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Introducing Dog's and Cat's

Fact or Fiction?
Cats and dogs are known enemies in the animal kingdom. It's impossible for them to live together in peace.

Both of these are false. With the right steps, cats and dogs can live together in peace and even be the best of friends in your own little kingdom.

It's very important to note, however: dogs and cats all have their own unique personality. While it's possible for dogs and cats to be together, there are some dogs or cats that simply will not put up with the other. Make sure you know your pet before you consider making a feline or canine addition to your house. It is entirely possible for a cat to injure a dog or for a dog to severely injure or kill a cat. 

Before You Bring Another Pet Home

If you already own an adult cat, it's best to get a more mature dog than a puppy. A puppy's natural energy and playfulness that humans enjoy is much more likely to startle a cat, especially an older cat that is used to being without a dog. The best bet is to research your dog and make sure it either has a history of co-existing with other animals or has a low prey drive (in other words, it does not have a tendency to chase and kill small animals). 

If you already own a dog, look for either a kitten or an adult cat that has a history of living with other animals. A kitten's natural curiosity will be a great help in it not running from the dog, and it may even see the dog as a father or mother figure if the dog is kind enough to it. When most cats run, that triggers the dog's instinct to chase, which will severely hurt the chances of the two getting along.

If you own multiple dogs, reconsider getting a cat. A pack of dogs are far more likely to chase and hunt a cat than a single dog.

Always make sure you let the shelter know you plan on introducing your animal to a cat or dog when it goes home with you. They will most likely allow a trial run with your new animal to help it get acquainted with the other animal.

Another thing to note is that many dogs will chase and play with a cat with no intention of harming it. This is always something to watch out for as being chased and cornered can be very stressful to the cat.

The First Introduction

  1. Make sure the cat can escape if it needs to.Cats (especially kittens) are far more likely to be hurt by the dog than vice versa, so making sure your cat has an easy way to escape if startled is very important. Often times a place to perch will do just fine. A higher place where the dog won't get to him or her usually works well.
  2. Move the cat's belongings where the dog can't reach them. Moving the cat's toys, food and litter box to a place where the dog cannot get to them will allow the cat to eat, play and potty in peace without being harassed by the dog. Do any rearranging a week or so at least before you introduce a dog to the house so the cat can get used to the new placement of its things.
  3. Go Slow. The most important thing to do when introducing the two is to go slow. Simply expecting the two to get along immediately will result in disaster. The road to the dog and cat getting along can take days or it can take months, depending on the personality of the animals, the owner's patience and the training methods used.
  4. Get them used to each other's scent. Introduce each animal to the other's scent by rubbing a cloth on them or showing a toy to the other animal. This small step will go a long way to making the animal used to the scent of the newcomer and greatly reduce stress and fear. Keep this up until the animal stops reacting to the new scent.
  5. Let them investigate each other's areas. If your dog or cat typically relaxes in one special area, let the new pet check out that area. Let them sniff the area and get used to it, this will get them more used to the scents of the other animal before they meet.
  6. Introduce them through a door, baby gate or fence. Sometimes the best way for first direct contact is to put some sort of barrier between them. This way, the two can see each other, hear each other and smell each other without worrying about being chased or attacked. The cat shouldn't be restrained, as doing so would heighten the cat's nervousness. Allow the animals to move freely, but if they don't want to get too close, don't force them. Positive reinforcement is very important in this situation, as it will get the animals to associate reward with the new animal. Keep practicing this step until both animals seem relaxed and neither animal is frightened or over-excited.
  7. Introduce them with the dog on a leash. For the first introduction out in the open, keep the dog on a leash to prevent it from chasing the cat should the cat try to run. Ask the dog to perform basic commands and reward it for doing so, keeping positive reinforcement and positive attitudes around the cat. If the cat attempts to hiss or swipe at the dog, it's actually a better response than running away. If the cat does try to run, keep a firm hand on the leash and sternly tell your dog, "No!" Ask the dog to sit and if it does, reward it for its restraint. 

Once the cat and dog seem comfortable together, allow them to freely roam around when you are there to supervise. Until you are absolutely certain the two will be fine together, do not leave them alone. 

By following these steps and being patient, you can get almost any dog and cat to get along peacefully. The most important thing to remember when planning an introduction is that it may take time. Dogs and cats are very different animals and can get along if the right steps are taken. Your dog and cat may get along immediately or may never get along at all, but these steps are a great guide you can follow.

Besides, who can resist seeing a dog and cat cuddling together on a cold day?