what is the best way to introduce my cat to my new chihuahua?

Question

I've had my cat for 6 yrs now and wish to introduce the two in a pleasant manner.

Answer 1

good luck on that one. mine grew up together and they still fight

Answer 2

There will be nothing pleasant about it unfortunately. You have had the cat for so long. I would lock the cat in a room when you bring the dog home. Let the dog go through the house and smell the cats scent. Then lock the dog up, and let the cat smell the dogs scent. After a couple of days, let them discover eachother. I'm sure the cat will hide for a few days. Eventually they will learn to co-exist. It's always better when they are raised together. So you are at a disadvantage. Good luck.

Answer 3

The cat might be jealous and the two might not get along for awhile. The reason being is that a cat thinks it owns the territory it hangs out in. When the dog invades the territory, there could be trouble. Other than that, for the dog to make a good impression, is tough to answer. If for some reason the cat doesn't want to protect its territory and accepts the dog, perhaps you can have a large pet bed for the two of them to share. Good luck

Answer 4

Well, it's the cat's house so far, so the cat will be the most shocked and possibly annoyed. If you have any way of separating them in a room where they can see each other, but not touch each other, that would be great. Do that for a couple of days so they're aware of each other's presence. Then take the barrier down. For example, you might have a glass door separating two rooms or something like that. One goes on one side, the other on the other.

Answer 5

first, take them both in a big room or just outside (best if outside in a gated area). Then hold the dog and kneel down beside the cat. Let them sniff each other. Do this for about twenty minutes for best results. Then, set the dog down next to the cat.... if all goes well then good! BUT! if not, then quickly pick up the dog again. if the dog or cat does anything hostile towards one another, then scold them for it. you have to be tough (don't hit them! though). and at first, don't give them anything that they'll fight over.... they have to become friends. AND WHATEVER YOU DO! DON'T GIVE MORE AFFECTION TO ONE MORE THAN THE OTHER! THAT WILL CAUSE MAJOR PROBLEMS FOR ALL THREE OF YOU! good luck! I'm sure it'll work out!

Answer 6

Don't just put them togeather and expect them to hug. They are NOT people. However, if you look at the way big cats like lions bond, it is through food. Feed them both in the same room, close enough togeather to see eachother but not be threated by the other stealing their food. This way they have something else to think about, other than the main problem at hand and slowly they will begin to bond.

Answer 7

Turn them both loose. The cat will nail the chihuahua across the nose. You'll never have problems with the two of them again.

Answer 8

introduce them by scents first. Bring a blanket with the dogs scent to the cat and a blanket with the cats scent to the dog. This will allow them to really "sniff" each other out before meeting

Answer 9

Introduce them in the park somewhere the cat and dog both haven't been so they will not get in a fight over whose territory is whose. It worked with my dogs and cats.

Answer 10

Say "hello mr doggie... this is our new bestest friend in the whole world, Mr Kitty. Isn't he just the cutest thing in the whole world? now you two go and play nice now!"

Answer 11

well: according to ! house hold pets they must get along with
each other as normal of course even "Cats nDogs might fight
at first." But you must keep them two under control & care at all
times ok ?