Introducing Cats to Dogs
If the dog involved has been socialized with cats and other animals from an early age then the chances are there won’t be a problem when introducing it to the new cat. If however this is not the case, then precautions should be taken and gradual introductions should be made. Patience is the key, and introductions could take up to a month.
The least ideal situation involved in dog and cat introductions is a scenario where the cat bolts and the dog gives chase. Before bringing a cat into the home, you need to ensure your dog is obedient and respects you as the alpha dog in the pack. If they feel they are dominant over you then you simply shouldn’t get a cat as you cannot guarantee there will harmony in your home.
The first step towards introductions is to allows the scents to be swapped. What does that mean exactly? You want your dog to become familiar with the scent of the cat, and vice versa. Enclose the cat in a room of the house while you put the dog in a a different room or in a fenced in yard outside. Once the dog is secure, allow the cat to wander around the house which will get its scent circulating. Then put the cat back in their room and let the dog out. Put a baby gate up in the doorway of the room where the cat is as well as keeping the door closed.
The next step to take is to leave the door of the room where the cat is open just a crack for a short period of time – perhaps 30 seconds. Allow your dog to see and sniff in a calm way. When the dog displays calm behavior, reward him. Do this a few times a day for as long as you need to. Continue stage one in the meantime too.
Slowly increase the time that the door stays open, and keep rewarding the good behavior. When you can, allow the dog to watch the cat with the door staying completely open for a good few minutes- remember the baby gate will ensure the dog cannot get to the cat. If the dog seems happy and able to tolerate the cat then you can leave them to it for a few minutes. After a while, call the dog into you and play a game with him for a while.
At this point you should go and do something else entirely, ignoring both animals (but staying focused on what they are doing). Hopefully the dog will lose interest in the cat. The aim is to have the door left open at all times whilst you are home (close it when you are not at home however) and eventually the dog and cat will learn to tolerate one another. Always make sure the cat leaves the dog alone when he is eating or chewing on a bone however.
