As part of our series on “Top Adoption Questions Answered”, today we look at a common question people ask us: “Can I adopt a cat even though I have a dog?”.
There is an old adage “fighting like cats and dogs” that seems to repeat in people’s minds. However, there is little truth to it as cats and dogs can cohabitate when introduced to each other properly. As a matter of fact, they make great companions for each other. Here are some tips to make the integration process smoother:
Puppies and kittens:
If a puppy and kitten are raised together, they generally will learn right away to tolerate each other. Some cats and dogs grow to be real friends, even playing and napping together.
Adult dog and cat/kitten
:If a dog is already an established member of the household and a new cat or kitten is going to join the family, certain precautions need to be taken.
When you first introduce a cat and dog, make sure the cat is at the dog’s eye level. Keep a firm grip on both animals, which will make them feel more comfortable and provide them with a sense of security. If either of the animals seems either aggressive or frightened, immediately remove the cat and try again at a later time. You don’t want to force the situation by pushing them before they’re ready as this will only make matters worse. If you take a few minutes several times a day to give them both this carefully supervised time together, you should soon see both the cat and dog feeling more relaxed around each other.
Never leave a cat and dog alone together until you are certain that they are comfortable with each other. Don’t walk away while they are still checking each other out. The cat or dog could be scratched or bitten or otherwise injured. Even if there are no visible wounds, an unsupervised interaction like that could traumatize an animal so badly that he remains terrified of other animals for the rest of his life.
If you have a cat and are planning to bring in a dog, try to find a pooch that is known to be accepting of cats. Shelters and rescue groups looking to place puppies and dogs often know if an animal has successfully lived with a cat or have the personality to bond with a cat or they will test to see how the pet behaves in the presence of one.
If you have a dog and are planning to bring in a cat, start working on your pet’s obedience before you add the new animal. Ideally, your dog should be comfortable on a leash, and trained well enough to mind your requests for him to stay in either a sit or down position while on that leash.
For the cat’s comfort, he should be confined during the early stages of introduction to a small area (such as a second bathroom or guest bedroom) where he can feel safe while becoming acclimated to the sounds and smells of the dog. Be sure the room has everything he needs, and make sure frequent one-on-one visits with human family members are not forgotten.
After a couple of days with the cat sequestered, put the dog on leash and open the door to the cat’s room. Allow the animals to see one another, and do not allow the dog to chase the cat, even in play. Make sure to keep the dog in place while the cat gets used to his calm presence. Don’t force the cat to interact with the dog; if the cat wishes to view the dog from the darkest recesses of the bed, so be it. Reward the good behavior of both animals with treats and praise.
Keep the dog on leash for a couple of weeks in the cat’s presence and always make sure the cat has a way to escape from the dog, such as putting a baby gate across the door to the safe area. Build up the time the animals spend together and continue to make the time together rewarding with more treats and praise.
When the dog isn’t interested in bothering the cat and the cat feels secure enough to come out from under the bed, you can take off the leash and let them get on with their lives together. How long it will take to get to this step will depend on the animals involved and you must work at their pace, not yours. Don’t be impatient! It is important that you allow this process to take the time that the animals need otherwise, it may never happen. Success of this integration is dependent on you.
One owner combined a dog crate with the “LEAVE IT!” command to help introduce her cats and dogs. Sometimes the dog was crated with the cat free in the room, at other times, the cat was crated while the dog was free. The dog was allowed to investigate the cat but not to harass or bark at it.
Another owner uses a technique that’s often practiced to help dogs adjust to a new baby in the household. By giving the dog extra attention and even special treats when the cat is in the room, the dog soon learns that having the cat around means very good things are going to happen to him!
All this does not imply that any old cat and dog can be thrown together and get on like a house on fire. Some dog breeds are unlikely to put up with sharing their home with a cat. Jack Russells, hounds and hunting dogs, for example may not be a wise choice. Also not all breeds of cat are sociable enough to live with another species of animal. Again, if you are unsure, talk to your vet or shelter worker for good advice.
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