are about five years old and seem kind of scared of him.
2006-10-17 06:40:45 · 19 answers · asked by this Mike guy 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Congratulations on your new puppy! We have a brand new fluffy black schnauzer puppy that we got last week, too.
The very best way to get cats to warm up to a puppy is to cover the puppy (well, parts of him, anyway) with tuna juice (from water-packed tuna, not oil packed tuna!) Trust me, this works! The kitties usually end up not being able to help themselves, and licking the puppy until he no longer smells like tuna!
Hee hee hee. (And have your camera handy)
Meow!
2006-10-17 06:49:29 · answer #1 · answered by Harvie Ruth 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's only been a week and this is going to take time for them to manage friendships. Also, each animals personality is different. In my home, my American Eskimo doesn't want my cat within 5 feet of her, but my Dashchund loves her to pieces and the cat loves him. They cuddle and groom each other all the time.
If you dog is a puppy, the puppy stage may keep the cats from getting close for a while as he may be a little too hyper for them this young.
As long as your cats have safe places to escape your puppy, such as under beds, into a closent or on a dresser top, they will be fine and don't try to keep them separated as this will enable your cats not to make friends.
Eventually, if it's meant to be, they will get along just fine, or at least tolerate each other.
2006-10-17 08:19:38 · answer #2 · answered by Shadow's Melon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say let them get used to each other in their own time and space. Don't force the cats to get near the puppy. Puppies are more rambunctious than grown cats and he may try to play with them and threaten and/or hurt them. Also cats and dogs have opposite body language, you'll notice when a cat is in a good mood it will hold it's tail up, where that signals agression in dogs. Also a cat will roll onto it's back as a defense and/or attack to keep it's claws between itself and it's agressor where as a dog will take that as a submissive gesture and stick his nose into a cat's belly warranting an attack from Mr. Kitty.
Try rubbing blankets on your cats and keep them in your puppy's sleeping area and vice versa. They'll get used to each other's scents and become more tolarant of each other. Keep lots of vertical space for your cats to perch on so they escape from your puppy when they need a serious break, and they probably will. Also reward your puppy for gentle behavior around the cats.
2006-10-17 06:55:33 · answer #3 · answered by landi_lou 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't really have an answer to your question, but I just wanted to say that I just got a new golden retriever puppy too, and they are the most adorable animals on earth! I don't see how anything can be afraid of him. They are calm, good natured, and so loveable. I say, just give it time. They will come around, once they know he's there to stay. G'luck.
2006-10-17 07:15:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats do not take change very well. They do not appreciate your attempts to force them into friendship either. The best thing you can do is ride it out. They'll soon figure out that the puppy is not going to kill them. Do NOT try to force them nose to nose because this will increase their anxiety. And when pup tries to chase/play with them, distract him away with a fun toy or a treat so he learns that cats really aren't that interesting after all.
Eventually they will be OK with each other, but the cats can stay out of sorts for weeks and/or months before they decidse they can't ignore the issue away.
2006-10-17 06:55:57 · answer #5 · answered by Robin D 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Way way too soon to think they will be casual about each other or friends.
Do not force it.
Let the cats do their thing. They will avoid the puppy and stay out of his way until they decide he is a harmless Golden ball of fluff..
Not unusual for the cats to act horrified and slink around for a month or more.
My two kitties - who grew up with my elderly chow/aussie - were so horrified when the 16 week old, 17 inches at the shoulder 40 lb Kuvasz puppy came home that they stayed so out of sight that one would have thought that they had packed their bags, unlocked the door and left.
After about two weeks they would saunter carefully by him staying 5-7 feet away.
They got braver and braver.
By the time he was 9 months, I took one of my favorite photos of the puppy (by then 75-80 lbs and 26 inches at the shoulder) and the one cat (9 lbs.) I heard a yowl and ran to see what was going on. The dog was hunched down slightly to fit under the dining room table. The cat was laying on his back under the table. The puppy had his nose about 5 -8 inches above the cat. The cat was merrily swatting the (large) puppy on the nose, the puppy had a ridiculously happy grin on his face with his tail furiously waving and was swinging his nose back and forth for the cat to hit. Ran and got the camera. The picture is called "Murphy - play NICE with the puppy!"
They still play that game today. The cats get him to chase them then dive under the coffee table. The now 115 lb, 29 inches at the shoulder goofball, goes after them smacking his head on the table. While he is trying to get down to them, one tears out and attackes his tail. He whirls and the other grabs his tail. And back and forth they go. Needless to say, we don't keep knickknacks out and about.
When I hear a cat yowl now, I am yelling at the cats "What are you doing to that dog?"
They curl up and sleep on that big white dog - plenty of room for two cats; and kick him out his bed and take over.
The cats taught the young dog to groom them and they do his head for him. (The dog's tail is for chasing and swatting.)
They will be fine. Give the kitties attention away from the puppy so they don't get jealous (and yes, they do get jealous) and let them sort it out. Goldens are particularly sweet and friendly with other animals - I had them for 28 years and always with cats.
2006-10-17 08:40:48 · answer #6 · answered by ann a 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only solution is time and patience... they will eventually become accustomed to the dog. However they may never really like him..lol but soon enough they wont be scared of him they will be teasing him and smacking him around... I have 4 cats and 2 dogs and they all get along well... it just took some time! Good luck!
2006-10-17 07:06:37 · answer #7 · answered by Kelly + Eternal Universal Energy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cats will open up when they are ready, just make sure they are exposed to each other and you watch them at all times. I have 2 aggressive 2 dogs and a dominate cat and they get along o.k. The cat tries to show the dogs whose boss but he’s so much smaller than they are. They chase each other around my house like they are crazy and I have to make sure to watch them to make sure my cat doesn’t attack the dogs and vice-versa. I’m positive that your cats will open up, they can’t avoid him forever.
2006-10-17 07:56:54 · answer #8 · answered by luvlynspecial 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Introduce you're cat and dog at a young age. If you don't, it is more likely they won't get along. Whenever you do, have your dog on a leash and have someone hold the cats. Let them get used to each other and scold them for scratching, biting, hissing, growling, etc. Good luck !
2006-10-17 07:31:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two cats and a dog and they all play like they are best buds. Just make sure they are exposed to one another on a regular basis. Don't push anything but get them together playing and be patient, either they will become friends or learn to tolerate one another. They have to decide.
2006-10-17 06:49:42 · answer #10 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋