Fresh Start Pet Coaching

For the majority of my life I have lived in a household that included both cats and dogs, and for the most part, they have always gotten along peacefully. Even the husky we had when I was a kid, who was the sad end of one unfortunate hamster, did get along with our cat. However, life is not always that simple and sometimes we have to teach our furry friends how to coexist.

So, how can you get your cat’s relationship with your new dog started off right?

To start with, you want to be aware of the fact that first impressions are extremely important to cats. You definitely don’t want to just toss them in a room together and see what happens. Particularly if your cat is not used to dogs already, or if your new dog isn’t familiar with cats.

Take it slow when introducing new animals to each other. Take one little tiny step forward at a time and only move forward when there is no aggressive of fearful responses being shown by either animal.

Follow these tips when introducing your new dog to your cat.

1. Keep the two animals in separate locations. Whenever you bring a new animal into your home you want to give him time to adjust before introducing him to other members of your furry family. In this case, I suggest keeping your cat confined to one area of your home, with all her basic supplies (litterbox, food and water, etc) and confining your dog to the another area. You will want to praise and reward your dog and your cat when they can be calmly near the door next to each other. You can do this with verbal praise, petting, and by pushing treats underneath the door. This allows your dog and cat to form positive associations with each other.

2. Swap locations. Once your dog and your cat have adjusted to their new environment and are able to interact with each other calmly with a door between them, you want to swap their locations. Move your cat into the area where your dog was staying and move your dog into the area where you cat was staying, making sure they keep all their belongings with them. This allows your dog and cat to get used to each others scent without being in direct physical contact. Keep rewarding them for calm behavior toward each other with the door between them.

3. Crack open the door. If your dog and cat are comfortable with the previous steps you will want to allow them greater access to each other by cracking open the door between them slightly. Please make sure to secure the door so that neither animal can push it open further and possibly escape into the other room. Again, remember to reward calm behavior towards each other with praise, petting, and/or treats. You will want to gradually increase the size of the crack in the door allowing them with slightly more visual access to each other, while still being able to keep them physically separated.

4. Let your dog and cat see each other. The ideal way to do this is to have a screen or glass door separating your cat and your dog allowing them to see each other completely without allowing them to touch. Other options would be to have your cat and dog crated and gradually move them closer to each other, or to have your cat crated or on a leash and halter and to have your dog crated or on a leash. Only use the crate or a leash on your pet if they are already used to it. Otherwise, the crate and/or the leash will only serve to stress the animal out and can potential result in a negative associate being formed between your cat and your dog. Keep praising your dog and your cat when they behave calmly towards each other.

5. Let your cat loose and keep your dog on a leash. When your dog and your cat are able to be calmly in each others presence without touching you can let them loose together with supervision. I recommend keeping a leash on your dog until you see how he and your cat respond to being together. Reward good behavior toward each other with praise, petting, and/or treats. Start with having them together for just a couple of minutes and gradually increase the time they spend together as long as there are no signs of aggression or fear.

6. Leaving them alone together. When your dog and cat are consistently getting along with your supervision then you can start leaving them alone together. Again you want to start with small amounts of time (just a couple of minutes) and gradually work your way up.

The most important key to a successful introduction is to go very slowly and not rush the process. If either animal starts to behave aggressively or fearfully than move back to the previous step and make the next step slightly easier. Signs that your animal is upset include hair standing on end, growling, snapping, and hissing. Don’t move forward until both animals are able to respond to each other in a calm manner.

Are your dog and cat having difficulty getting along? If so, contact us today to set up your complimentary 15 minute telephone consultation