How can I introduce a cat to my aged dog. My partner is moving in and bringing his cat with him...?

Answer 1

It depends on the cat and the dog. You do not say whether either the cat or the dog, or both, have previous experience of sharing with other animals. You also don't say what breed the dog is - the issue is obviously different depending on whether the dog is as small or smaller that the cat (e.g. a Yorkshire Terrier!) or whether it is bigger.

Two points. Firstly, dogs are pack animals and your dog may actually be more upset that you, whom (s)he probably sees as the pack leader, bring in another member to the pack, i.e. your partner, and favour him or her above the existing dog member than at the arrival of the cat. You may want to stagger the arrival of your partner and the cat. You should also ensure, if it is not already the case, that your dog has met your partner as a visitor a number of times before he or she moves in.

Secondly, if the cat feels uncomfortable with the dog, it may well run away. So you will have to keep it indoors for at least a while after its move.

If the dog is elderly, I would imagine you may well have a vet who has treated it and knows its temperament. If so, I would suggest you ask his or her advice: let me repeat my point that it depends upon the individual animals - no advice you get on the internet can take account of the specific pets. Alternatively, I suggest you ask an animal charity - e.g. the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals in England (where I live) or an equivalent in your own country. Look at their website, but get in touch with them and talk to somebody.

Be warned that in the worst case it may not be possible for the two animals to share one home. In which case what would you do? Have the dog put to sleep (this may well horrify you and I trust your partner too)? Live separately from your partner for a year or two more? I know these are very hard choices.

You should not be so definite about your partner moving in until you have agreed a plan together about your pets. Moving in together is a big decision and this is only one of a number of things you should be comfortable about before you start. I have a relative who bought a house with a partner a few months ago and now has big problems as they wish to split up.

Best wishes for a happy life with your partner and pets.

Answer 2

Do it slowly, have the cat in a seperate room so they can smell but not see each other. Put some of the dogs bedding in the room with the cat and vice versa. Let the cat explore other rooms whilst the dog is out, then let the dog in to get the scent of the cat. Introduce them to each other while there is a baby gate on the room door, or put the dog into a puppy crate and let the cat loose around the room. If the dog shows signs of being to 'full on' with the cat start again, unless the dog is a born cat chaser, with time and patience they will be fine together. Best of luck!

Answer 3

I just had to do this with my dog. My dog is a hound, but already lived with three cats, so at first his hunting instincts showed. At first I keep the cat in a separate room where the dog and cat could smell each other under the door. After a few days, I brought the cat out and held her while my dog sniffed her. After about a week of doing this, I put up the baby gate to separate the dog and cat. They got used to each other more and I them took the gate down and let them both free in the house. The dog did chase the cat a few times (nothing aggressive at this time) and he quickly got used to her. I hope this and other responses will help. For more information check out this site: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/cat_behavior_tip_sheets/introducing_pets_to_a_new_cat.html

Answer 4

don't assume that your dog will chase the cat. If both of you are perfectly calm and don't get tense when you bring the cat in, your dog will feel relaxed too. It may help if for the next couple of weeks before he moves in, you take the cat bedding and dog bedding and swap them so that each creature gets to sleep on the bedding from the other to get used to the smells so that when they eventually meet they are not total strangers. Hopefully you never encouraged your dog to chase cats os said "cats" in an excited voice to wind him up. If not then I think the intruductions should be absolutely fine.

Answer 5

Your vet should be able to prescribe a mild sedative for your partners cat, that will help it make the transition easier for the cat and stop it being too animated which could trouble your dog. As for your dog, for the first few days after the dog & cat meet, make a lot of fuss of your dog, feed it it's favorite treats and talk to it a lot.

Answer 6

Put them both in an area where the cat can escape but the dog cant follow. That way the cat can get to know the dog with the option to escape if things turn nasty!
Its likely to be the cat that causes the trouble, but if the dogs fairly placid they shold get on fine

Answer 7

bring the dog and the cat in the same room and stay there take a towel and rub the towel over the cat and then over the dog and let your boyfriend bring home the towel that has the scent of the dog on it and the same for him it sounds funny but it work like a charm I know I did it once
thank you

Answer 8

Say, So and so, this is so and so. No really, the cat will probably be the one to hiss alot. But with the dog being old, there probably won't be much problem for long.

Answer 9

WOW - no longer attempting to "schmooz" you, yet your information above is all genuine heading in the right direction. It seems such as you rather have given this various severe and reason theory. With a "discern" such as you, the two your kitten and American Eskimo domestic dog could desire to regulate good and start to realize how fortunate they are! sturdy good fortune!!

Answer 10

After the initial meeting more than likely they will stay apart from each other unless they become buddies. It's a possibility but don't expect them to be the best of friends.