What is the best way to introduce a gentle dog to a newly fostered pregnant cat?

Answer 1

Very slowly! :-)

Your dog will probably be totally fine with this cat, but probably not the other way around. The best way to do this is to secure this queen in a quiet and comfortable area that is not accessible to the dog. Make sure she has her litter, water and food. To introduce the 2 animals, let the cat come to the dog and make sure you are there to supervise. It is perfectly normal for the cat to hiss and growl. She is just trying to communicate with the dog and assert herself. You do not need to intervene unless there is aggressive physical contact. Otherwise, just observe. Praise your dog for being calm and submissive. Do not let the dog bark loudly or chase. And always, always, always, provide your cat with an escape route. Never force her to remain in the dog's presence if she doesn't want to. You want her to feel like she has some control over the situation or she will feel helpless and threatened. If this is a temporary fostering situation, you may not have the cat long enough for her to adjust completely to the dog, but you can make her feel as comfortable and secure as possible while she's with you. Good luck

Answer 2

Introduce them through a kennel. Then slowly put them together under your supervision.

The cat will take care of itself if the dog gets to rough (play wise). Just keep and eye on them and don't be scared to enforce rules and bounderies.

i.e. Keep the dog in down the cat is around. Eventually the dog will just lay down when the cat comes in the room

Good Luck (PS - spay your cat)

Answer 3

i might want to post an quite solid infant gate and characteristic one individual on one section conserving the canines and one individual on the different section, wrap the cat in a towel, so she will be able to't scratch the guy conserving her and they could keep an organization grip on her to guard her also. allow them sniff through the gate for a couple of minutes and then positioned the cat in a "chance-free room" at the same time as she will be able to acclimate on your position, do this some situations. you ought to have a field, with towels in it for her to make her "maternity" room in and she will be able to love it in a nook, preferrably out of ways, properly hidden (even perhaps in a closet like position). in case you don't know how a lengthy way alongside she is you'll want to envision on her many times. I presented my cats 5 kittens, (3 were breach and were given stuck), yet with somewhat help were pulled out ok. sturdy luck to you and God Bless you for being concerned for those animals.

Answer 4

Cat To Dog Introductions
Dogs can kill a cat very easily, even if they're only playing. All it takes is one shake and the cat's neck can break. Some dogs have such a high prey drive they should never be left alone with a cat. Dogs usually want to chase and play with cats, and cats usually become afraid and defensive. Use the techniques described above to begin introducing your new cat to your resident dog. In addition:

Practice Obedience
If your dog doesn't already know the commands "sit," "down," "come" and "stay," you should begin working on them. Small pieces of food will increase your dog's motivation to perform, which will be necessary in the presence of such a strong distraction as a new cat. Even if your dog already knows these commands, work with obeying commands in return for a tidbit.

Controlled Meeting
After your new cat and resident dog have become comfortable eating on opposite sides of the door, and have been exposed to each other's scents as described above, you can attempt a face-to-face introduction in a controlled manner. Put your dog's leash on, and using treats, have him either sit or lie down and stay. Have another family member or friend enter the room and quietly sit down next to your new cat, but don't have them physically restrain her. Have this person offer your cat some special pieces of food or catnip. At first, the cat and the dog should be on opposite sides of the room. Lots of short visits are better than a few long visits. Don't drag out the visit so long that the dog becomes uncontrollable. Repeat this step several times until both the cat and dog are tolerating each other's presence without fear, aggression or other undesirable behavior.

Let Your Cat Go
Next, allow your cat freedom to explore your dog at her own pace, with the dog still on-leash and in a "down-stay." Meanwhile, keep giving your dog treats and praise for his calm behavior. If your dog gets up from his "stay" position, he should be repositioned with a treat lure, and praised and rewarded for obeying the "stay" command. If your cat runs away or becomes aggressive, you're progressing too fast. Go back to the previous introduction steps. If you cannot get a handle on your dog's behavior, a good quality training class can put you back in control of your dog so that your cat can enjoy her home too! Do not allow your dog to chase ANY small animals. That will only undermine training your dog to leave your cat alone.

Positive Reinforcement
Although your dog must be taught that chasing or being rough with your cat is unacceptable behavior, he must also be taught how to behave appropriately, and be rewarded for doing so, such as sitting, coming when called, or lying down in return for a treat. If your dog is always punished when your cat is around, and never has "good things" happen in the cat's presence, your dog may redirect aggression toward the cat. Allow your cat to approach your dog. By all means, allow your cat to walk up and investigate your dog but watch carefully so your dog does not attempt to chase your cat. By allowing this to happen, your cat will gain trust in you and your dog that nothing bad is going to happen to her. Your cat will begin to realize that sharing a house with a dog (who is not allowed to approach her) isn't so bad at all!

Give your dog an outlet for his chase behavior. Teach your dog to chase a ball, Frisbee, tether ball or squeaky toy rather than your cat. Regular exercise can help your dog remain calm around your cat.

Directly Supervise All Interactions Between Your Dog And Cat
You may want to keep your dog on-leash and with you whenever your cat is free in the house during the introduction process. Be sure that your cat has an escape route and a place to hide. Keep your dog and cat separated when you aren't home until you're certain your cat will be safe.

Precautions
Dogs like to eat cat food. Eating cat food can cause kidney and liver problems in dogs because the protein and fat content in cat food is too high for dogs to digest appropriately. You should keep the cat food out of your dog's reach (in a closet or on a high shelf). Eating cat feces is also a relatively common behavior in dogs. Although there are no health hazards to your dog, it's probably distasteful to you. It's also upsetting to your cat to have such an important object "invaded." Unfortunately, attempts to keep your dog out of the litter box by "booby trapping" it will also keep your cat away as well. Punishment after the fact will not change your dog's behavior. The best solution is to place the litter box where your dog can't access it, for example: behind a baby gate; in a closet with the door anchored open from both sides and just wide enough for your cat; or inside a tall, topless cardboard box with easy access for your cat.

Answer 5

better make sure it's o.k. with the cat first !