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

Question

Just so we are clear - this is a foster cat - she came to me already pregnant -I am keeping the cat for a shelter to give her and kittens a good home until they can be adopted.

This question was asked 10 years ago. The dog became a foster mom to many kittens. He had so much patients and love. We are fortunate that he is still doing well in his senior years but he created a trust among kittens that is incredible to view. Many kittens chased his tail, bit his ears and climbed his back. We were always watchful and always thankful for our dogs' gentle love towards infant kittens.

Answer 1

Time and patients. Has the foster cat been treated for all disease or vaccinated? If not yet because of the Kittens, I would try to keep them apart as much as possible. Otherwise, Keep cat in a seperated room, for her sake, your sake, kittens sake, and dogs sake. Keep her there for 2 days at least. Let the dog sniff at her under the door, theres enough room there to smell each other. Rub the cat with a towel give the towel to the dog, vise versa rub the dog ect... get them used to each others smell. Keeping the pregnant cat confined to one room till kittens are born will also lessen the risk she goes and has the kittens in odd, hard to reach, or dangerous places in the house. You can keep a better eye on her.
After a few days then put puppy on leash, open the door and see whats going to happen. The dog being on the leash will control him incase something happens, dogs tend to be the aggressors in a cat/dog confrontation. SO its easier to control him if constrained. The cat probably will hiss and carry on for days but always be sure that room is a haven and dog free, so she is not distressed about birthing her kittens in there for safety. I have 7 dogs, and 4 cats of my own, and I foster pregnant cats alot. I usually give her the run of the 4 season porch and rarely let my other animals mess with her. My dogs are very used to having strange cats around and dont bother with them unless the cat attacks but I never try to introduction until mom has had the kittens and they are 6 to 8 weeks old incase JUST incase a disaster could happen.

Answer 2

I'd put up a very strong kid gate and have one person on one side holding the dog and one person on the other side, wrap the cat in a towel, so she can't scratch the person holding her and they can keep a firm grip on her to protect her also. Let them sniff thru the gate for a few minutes and then put the cat in a "safe room" when she can acclimate to your house, do this a couple of times. Remember to have a box, with towels in it for her to make her "maternity" room in and she will like it in a corner, preferrably out of the way, well hidden (maybe even in a closet like place). If you don't know how far along she is you will need to check on her often. I delivered my cats 5 kittens, (3 were breach and got stuck), but with a little help were pulled out okay. Good luck to you and God Bless you for caring for these animals.

Answer 3

Introduce them through a kennel. Then slowly placed them jointly lower than your supervision. The cat will protect itself if the dogs receives to difficult (play smart). only save and eye on them and don't be scared to implement guidelines and bounderies. i.e. save the dogs in down the cat is round. ultimately the dogs will only lay down even as the cat is presented contained in the room reliable luck (playstation - spay your cat)

Answer 4

let it smell your hands after handling the cat. net try letting him smell the cat with lots of supervision, make sure that there is plenty of supervision at all times