![]() ![]() Never force any interactions but just give your cat a lot of attention and positive experiences such as grooming, playing, and treats while they are in the same room as your dog/puppy. If your dog or puppy is in a crate you can give them a distracting toy and then bring your cat into the room. For the first introduction, use a room in which your cat is easily able to escape to a safe place if they want to (for example, a room with some familiar and well used high elevated platforms such as a multi-tiered cat scratching post tower near the area so the cat can escape from the situation and gain vertical height as cats often like to be above the scene looking down and can feel safer that way). You may wish to take them for a long walk beforehand. When you are ready to introduce your dog and cat, do so when your dog is at their calmest. The crate (or your dog’s normal area if not a crate) should be situated away from your cat’s normal feeding/drinking/toileting/sleeping areas and your cat’s access to their enclosure or the outdoors (e.g. Ideally your dog or puppy should be crate trained there are many benefits to this but, particularly in this situation, it will make the introductions easier and safer. Introducing your new dog or puppy to your cat In the meantime, work on basic training with your dog or puppy so that you have some control over them when it comes to introducing the dog/puppy to your cat. Repeat this over the next few days, allowing each animal their turn to have access to the whole house without ever confronting one another. While your dog settles down allow your cat to explore the house and become familiar with your dog’s scent. Allow your dog to explore the house and then secure them in a room of their own with comfy bedding, water and a treat. On the day you bring your dog home, secure your cat in their favourite room with their bed and bedding, water, food and litter. When you first bring your new dog or puppy home This helps reduce stress and avoid problems with your cat being too afraid to eat/drink or use the litter tray once the dog arrives. in an area where the dog will now be, it is good to plan ahead and move these away to an area only the cat has access to and get the cat used to the change before the dog or puppy arrives. In addition, if your cat normally has their food, water, litter tray etc. In particular, it is important to ensure that there are plenty of high resting places where your cat can easily and safely retreat away from the dog or puppy if they want to. The same process should be followed if you have more than one cat.īefore you bring your new dog or puppy home you should spend some time preparing your house and your existing pets for their arrival. This may be a stressful time for all the animals and it is important that you are patient and prepared for the introduction to take place over at least a week but perhaps a few weeks. Once you have decided on a dog or puppy you will have to think about how best to introduce them to your existing pets to ensure that everything goes smoothly. The RSPCA provides shelter to thousands of animals every year that are in need of a good home. This will help you to find a dog or puppy who will be more likely to get on with your cat. Consider adopting your dog or puppy from an RSPCA shelter as he or she will have been temperament tested and the staff will be able to give you an idea of how the dog/puppy may respond to other animals. Older dogs are likely to be less energetic than young puppies if you already have old pets you may wish to adopt a calm cat-friendly adult dog. Some dogs will integrate into a family with existing pets better than others. RSPCA Australia recommends you take the time to find a detailed book on the breed/crossbreed you are acquiring well before bringing them home, so that you are well prepared for their arrival. It is important to be well-researched before the introduction of any new pet to your house, even if you already have other pets. It is important that you manage the introduction to your family carefully and that your new dog or puppy and cat are always supervised until you are sure everyone is comfortable and safe. However, this can be managed with planning, so that everyone feels safe and there is minimal stress. Introducing a new canine member to the family is a special and exciting time but can be a little overwhelming for all concerned. ![]()
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