Creating a harmonious “blended family” with your cat and dog requires planning, patience and careful guidance.  When introducing a new cat to your dog, you must remember that a dog can easily injure a cat, even if he is only playing. When pets first meet, it is common for one pet to send “play” signals that can be misinterpreted by the other animal. This is especially true when dealing with cats and dogs since different species give off different signals.  If those signals, no matter the initiator’s intention, are interpreted as aggressive by one animal, the introduction should be stopped immediately. It is also important to remember that some dogs have a very high prey drive and should never be left alone with a cat.

Before bringing your new cat home, ensure he has a safe place ready and waiting for him. This will provide a quiet area where he will feel safe while becoming familiar with the scents and sounds of their new home. A small bedroom or bathroom works great for this. Be sure to include a litter box, food and water, and a bed or box that the cat can hide in if feeling scared. Providing higher surfaces for the cat to jump on will also help the cat adjust if he or she knows they can jump to a higher surface if feeling threatened. It is important to allow your new cat to get used to you and his new surroundings before introducing him to your dog. This may take a couple days or weeks depending on your cat – be patient.

Once you feel your cat is comfortable in his safe place, with the dog out of the house or isolated in a separate room, allow him to roam around and investigate the rest of the home. Depending on your cat, this too can take some time and should be done only under supervision at first. If you feel like your cat is getting stressed or frightened, it may be best to begin with short sessions and slowly lengthen them as your cat becomes more comfortable. Be sure to show your cat that his safe place is still available to run back to and allow him to explore on his own – do not force him and remember to praise any good behaviour with treats and affection. After allowing your cat to roam, return him to his safe place and close the door.

Allow your dog to return and sniff all the areas your cat had just been. This will allow both your cat and dog to “meet” by scent and begin the introduction process. After a few roaming sessions and once you feel your cat is comfortable in his new surroundings, begin the following steps to create a positive and successful introduction with your dog.

Steps for a proper introduction:

• Begin by exercising your dog and give him a nice meal; this will encourage a positive and relaxed atmosphere.
• Begin physical introductions by putting your dog on a short leash. Another option is to physically attach the dog to your belt for the first few days.  This will allow you to make a quick correction if he starts to chase the cat. Be ready with lots of treats for good behaviour!
• It is important to remember that your cat’s first reaction will likely be to hiss and/or run – this is perfectly normal!
• Let your dog and cat check each other out at a distance – using a door or baby gate to separate them is ideal. Pet and talk to your cat soothingly, reassuring him that everything is ok. If possible have someone reassure your dog also. Don’t forget to reward any good behaviour.
• If your dog bolts toward your cat, correct him with the leash, and use the “sit” or “leave it” command. If he shows any signs of excessive excitability, calm him. If this doesn’t do the trick, cut the visit short and try again later. Praise your dog or give a treat the moment that he complies and changes his behaviour.
• Repeat these steps in short visits several times a day, gradually giving your dog more leeway with the leash as appropriate.

Once your dog and cat continue their good behaviour with steady improvement during leashed visits, you are ready for the next step of letting go of the leash. Be prepared to grab or step on the leash if your dog attempts to chase.  If the cat swats the dog on the nose, distract the dog with a toy, but don’t punish the cat as this is a natural response. Often, all it takes is one swat from the cat for a dog to learn his lesson.  Next, take your dog off the leash and supervise the two closely. If you see problems and they aren’t resolved with a few simple voice commands, go back to the previous step for a few days. Gradually make the no-leash sessions longer. Do not leave the cat and dog alone until you’re sure they’re both fully comfortable with each other.

It is important to have several consecutive days of incident-free visits. Do not move to the next step until both animals have demonstrated that they are comfortable with one another.

It is important to remember the following when having a dog and cat live together:

• Ensure that your cat always has a safe place where your dog cannot get to. Having one in every room is best, even if it is on top of a piece of furniture. The use of baby gates and cat doors can be very helpful!
• Keep the cat’s litter box in an area that your dog cannot get to. Many dogs like to eat cat feces. If the dog decides to approach the cat while in the litter box, the cat may become frightened and begin to urinate elsewhere in the house since they may now see their litter box as unsafe.  
• Keep your cat’s food and water dishes separate from your dogs. Your cat or dog may become territorial of its own food and, if either of them intrudes into each other’s space, could create negative energy resulting in aggressive behaviour.
• Provide a safe place for your dog. Doing so can help build a nervous dog’s confidence in the event that your new cat displays aggression. It is also important that each pet has their own private area when not supervised.

Please feel free to talk to the staff at Centrepointe Animal Hospital if you have any questions or concerns about bringing a new cat home to meet your dog!