It is possible that your dog has long been accustomed to the company of cats and will not even pay attention to the presence of a new kitten in the house. However, even then, it is extremely important to take the process of introducing your pets seriously.
The main challenge you should set yourself when introducing a new cat to a dog is to help both pets feel calm and comfortable in each other’s company. At first, at the first meeting of your pets, it is advisable to put the cat in a portable cage or basket for its own safety, and keep the dog on a leash.
Try to reward your dog for its friendly behavior when meeting. Whatever the course of events, do not show your excitement and remain calm, even if your dog barks incessantly.
Repeat the process of introducing your cat to dog several times in different rooms, making sure that both of your pets feel completely safe.
Once you are confident that both pets are calm and relaxed, open the crate and release the cat, giving it complete freedom of action, while keeping the dog on a leash.
Once you are confident that both pets are calm and relaxed, open the crate and release the cat, giving it complete freedom of action, while keeping the dog on a leash.
Let your pets get a closer look and study each other. At the same time, try to remain calm, because pets always feel the excitement of their owners. Remember to continue to encourage calm, friendly pet behavior. And be sure to repeat the dating procedure in as many rooms of your house as possible.
Continue to closely watch the acquaintance pets until you are sure that they get along with each other. And only after you are sure that your pets will not fight or start a frantic chase after each other, you can release the dog from the leash.
Make sure that in case of an unforeseen situation, the cat has escape routes and that, if necessary, feeling danger or discomfort, it can climb somewhere higher, being out of the dog’s reach.
If you have several dogs living in your house at once, introduce your new cat to each of them separately.
Make sure your dog does not inadvertently find a way to the litter box – otherwise, being an omnivore, it may well feast on its contents. Do not forget about this unpleasant, but true fact!
Make sure that cats and dogs eat separately from each other – only in this case they will feel absolutely comfortable during the meal. This can be achieved by organizing food for your pets in different rooms of the house or using a special lifting platform on which the cat can eat safely, out of the dog’s reach and without fear of outside interference.
Make sure your cat has its own space, separate from the dog, for playing with moving objects – all these chases, jumps and chases are extremely entertaining for your pet and are important for its full development. However, remember that the dog is unlikely to like it if the cat chases its tail, using it as a moving toy.
And, of course, do not forget that the most important issue that you should first think about when meeting a new cat with a dog already living in your house is ensuring the complete safety of both pets. However, if one of your pets is overexcited or irritated all the time, showing aggressiveness towards the other, you should talk to your veterinarian and possibly discuss with him the need to see a qualified pet behaviorist.
