Whats the best way to introduce him to our cat? The cat has been the only animal of the house since he was a kitten (six years old now). How do you not traumatize the cat? How do you make it a smooth transition for both animals? Any suggestions?
2006-11-19 01:57:46 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
All the advice so far has been great! Sorry, I failed to mention the dog type. He is a small daschund. The Humane Society lists him as an adult (no exact age listed). He was a stray and is currenly sharing a cage with a lab. He's actually half the size of our exisiting cat. Crazy thing is, we weren't even looking for a small dog (the exact opposite - I was looking to find a Great Dane) but something about this dog called out to us - not sure why. We are going back to the shelter today to make the final decision. Just concerned with how the cat and dog might get along.
2006-11-19 02:34:52 · update #1
I would suggest putting up a baby gate so they can see each other and get each other's scent but can't get too close. You'll be able to gauge from both their reactions how hard it's going to be to get them to accept each other. Ideally they'll need a little time apart, let them become accustomed to the sight of each other before letting them in a room together, then make sure the cat always has a way out. If the dog is too eager to get to the cat, gently hold him back, no leash though, that would tend to make him more aggressive.
I've had lots of dogs living with several different cats and never had a problem - depends on the individuals. If your dog isn't an aggressive breed, you should be ok.
2006-11-19 02:05:01 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
How old is the dog and what breed? The shelter should have told you if the dog was introduced to cats. If not, what you do is keep them separate. I kept mine in the kitchen separated by a gate. This lasted for a few months. If the dog is small put it in a crate or a cage. That will allow the cat to come around an inspect the dog. Don't forget this has been the cats territory for some time and the dog is an intruder. The cat may exhibit some territory problems .Like marking its territory with urine spray. Some breed dogs just don't get along well with cats and I would be very careful introducing them. The cat may hide for a while but don't worry it will eventually come out. Good luck
2006-11-19 10:19:04 · answer #2 · answered by alan h 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
put the cat in a cage . because you dont know if the dog likes cats. then introduce them slowly where they can see each other but not get at each other. like thru a window. then bring the cage in if all is going well. if not then get a gate that your dog cant get past and let the cat loose on the other side. and keep it in place till your sure they will get along. This may take a couple of weeks. my german shepherd (8 yrs. old) got used to a cat (about 1 yr. old) that adopted us by looking at her thru the window every day. then the weather turned cold and it was obvious that she was not going away , So, I let her in and placed a baby gate between them.The cat never crossed it. after a few weeks Jaspur did not want to eat Ivy anymore.now they sleep together.
2006-11-19 10:09:25 · answer #3 · answered by T-pot 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if the cat has been around dogs and the dog has been around cats it will go smoothly, I hope you selected a dog that is good with cats and not a breed known for attacking cats, like a husky for example.
keep the dog on leash.. if the cat runs or hisses.. it makes itself into a target.. a cat who is indifferent to dogs will not be a target...
you can tell how your cat will react by having it see the dog through a window.. some cats become very defensive when they are inside and a dog is approaching their house... this is your clue as how to proceed...
main thing - KEEP DOG ON LEASH.. and monitor them closely... if the dog is trained encourage him to SIT or DOWN...
do not force the cat to meet him.. alllow the cat to hide if it wants...
good luck -
*** putting the cat in a cage isnt a good idea.. the cat will feel more vulnerable..the baby gate is good though...
2006-11-19 10:09:43 · answer #4 · answered by CF_ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have cats and dogs living together .the cat well not like the dog for a while but they should become friends over time .just put the dog down and let things happen dont let the dog chase the cat
2006-11-19 11:45:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have never had a dog so don't have first-hand experience. If you go to www.littlebigcat.com Dr. Jean Hovfe has an article in her library titled "Cat to Dog Introductions". That should give you some good tips as how to go about it.
2006-11-19 10:01:30 · answer #6 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just got a cat.but my dog has been the only pet for so long.so he just tries to hump her.so we put the dog in the crate.then at night,we take the dog in our room with the cat.so be careful with the dog because he/ she can get very hurt by the cat.
2006-11-19 10:30:20 · answer #7 · answered by Jade Loves Ya! 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to make sure the dog your going to adopt has been around cats in his/her past.
As for your cat, he is going to be angry with you for bringing another animal into the house. So... watch out for naughty kitty tricks.
Good luck.
2006-11-19 10:10:46 · answer #8 · answered by eyes_of_iceblue 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋