When it comes to introducing a new cat to your dog, a slow and careful introduction process sets everyone up for success. It is essential to progress at a rate that both pets are comfortable with, and to continuously monitor them for any signs of fear, anxiety, or stress. The goal is for both pets to have nothing but positive interactions with each other.
key takeaways
- Introducing a dog and cat can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on individual pets.
- Always monitor your pets for signs of fear, anxiety, or stress, and progress at a pace that you are comfortable with.
- A positive reinforcement-based trainer can help you introduce pets if you feel overwhelmed.
Introduce cats and dogs successfully
1. Keep them separate
When bringing home a new cat, the first step is to establish a safe place, or sanctuary, just for them. This space allows them to acclimate to their new home before being introduced to the resident dog. If possible, choose a room the dog won’t spend a lot of time in (such as an extra bathroom or a guest room), as it’s best not to disrupt the resident pet’s routines as much as possible.
Place any new pet in full quarantine for a minimum of three to four days, and have your vet perform a health assessment before the introduction process begins.
2. Rotate pets around the house
The best way to start the acclimation process is to allow one pet to roam freely around the house while the other pet is confined, and then rotate. For example, let the cat explore the house while the dog is in the backyard. Then keep the cat in one bedroom while the dog has free rein in the rest of the house.
It may also help to allow the two pets to sniff each other under the door, or even to change bedding. The goal is for them to have plenty of opportunities to acclimate to each other’s smells and noises before seeing each other.
3. Let them see each other
Once both pets are relaxed and comfortable hearing and smelling each other, they are ready to start seeing each other. Use a barrier, such as a glass door or a tall pet door, to keep both pets safe. For excitable pets, it may help to partially obstruct their view (using furniture or a towel) for the first few sessions.
To create positive associations, combine these sessions with meals, treats, positive reinforcement training, or engaging games. A simple way to do this is to feed both pets their meals a bit away from the divider and then gradually decrease the distance as both pets seem calm and confident. Just keep an eye out for signs of resource protection in your dog or cat. If you see signs of resource protection, stop the introduction process until you can seek guidance from your vet or a qualified trainer.
While these sessions should be brief at first, the time you spend around each other can gradually increase as both pets become more comfortable.
4. Do presentations on a leash
Once both pets are comfortable being together on either side of a divider, they’re ready for their first real introduction. Controlled introductions should begin in common areas of the home with the dog on a loose leash.
As a pet parent, it’s important to be aware of both your dog’s and cat’s body language during these interactions so you can quickly identify any warning signs. The dog should have a loose body and tail position and easily reorient towards you when called. If you see your dog moving slowly, stiffening, or fixating on the cat, it’s time to create more distance or take a break.
The cat should have forward-facing ears, a neutral tail position, and a soft gaze with narrow pupils. They should be allowed to come and go, investigating the dog when they feel comfortable. If you see the cat crouching, freezing, hissing or wagging its tail, or putting its ears back, or if its pupils begin to dilate, it is showing signs of stress and needs a break from the interaction.
If your dog barks or lunges at the cat, or if the cat hisses or growls or its fur begins to stand on end, it’s best to separate the pets and return to the previous successful step once they’ve had a chance to relax. .
After numerous positive leash introductions, allow the cat and dog to coexist with the dog pulling the leash. This gives pets more freedom to interact, but maintains an extra measure of security in case they need to be separated quickly.
5. Reduce supervision
When you’re sure the pets get along, gradually let them be together with less supervision. To get started: Try briefly leaving the room while it’s still within earshot. As they do well, you can be away for longer periods of time.
It is important to give the cat elevated surfaces where it can easily take refuge from the dog, such as cat trees and cat ledges. This will decrease stress and give the cat a safe escape in the event of a problematic interaction. It is recommended to keep pets apart when you are away from home, even when they do well together.
It is not uncommon for the introduction process to take a couple of weeks to a few months, depending on individual pets. Progress isn’t always linear, and it’s okay to take a step back at any time if you start to see signs of stress. The safety and well-being of both pets is always the highest priority, so avoid putting this process on a timeline.
It’s also important to recognize that not all cat and dog pairings are a good match. If you feel that one or both pets are having a hard time adjusting or if you are feeling overwhelmed, hiring a qualified trainer based on positive reinforcement may be your best option.
Featured Image: iStock/Olezzo
