3 min read
So you’ve decided to add a furry friend to your family! Congratulations. Pets can bring so much joy and love into our lives. But if you’re new to pet ownership, you might be wondering how to best introduce your cat and dog. After all, you want the introduction to go smoothly, and you want to minimize stress for everyone involved – including your new cat or dog.
If you’ve ever owned a cat, you know that they can be a bit finicky when it comes to meeting new people and animals. They’re not quite as social as dogs, who will usually just wag their tails and make friends with anyone they meet. Cats, on the other hand, typically need some time to adjust to new environments and new animals. So if you’re introducing a cat to a dog for the first time, there are a few things you’ll need to do to prepare.
Here are some things to keep in mind when introducing a cat and dog for the first time:
Before introducing your cat and dog
One important step in introducing a cat and dog is to prepare a room for the cat to stay in temporarily. This room should have a litter box, toys, food and water, and a place to hide.
Instead of closing the door, use a gate that keeps the dog safely out of the room, but doesn’t make the cat feel isolated. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that the cat and dog have a smooth transition into cohabitation.
Take things slow
The introduction process should be gradual, and you should always go at your new pet’s pace. If your new pet seems stressed or scared, take a step back and give them some more time to adjust.
Depending on the animals, introductions can take just a few days, or they may take weeks. But, if you take things at their pace there are very few dogs and cats that can’t learn to live together.
Start with a visual introduction
Before your cat and dog meet face-to-face, let them get used to each other’s presence. Put your new pet in their carrier or crate in one room, and let your resident pet explore at their own pace. Once they seem comfortable, you can move on to the next step.
Progress to an olfactory introduction
Dogs and cats have very different ways of smelling things, but both rely heavily on scent for communication. When your pets are ready, swap bedding between them so they can get used to each other’s smells.
You can also try using a pheromone diffuser – these products release calming pheromones that can help reduce stress during the introduction process.
Try putting your dog’s bedding in the cat’s safe room and put a blanket that the cat has used into your dog’s crate or on your dog’s bed. Let them get used to each other’s scents and get familiar with smelling them in their safe spaces.
Finally, a physical introduction
When you feel like both your pets are ready, it’s time for a face-to-face meeting!
Choose a quiet room where they can’t hide from each other, and put your new pet in their carrier or crate. Let your resident pet approach at their own pace, and be sure to have plenty of high-reward treats on hand that both cats and dogs can enjoy to reward good behavior.
If things are going well, you can let them interact for short periods, gradually increasing the length of the meetings as they get more comfortable with each other.
When you first introduce your cat and dog, it’s important to supervise their interactions. Even if they seem to be getting along well, it’s best not to leave them alone together until you’re certain they are comfortable with each other. After all, you don’t want your cat to end up as a chew toy or your dog to end up as a scratching post!
Once you’ve determined that they get along ok, you can gradually start leaving them alone for short periods. Eventually, you should be able to leave them together without any problems. But if you ever notice any signs of conflict, it’s best to separate them and try again another day. With a little patience and supervision, your cat and dog can eventually become the best of friends.
With a little patience and some careful planning, you can help your cat and dog form a lifelong bond!
Be sure to turn on DOGTV when you leave your cat and dog duo home alone! The sights and sounds can help both dogs and cats with enrichment, stimulation, and calming elements.