The cat, a male, is uesd to dogs and the dog, a mellow female lab, hasn't been around cats. Any knowledgeable pet owners' suggestions regarding their introductions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
2006-12-22 13:24:48 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
That's 'used' , as in 'accustomed', not 'uesd'---whatever that might be.
2006-12-22 13:28:00 · update #1
If the cat is used to dogs the hard part is over. I own 3 dogs and 4 cats, they all get along. I would maybe intorduce them with the dog on a leash in a closed room and see if they are ok. If so give the cat free roam, it can hide if it gets scared.
2006-12-22 13:27:18 · answer #1 · answered by gottabuylots 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Animals are actually more tolerant than humans as a rule. Even a cat that is used to dogs will need to adjust to a new dog but won't tend to panic. Labs are great at accepting other critters.
Initially, I'd put the lab in a safe spot so you can show the cat around and the litter pan, food bowl, etc. Now most dogs love cat food and cat litter pans so keep the placement of those safe for all. Work with the cat to establish where she might want her stuff.
Let the cat explore a while without the lab. Then when he has settled in a bit bring in the lab on a leash for the initial introduction. If you don't panic and make a fuss things will go better. Remember the cat can get out of the way real easy. The lab will be curious at first.
Leave them to work it out for the most part. May take awhile or never even be a problem.
I just brought in 3 new dogs to babysit. No cats at their house. I have 3. They looked each other over and that was that. No biggie. I let them do their thing without my input.
2006-12-22 21:39:52 · answer #2 · answered by pets4lifelady 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We had the same problem. We had to care for our sons dog while he was in Iraq....my cat, a male, was iffy with dogs...but, generally, good enough to share HIS house...lol...the dog, a rowdy husky who'd never seen a cat...
Well, all we could think to do is take it slow. We got a baby gate and limited the dog to the "common" rooms in the house...the livingroom and kitchen, until the cat got used to him being there and the dog figured out the cat wasn't a small dog he could play with. We gave them equal amounts of time, petting, playing, etc...we didn't yell, or make a fuss, at either of them when one sorta, well, got into the others face. By the end of a week, the cat sat in the same room...6 months later found them curled up together , sleeping on my favorite afghan.
Just be patient..praise each one for being "friendly", even if that friendliness takes the form of hissing or jumping around...and let nature take its course. They'll find a way to make peace.
Happy Holidays, and good luck
2006-12-22 21:32:45 · answer #3 · answered by aidan402 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have a dog and since I got him he has been around many cats. I used to rescue them so he is used to them but I think if he is a mellow dog all will be fine. there will probably be a little hissing til theu get used to one another but it will only last a day or so. Much experience inanimals. I am so excited for you. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas. I had one little dog that would nurse little kittens and she never had a puppy of her own. Just a motherly instinct I guess. Good luck with your new family. Hugs to you and your baby's
2006-12-22 21:35:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
has she ever seen a cat before?... how was her attitude,my cats and dogs all get along fine and bringing in a new one has never caused problems.... but it has been an issue for a friend of mine and now his cat stays upstairs all the time hiding so you really got to know weither or not your dog will like cats or not
bring her to a friends house who has a cat find out how she reacts with it. i hope i helped
2006-12-22 21:31:17 · answer #5 · answered by jittarbug 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the cat has been around dogs and gotton along with them yes they should get along because the dog is female and she will treat the cat as if it is her own kid
2006-12-22 23:16:00 · answer #6 · answered by slp9209 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a toughy, it depends on the cat. dogs will be more friendly towards cats then cats are towards other animals. Cats are extremly teritorial, it will take time but they will soon get use to each other and then be friendly with one another
2006-12-22 21:27:11 · answer #7 · answered by Nurse KeVo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
more than likly the cat will be fine it is the dog you will have to watch but they will get along or at least can be in the same house as other.
2006-12-22 22:33:32 · answer #8 · answered by U can't B like me 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh!, they'll get along all right, but a LITTLE extra garlic on the dog will go a long way toward helping them be better acquainted!
2006-12-22 21:31:35 · answer #9 · answered by mbratz98 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd suggest looking at this article for some help:
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/catintro.pdf
2006-12-22 21:32:01 · answer #10 · answered by Mindy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋