When I brought my sweet little cat, Milly home, I was really concerned about how my dog, Toby was going to cope after being the sole focus of my attention for so long. Thankfully, with careful planning and a bit of patience I have now two animals that just love each other – although Milly is definitely the boss of the house.
Dogs and cats can become wonderful friends, but YOU are the key to successfully integrating both into the family unit. Remember, cats feel threatened by change, so all developments need to be gradual.
1. Pre-pooch planning is essential, particularly if it is puss who is having her territory invaded. Get your cat used to being fed on a bench if she has previously been eating at floor level – otherwise the new arrival is likely to help himself to whatever is on offer. Also, make sure the litter tray is in an area that is off-limits to the new dog.
2. If possible, give each pet an object with the other one’s scent on prior to bringing the new arrival home. Before making any introductions, it is a good idea to rub each pet with a blanket the other has slept on. This will acquaint your pets with each other by smell before they meet in the flesh, and allows them time to get used to the idea of sharing the house with another four-legged family member.
3. If a cat is coming into a dog household, keep her in a separate room (with her bed, litter tray, food and water) for a few days initially, so pooch can only sniff at the door. Then move puss into another room and allow your dog to explore the room puss was previously in. Repeat this scent introduction process until they are familiar and comfortable with the presence (albeit at a distance) of each other around the house.
4. With a young or boisterous dog, wear him out with a run or play session before his first face-to-face encounter with puss. This will make him calmer and less threatening to the new feline.
5. Have your dog on a leash while he and puss are getting to know each other. The initial introduction should be in one of the rooms where they have familiarised themselves with each other’s scent.
6. Sit in a comfy chair with your dog lying down beside you. Have a friend bring in your cat in her carry cage, and put it down a couple of metres away. Keep your dog close to you,in the DOWN position, until any growling, barking or hissing subsides. Once both pets appear comfortable with each other, ask your friend to gradually move the carrier a little closer. Do not open the door of the carry cage until your dog is relaxed and under your control (even if it takes a few sessions to get to this stage).
7. Allow your cat to walk around freely, while keeping your dog on a short lead. Let puss be the one who initiates any contact, while making sure your dog cannot lunge towards her. If your cat becomes rightened, return pooch to the DOWN–STAY position. Once both are comfortable in each other’s presence, lengthen the lead to allow them closer interaction. Gradually let go of the lead, but have a water istol ready to squirt your dog should he pounce on puss. Make sure puss always has an escape route.
8. In the early stages of introduction, it’s a good idea to erect a temporary baby barrier-type gate, so your cat has somewhere safe she can retreat from your dog until they get the hang of sharing the household.