Introducing a new Cat to the Family Dog

Dear R.,

It’s essential to have realistic expectations when introducing a new pet to a resident pet. Cats are territorial and need to be introduced to other animals very slowly to give them time to get used to each other before there is a face-to-face confrontation. Slow introductions help prevent fearful and aggressive problems from developing.

CONFINE THE NEW CAT

Confine your new cat to one medium-sized room with her litter-box, food, water, and bed. Feed your resident pets and the newcomer on each side of the door to this room. This will help all of them associate something enjoyable (eating) with each others’ smells. Don’t push the food so close to the door that the animals are too upset by each other’s presence to eat. Gradually move the dishes closer to the door until your pets can eat calmly, directly on either side of the door. Next, use two doorstops to prop open the door just enough to allow the animals to see each other, and repeat the whole process. Barriers such as a screen door or baby gates stacked on top of each other so that the cats can see each other, but not reach each other, are also recommended in the slow introduction process.

Switch sleeping blankets or beds between your new cat and your resident animals, so they have a chance to become accustomed to each others’ scent. Rub a towel on one animal and put it underneath the food dish of another animal. You should do this with each animal in the house.

Once your new cat is using the litter box and eating regularly while confined, let her have free time in the house while confining your other animals to the new cat’s room. This switch provides another way to experience each others’ scents without a face-to-face meeting. It also allows the newcomer to become familiar with her new surroundings without being frightened by the other animals.

AVOIDING INTERACTIONS

Avoid any interactions between your pets that result in either fearful or aggressive behavior. If these responses are allowed to become a habit, they can be challenging to change. It’s better to introduce your pets to each other so gradually that neither animal becomes afraid or aggressive. You can expect mild forms of these behaviors, but don’t allow them to intensify. If either animal becomes fearful or aggressive, separate them immediately and start over with the introduction process in a series of very small, gradual steps, as outlined above.

Always remember that your dog can kill a cat very quickly, even if they’re only playing. All it takes one shake, and the cat’s neck can break. Some dogs have such a high prey drive they should never be left alone with a cat. Dogs usually want to chase and play with cats, and cats typically become afraid and defensive. Use the techniques described above to begin introducing your new cat to your resident dog. In addition:

Practice Obedience

If your dog doesn’t already know the commands “sit,” “down,” come,” and “stay,” you should be working on them. Small pieces of high-value food, like boiled chicken or hot dog pieces, will increase your dog’s motivation to perform, which will be necessary for the presence of such a healthy distraction as a new cat. Even if your dog already knows these commands, work with obeying commands in return for a tidbit.

CONTROLLED MEETING

After your new cat and resident dog have become comfortable eating on opposite sides of the door, and have been exposed to each others’ scents as described above, you can attempt a face-to-face introduction in a controlled manner. Have a family member or friend sit quietly next to your new cat, but don’t have them physically restrain her. Enter the room with your dog on a leash and have him stand quietly, giving him high value treats the whole time steadily. The helper person should simultaneously offer your cat some special pieces of food. At first, the cat and dog should be on opposite sides of the room. Several very short visits are better than fewer long ones. Don’t drag out the visit so long that the dog becomes uncontrollable, or the cat becomes fearful and attempts to escape. Repeat this step several times until both the cat and dog are tolerating each others’ presence without fear, aggression, or other undesirable behavior.

Finally, allow your cat freedom to explore your dog at her own pace, with the dog still on-leash and receiving extra individual dog treats and praise for his calm behavior. If your dog gets excited and tries to chase the cat or if your cat runs away or becomes aggressive, you’re progressing too fast. Go back to the previous introduction steps.

If you need additional assistance, please call our free Behavior Helpline at 713.869.7722 x190.

Please remember that dog crates and pet carriers work well for both dogs and cats when needed. Always use a pet carrier when transporting your cat.

Some of us have dogs. Some of us have cats, but millions of us have both. Mixing the two can sometimes be a problem. I hope that these Tips for Introducing a new cat to the Family Dog will help you do that with safety and without worry for either the dog or the cat. Just throwing the two together and letting nature take its’ course is not always the best thing to do. Either or both pets could suffer injury and establish a lifelong distaste for each other.