Is there a way to properly introduce a cat to a new dog?

A few years ago we had a Chocolate Lab pup. Then came Napster (my cat). Now, Napster didn't have a problem with Wonka (the pup) too bad - sometimes they even played.

After Wonka's disappearance, Napster has now become 'top dog' and she knows it. She is very protective of her status in the house.

We are wanting to get another lab but don't know how to introduce Napster in a proper way. My neighbor came over one night a few weeks ago with her Samoyed. The dog is a great dog but when she entered the house Napster literally jumped out of no where and latched onto her face. The dog of course, ran home. Napster then proceeded to guard our porch.

I know if we get a new dog this will happen again. Do cats ever make peace with dogs? What do I need to do? Will getting a new dog stress my precious Napster too much? I would never want to do that to her - because afterall - she REALLY IS top dog around here.

 

I have had my Priscilla for ali ttle over 5 yr.s now. For the first yr.it was just me and her but when i brought Jayson home all hell broke loose!! :mrgreen: I thought they would never get along and I thought Prissy would never "speak" to me again. Jayson also suffered several battle wounds! but now they sleep together play together the whole nine and Prissy has learned to be more tolerant of new pets coming into the house she dosn't always like them but she tolerates them! This is what I suggest do not leave them alone together! Also is it possible that before you get him you could get a blanket towel ect. with his sent on it? This is the best way to do it have Napster smell the towel lay on it rub him with it whatever he likes the whole time petting him and giving him lots of praise. This will make him familiar with the smell and he will come to associate it with good things. Then when you do bring home the pup hopefully he will recognize the smell he may still be scared, make sure he has somewhere to go that the dog can't also any time you pet the new dog give him a treat ect. make sure you do the same for napster. Just be forwARNED IT MAY TAKE SOME TIME BUT HE WILL EVENTUALLY GET USED TO THE FACT THAT THERE IS ANOTHER ANIMAL IN THE HOUSE BUT THAT HIS MOMMY STILL LOVES HIM! oops hit cap lock!! Just be very carefull and always watch them when they are together at first because a scared cat will go for the eyes! Don't want to see you end up with a blind lab!! Much Luck to you let me know how it goes!

 

good info here
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Poin ... wners.html

 

If you do a search online, you will find tons of articles.

See if this helps:

http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/catintro.htm

I had some luck reading around this site. Good luck.

It may take work, but I would bet you can work it out.

 

pheobe attacked poor kuma the first day i broght her home. i was at the back door and called pheobe. she came to the door, saw this puppy sitting there, immediately rushed up to kuma hissed and swiped her one! they get along now, pheobe sometimes grooms kumas ears if shes in a curious 'what does the dog smell like today' mood.

 

my first initial reply to that question


"very slowly"