How do I introduce my new pet to my old pet?

pparker18 · Nov 18, 2004

I just got a puppy that is about 8 weeks old... I am trying to house break her as well as introduce her to my cat... How can I do this successfully? The cat doesn't seemed very happy to have the new addition... I want them to get along and not get violent... I really need some help... PLEASE!!!!!!

Scott

Dukesdad · Nov 18, 2004

It was so long ago but I had a dog once and we introduced a kitten into the house and they became best friends and played and chased each other all over the house. I think it's easier to introduce a kitten to a dog than a puppy to a cat. Hopefully someone on this forum has gone through that experience and can give you some advice.

Sara · Nov 18, 2004

Make sure the cat doesn't feel threatened and that there's always a place for him/her to go for safety from the dog (kitty tower in the living room etc...) Prolly do the same or close to the same way you would introduce another cat to the place... Dont' let them interact for awhile...but have them spend time with you separately in the same room so the cat can get accustomed to the scent... Then gradually have them be in contact with one another SAFELY for the kitty and puppy...crated etc... It should take about 2 weeks to make it so the cat understands the dog is there for good and what to do if cat doesn't want dog to play with it etc... If the cat feels threatened your puppy will end up on the losing end of teeth and claws...NOT good...

Anyone else have anything to add?

Rene · Nov 18, 2004

Hi Scott i have 4 cats well 2 are kittens and i have 2 yorkies and i had a rottie i got the cats first when i brought nala (rottie) home she didn't bother the cats to much but if the cats didnt like her being to close they would swat her (no claws) and she would leave them alone. I then got the 2 yorkies and boy did they mess with the cats but the same thing the cats either run and get on the counter or swat them.

Now the kittens (they are brothers and i got them when they were 6 weeks old) they were a little scared at first and would hiss at the yorkies but the yorkies would not back down (they were thinking humm finally something smaller then us lol) now just 5 mos. later they are the best of friends i love to watch them play it is to funny all 4 of them chase each other (i need to put up speed limit signs lol)

I say just give it time and they should be fine.

as for potty training i'm no good at that my darn yorkies are only potty trained when they want to be.

Sara · Nov 18, 2004

Crate training/potty training is the best way to do it IMO...safest and most helpfull in all senses.

lil96 · Nov 20, 2004

I have heard something about when you have 2(unfamilar) cats put vanilla scent on them, but I think it could also work on a puppy.
For potty training crate training works well, but you (or someone) need to be there every couple hours to let the puppy out or maybe if you can"t be there use puppy pads. but then you have a whole 'nother situation when you have to ween the puppy from the pads, so to me it is like double time in the long run.
I would try to keep the puppy in a seperate room from the cat while he is in his crate, because the puppy might go nuts that he can"t sniff the cat and stuff,he would be more relaxed alone.
But I also think that with time they will establish their places and have less and less problems until they have no more.

Jamiya · Nov 20, 2004

Here is some info from various web sites:

When introducing a puppy to your cat for the first time, confine yourselves to one room. Be sure the room has plenty of places for kitty to run, hide and escape from what is sure to be a curious puppy. Sit back and relax. Your pets will tune into your feelings and attitude. If you act up-tight, they will sense something is wrong. If you act relaxed and natural, the chances are much greater that they will too.

Don't force them to meet, but be sure to praise both for being good during their encounter. Your main concern should be for the safety of your puppy's nose. A cat can strike out and scratch a dog's nose three times before the dog even realizes what has happened.

In the beginning, bring your puppy and cat together three to five times a day for at least five minutes each session. Teach your puppy not to chase the cat, but don't make too big a fuss when he does or he will think a big game us underway. Simply tell the puppy "Off," in a stern voice and gently push him away from the cat. A lot of vocalization on your part might be interpreted as encouragement and reward for his behavior.
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The following includes information adapted from "Creating a Peaceable Kingdom: How to Live with More Than One Pet" by Cynthia D. Miller and from various PAW volunteers.

* Understand differences in social order. To cats, physical place is all important. To dogs, social place is all important. As long as the dog accepts the cat's dominance over territory, they typically work out a relationship.

* As with introducing pets, think positively. Act with authority and confidence. What you feel and think translates to your actions, and your animals sense your emotions.

* Dogs and cats do not communicate the same way and have trouble understanding one another. For example, a dog will lift his paw gesturing that he wants to play, but a raised paw to a cat is a threat.

* A good-natured, well-trained resident dog often accepts a young cat as a member of the family rather easily. In contrast, introducing an adult cat to a puppy can be hard on the cat. Puppies are rambunctious and full of energy.

* Keep the dog on leash during introductions. Use a halter for very young dogs. Try to keep the leash loose.

* Take dogs to puppy obedience and regular obedience school and teach desired behavior using positive reinforcement. Your dog needs to always remember you are the leader.

* Confining a puppy or dog is necessary at times. It gives the cat time to roam about the house, surveying his territory. If you keep the dog separated with a gate or in an exercise pen, your cat can safely investigate the newcomer.

* When you leave the house, separate the animals in physically, securely separated areas. Give each access to water, a bed or other suitable resting place, and some toys. Be sure the cat has access to a litter box. Make sure everyone in your family and any caretakers understand the need to separate the animals.

* For the cat's safety, make sure the cat has escape routes to get away from the dog. For example, a cat door leading to another room in the house and ledges on which he can easily jump. Always provide places where each animal can retreat for safety and privacy, a spot that is his or hers alone. A cat can use the top of the refrigerator; a dog can use a crate.

* Use a baby gate so they can get to know each other without coming into full contact. Or confine the new pet to a room and allow the animals to sniff each other under the door. A tip from PAW volunteer Lynne Keffer: put up a baby gate at the top of a stairway or in a doorway. (Stack gates one atop another if the dog's a jumper.) Cut a small hole in the gate, just big enough for the cat to fit through. Things typically improve once the cat learns he has an escape hatch.

* Other escape hatches include floor-to-ceiling climbers and installing extra-long hooks and eyes in doors to prop a door open just wide enough for a cat.

* Teach the dog the "leave it" command, and use this command when you want the dog to leave the cat alone. Also teach the dog the "down" and "stay" commands so that you can place her in a down-stay in the presence of the cat.

* Praise the dog when she doesn't bark or want to chase resident cats, advises PAW volunteer Ginnie Maurer. Praise and reward the dog for any calm behavior around the cat. Do this consistently, not just once in awhile.

* Praise a cat when he's gentle around the dog. Keep the cat claws clipped short so if they do connect with the dog, the damage will be minimized.

* Observe your pets so that you can catch them in the act of being good. Give them ample opportunities to earn praise so that they learn what is acceptable behavior. Reinforcing good behavior is the key to encouraging animals to repeat that behavior instead of engaging in undesired behavior.

* Food can be a powerful motivator. You can use food treats to reward a dog for choosing to look at and listen to you in the presence of the cat, instead of chasing the cat.

* Keep dog toys nearby. Direct the dog to a toy and away from the cat when the dog gets rambunctious. Make sure cats have access to their own toys too, so they're less likely to target a dog's tail as a plaything.

* Make sure to give the dog plenty of exercise so that he has less energy to channel into chasing and otherwise bothering the dog.

* Let animals sniff each other -- that's how they get acquainted.

* Avoid overreacting to hissing, barking or growling. These are common ways for animals to communicate. However, be ready to intervene if hostility mounts.

* Do not expect the pets to become buddies right away. Let the animals establish the relationship at their own pace. Realize that some dogs and cats will not become buddies.

* A puppy's innocent behavior can trigger a serious scratching from a wary cat, so as always, it's important to keep watch.

* Prevent the dog from having access to the kitty litter box. Keep the box in a room that's physically off-limits to the dog. Dogs like to eat cat droppings, which are very unhealthy for them.

* To keep a dog from chasing or stalking cats when you are home but otherwise occupied, use a crate or tether the dog to a heavy piece of furniture, suggests Ginnie. Or use a long leash that's tied at your waist.

* Keep in mind that predatory behavior comes naturally to both dogs and cats. They like to chasing moving objects, including other animals.

* If you have more than one dog, do not let them gang up on a cat.

* Be sure to pay attention to the resident pets. Take care not to give all your attention to the newcomer.

* During mealtimes, each animal needs to feel safe and relaxed while eating. An animal who feels the need to defend his food is under much stress (this will also affect digestion). At least initially, feed in separate areas and give the animals their own food bowls. It helps to give the cat an elevated place to eat that cannot be reached by the dog. The height gives the cat a sense of security.

* Introduce new pets when things are going well at home. Do not bring a new pet home during a stressful time in the household.
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Cats and dogs can become good friends. They can be company to each other, providing needed exercise chasing through the house or yard. Dogs bring so much happiness and pleasure into our lives that it is not surprising that your are considering adopting one as a companion for you and your cat!
Inter-species introductions follow the same basic rules of adoption as same species, i.e., choose a dog that is younger and of the opposite sex of you cat. It would be best to choose smaller also but only an eight-week old puppy would fulfill this requirement. A puppy is a more acceptable choice to an existing cat for two reasons. Most puppies have not had a chance to discover how much fun it is to chase a cat. The second reason is that a puppy is less threatening than a full grown dog. If an adult dog has been socialized to cats, or if your cat has had a good relationship with dogs, the job of introducing them will be that much easier.

There are several things to consider before introducing a new dog to your existing cat. You must protect their health by making sure vaccinations for both are up-to-date and each is free of worms and fleas. Cats are very territorial and do not appreciate any change in their environment. Therefore, no matter what, this will be a stressful situation for your cat. Be sure your cat is mentally and physically healthy before introducing her to a dog. Ask a friend to bring the dog to your home. Be sure the dog is on a leash and under control at the time of arrival. Your friend can then turn the dog and leash over to you. If your cat does not run and hide, let her make the first advances toward the new dog. If the dog displays any inappropriate aggressive behavior toward the cat, he should be quickly and firmly corrected with a slight jerk on the leash and a verbal "NO." This is the beginning of your assertion as this dog’s leader and , as leader you will not permit him to chase the cat. After they get to know each other, friendly games of chase are acceptable.

After an hour or so of this controlled introduction, release your dog with leash still attached and let them come together. It is the dog’s natural instinct to chase, so be prepared to grab the dragging leash and assert your leadership. Be warned! Your cat may go on the offensive. Be prepared to protect your dog’s eyes or nose from scratches. Chances are very good that your cat is going to retreat to high ground and survey this new creature from a safe height while your dog explores the house. Your dog will adjust fine. Your cat will be under some stress and may take several weeks to act as she did before this newcomer arrived. Talk to your cat, give her lots of hugs and great food treats. Be understanding, and forgiving, if she sprays a time or two or if she jumps up on something normally off-limits. She will get used to the idea of having a dog around, and chances are very good that they will become best friends.
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Good luck! I still have gates up and cat chasing problems in our house and we have had Nala for over a year now. The cat that doesn't run doesn't get chased as much, but the one that runs will be chased every time. Fortunately he has learned where the safe places are and will quickly get up high to avoid the dogs.

Bonnie is pretty good with them, especially when Nala is not around. This is due to differences in prey drive, personality, herding instinct, etc.

Do make sure you have a safe place for your cat to go to get away from the puppy. A kitty climber or a table or gated room is good.

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