How to introduce a puppy to a cat

 

New pets might not be the most eager upon the first introduction, but these furry family members can grow to become best friends with patience and proper training. Set up the room with bedding, food, water, and toys (and a litterbox and scratching pad for a cat). Take it slow, end on a positive note, and use high-value rewards when they are in the presence of one another. Aug 11, 2023 · One problem with introducing puppies to an older cat is how puppies react to cats. Children should never be left alone with a puppy, and an adult should always be there when children and puppies are playing together. Sep 26, 2021 · Dogs play by chasing and when a cat runs off out of fear, the dog may take it as a playful response and continue the chase. One way to work out how to introduce a new kitten before it happens is to set up a separate living area to house your kitten for the first several days or weeks. A great space would be a spare room, office, or even your bedroom. But fear not! With the right knowledge and a sprinkle of patience, achieving a harmonious household with both cats and dogs is entirely feasible. Oct 10, 2023 · A little prep will go a long way in making this introduction a smooth one. Move Your Cat’s Litter Box and Food/Water Bowls. We put the dog in the cage and then let the cats sniff him through the cage. So, your job is to help both relax in each other’s company. I always say — and other experts agree — that cat owners should have one litter box per cat, plus one more. May 23, 2024 · 1) Separation and Confinement. Sit with your dog as far away from the baby gate as possible and encourage them to sit or lie down next to Dec 3, 2021 · Over time, increase your dog’s exposure to the cat. Nov 1, 2023 · Let Them Meet Through a Barrier. Take your new dog and resident dog out for a long walk or romp in the yard separate from the other animals so you can wear them out a bit before the introduction. Feb 18, 2023 · You, your puppy, and older pets can all become quickly overwhelmed even with the best of circumstances, so don’t push through and force the meeting if things aren’t going well in the moment. When introducing a cat and a dog, the steps described in the “How to Introduce Cats to Each Other” and “How to Introduce a Cat to a New Environment” handouts should still be followed. If your dog sits, give him a treat and praise him. ly/DiggsCrates Dog Food List: h May 17, 2021 · Spend time with your new pup so she can get used to you. Keep your dog on their leash and allow your cat to explore the area and decide for themselves if they want to approach the dog. [8] 5. This is the key to helping your Husky understand the cat is part of your “pack” and not a foreigner. Jan 5, 2016 · Introducing a puppy to a cat. Allow the cat to leave if they so wish. First, set up your cat for success! Before your bring a dog into your home, you can work on the following with your cat: Place the litter box, cat food and water in a safe space, where the dog cannot access it. Then let the cat out and encourage it to follow you into the room with the dog. Use rags or washcloths that you won’t miss in case they get soiled or ripped. By doing this they have a chance to pick up each other’s scents whilst they eat. We used to have 2 water bowls for the 2 cats and 1 dog. Be sure he obeys the commands consistently, with a food motivator, so that he will perform even in the presence of a cat. Jun 6, 2024 · How to Introduce a Puppy to Cats. Getting your pet used to the sounds of the other pet is an important step in reducing stress and promoting a harmonious relationship between dog and cat. Dec 7, 2017 · Increase exposure. Stay cool, calm, and collected. Step One: Separation. And, when you allow your puppy and cat to actually see each other, keep enough distance that the puppy stays calm and reward his good behavior. Walk the dog slowly on leash toward the pen, watching both the cat’s and the dog’s reactions. Feb 11, 2021 · Tip #2: Keep the puppy on a leash. When bringing home a new cat, the first step is to establish a safe place, or sanctuary, just for them. Mar 27, 2023 · The proper introduction. Keep Them Separate. During these exploration sessions, dogs should be on a leash, out of the house, or in a separate room. Then take the dog out for a nice walk and let the cat out to explore the scent of the new family member. 8. Distract your dog when the cat comes around. 2 This can be a room with a cat door that's too small for the dog or a baby gate that your cat can jump over but the dog cannot. Always reward the puppy for ignoring the cat or paying attention to the cat in a calm manner. new cat, dog, or even a baby or roommate. This space allows them to become acclimated to their new home before being introduced to the resident pooch. You should also provide individual food and water dishes, toys and beds. End the session as soon as you feel everyone has calmed or if the cats or puppy seems stressed. You might rub your dog down with a towel, which you then leave in the cat's sleeping space. If the cat is likely to jump over the gate, stack the gates or muzzle the dog. Start with a few minutes and gradually make your way to a few hours. Keep both your dog and your cat relaxed. After a few days, move the towel somewhere your dog likes to rest or play. e. Also, make available a litter box, food, and water bowls. Before you bring your new baby home, put the cat in a room complete with the litter box, food, water, toys, his bed or favorite blanket, and anything else he uses for comfort. Place the cat in their own room with their own litterbox, food, toys, and perches. 16 Tips for Introducing a Hunting Dog to Cats. Jun 23, 2020 · An important step when introducing dogs to cats is to give your cat a safe space where she can retreat. A bowl in the living room, and a bowl in the bedroom. This might be a guest bedroom, a spare bathroom, the laundry room, or any other room that your current cat does not need to regularly 1. Put the cat in a crate and let the dog get used to it. In the next step, you will want to get your puppy’s attention while being in the same room with your cat. Introducing a puppy to an adult dog. Allow the kitten to approach the dog at its own pace, without any pressure or force. Let your feline remain in confinement, away from the family dog, for a day or two. Your cat should not be restrained and have access to an exit point if needed. For your cat, think about a similar crate, cat house, or even a cat condo. Cats are rarely a threat to a dog, but it can be so the other way around. 6 percent were acting overly exuberant or over excited and 48. , not close to either animal’s territory such as food bowls or bedding area). Step 1: Separate the Animals. Keep them separate. Keeping meetings as positive as possible is essential, but it takes time. According to a 2022 survey, when 1211 puppies were introduced to cats, 58. Cats take great comfort in being up high. The will allow the two to sniff each other without having to nose at the separation gate. If the dogs become too focused on each other, add more distance until they can successfully walk, take treats, and ignore each other. Here are some tips and tricks to help facilitate successful introductions. The main aim is for the meeting to be positive for both your puppy and your cat. May 31, 2023 · Step 1: Give your cat time to settle. Use positive reinforcement and rewards for good behaviour. Feed your German shepherd pup on the other side of the door to the room so that he can smell the kitty and the two pets can interact safely. Purchase Feliway products to help make the room and space more inviting. Distract the cats with a toy or a loud noise, like hand clapping, if they begin staring intently toward each other. If both seem totally calm, walk up to the pen and let them sniff. 3 percent of puppies showed desirable behaviors and most Sep 15, 2014 · With cats, give each one plenty of space and possessions. “The resident pet should have the run of the house, while the newbie is in their own room, where they have their food, water [and a] soft Dec 19, 2023 · Ensure your cat and new puppy are up-to-date with health checks and vaccinations before making introductions. Make sure the dog respects the cat condo; paws off for dogs! Feb 6, 2024 · 1. This breakdown of communication can raise fear levels and defensive Respect their communication and always remove the puppy if they are not respecting the cat. Put the dog’s crate in a room the cat doesn’t go in. Those first few interactions introducing your cat to puppy, will have a long-term impact on how they see one another. If you don't do it Mar 18, 2024 · Keep your puppy on a leash and place some baby gates between the doors, so your cat will have the possibility to escape from your puppy. Using a baby gate and tie-down, let your dog and cat see each other. Most cats like to spend time ‘watching’ and will take their time to decide whether is safe to approach or not. That way they are safe and can see each other. Your Dog Needs to Be Trained Cats value their personal space, while dogs … well, they’re Repeat your walk and reward method moving about 3-5 feet closer. Use the techniques described above to begin introducing your new cat to your resident dog. Keep your cat and puppy introductions positive. Jul 19, 2023 · Praise and reward the dogs only when they give each other relaxed attention. Work with him on Sit, Down, Come and Stay. If you have a puppy pick him up and hold him on your lap. Pets can feel very territorial, so it’s important you introduce your new puppy to any other pets in a controlled, sensitive way. Remove the Barrier. Feed your pets individually and keep their toys separate. Buy kitten & puppy essentials. Jun 3, 2024 · Introducing a Cat to a Dog Introduce your cat and dog in a “neutral” part of the home (i. Some dogs have such a high prey drive they should never be left alone with a cat. Keep Your Dog’s Attention. Even if the dog has had experience with cats and the cat has lived with a dog before, proceed cautiously during the Dec 23, 2016 · 3. To introduce them to each other, let your Chihuahua and cat sniff through the door: #4. When you first bring home your new dog, make sure your cat has a safe spot. Once they’re calm and relaxed, move them closer. Stage a very gradual introduction between your cat and dog by using a glass barrier between them so that they can see each other but cannot physically meet. Allow the cats to see each other through a barrier, such as a mesh screen between rooms or a baby gate. Introduce your cat to the new dog’s scent before they meet, which should help your cat become accustomed to the new dog’s scent before they arrive. Dec 16, 2020 · After your cat has begun to understand that a puppy will be in their space, switch confinement. The introductions will require your Siberian Husky on the leash, and the cat free to come and go. Allow the pets to sniff eachother under the doors. Isolate your kitty in a room of her own, complete with a litter box, food and water dishes. Make sure everyone has lots of water bowls. Once your dog is calm around the kitten in the container, hold your dog on a leash and let the kitten out of the container or from behind the barrier. Keep meets short: Keep interactions short, do them several times and don’t rush. Allow at least one to two days for your cat to settle in before introducing them to your dog. Scent Swapping means using scent to familiarize the family pet with the adopted pet. Size difference: Kittens are smaller and more delicate than adult cats, which makes them more vulnerable to injury from a larger dog. This is important for both the new cat (so they can begin to feel comfortable in their new territory) and for the resident cat (so they can adjust to the new cat’s presence in the home). Once the puppy and cat are introduced, gently let them get to know each other. Prepare for your home for your new addition. This will give them time to adjust to their new surroundings and feel safe. Introduce the Scent Before the First Day. STEP 3: MAKE LEASHED INTRODUCTIONS. Allow your cat to approach the stairgate in their own time. Introduce the Chihuahua to your cat face to face: #6. See #7 for what happens next. Dr. If the dog gets up to go after the cat, coax them back into position, closing the Jan 24, 2024 · Make sure the cat cannot scratch the dog's face. If the puppy is under 6 months old, both the dog and the puppy might need frequent breaks from each other. Introduce the dog to the sight of the cat. com/⭐ Diggs Crate (+ code!): https://bit. 6 percent started chasing the cat. Both dogs and cats rely heavily on scent and chemical communication, and so will be able to gather information about each other by sniffing to gently get used to each other’s scents. Give your cat lots of treats to keep them in the same room with your puppy, but don’t force interaction. By keeping your cat and dog separated, your dog can adjust to its new home safely. It gives them the heads-up that someone new is going to be coming into their space. 1. If the dog doesn’t like the puppy, do not leave them alone Sep 6, 2019 · 4. All the while rewarding your cat or dog for good behavior. Dec 16, 2021 · 1. However, a room of the house that has enough space for the cat and puppy (as well as the cat’s belongings) will suffice. All it takes is one shake and the cat’s neck can break. Cats don’t learn to share in kitty-garden. Jan 19, 2022 · Get them used to each other’s scents. In a best-case scenario, you will have a spare room that you are not using that you can use to let your cat and puppy acclimate themselves to each other. Only 7. One of my cats is seriously scared of her. . Your new cat should be kept in a single room during the initial stages of this introduction process. Once the initial scent swapping is done, you can proceed to supervised face-to-face meetings. Prevent your puppy from chasing, harassing, or otherwise tormenting your cat. If your cat’s litter box and food set up are currently somewhere your dog will have easy Introducing a Puppy to a Cat: Preparing Your Home for the New Arrival. If you’re in a large enough area, you can walk them in the same direction … keeping enough distance for them to stay relaxed and get used to each other. Choose a time when both pets are likely to be calm – after a walk is a good time for dogs. Keep the cat in one room where your dog is not allowed. During the introduction give the cat room to have its own space and escape if needed. Normally, once the puppy has been touched and sniffed by the cat, it’ll be a little wary but curious. Place your cat in a safe and well-confined space, and let your puppy explore their new home and introduce themselves to your cat. Put the dog into a down/stay and set the cage on the floor. The tie-down will help keep the dog further back from the gate. If you have multiple dogs, bring out the calmest, most cat-friendly one. Jan 12, 2024 · At first, the dog should not enter the room. Try these tips to introduce a dog to a cat with minimal friction. May 18, 2018 · “Dogs occupy the ground, cats occupy the air, and that’s the first way to introduce them. “Sometimes just restraining the puppy while the cat has a chance to visually inspect them and smell them … then that can help too,” she said. Some adult dogs will quickly lose patience with a puppy’s energy. Make sure you can stop a possible attack during the introduction of the dog and cat. Dogs usually want to chase and play with cats, and cats usually become afraid and defensive. Make sure they’re calm and offer a treat. Once the dog is calm (or at least not obsessed with the cat) and the cat is calm, eating and using the litter box normally, you can proceed to the next step. Get a couple of dry washcloths or rags to perform the scent handshake. In addition: Practice Apr 30, 2024 · Reward Good Behavior. Step 1. 2 Your pup may need professional training if he won't stop barking at the cat's room. Encourage calm behaviour: Keeping your puppy as calm as possible is important, so keep them on a lead behind a stairgate and praise them for calm behaviour by giving tasty treats. Familiarize Yourself With Sounds. We have put together some key tips on the best way to introduce a puppy to a cat: Start with separation; Prepare the home; Keep your puppy under control around your cat Oct 11, 2023 · Remove the pet gate, and supervise closely. Oct 16, 2023 · How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat: A Step-by-Step Guide. Reward the Desired Behavior. Practice scent swapping, just as you do when you introduce cats. Keeping your puppy on an indoor leash will help prevent and correct any aggressive behavior. You want the cat and dog to feel relaxed and comfortable before they contact each other. Slowly release the puppy, still keeping the calm stroking and talking, and let the two Aug 10, 2018 · Let the dog explore the house so he can “meet” the cat by her scent only. May 18, 2024 · Here are the steps for the leash method: Have your dog on-leash and tell them to sit or lie next to you. If your dog is crate-trained, keep him in the crate while encouraging your cat to explore the room. The first step in introducing the new housemates should be swapping each other’s scent, rather than any face-to-face introductions. The introduction is key, even if the dog chases other cats he needs to know that ⭐ Favorite Pet Products: SHOP ALL PET (+ discount codes): https://www. Before introducing a puppy to a cat, it’s essential to prepare your home and set the stage for a positive relationship between your furry family members. The cat should not be physically restrained. It can be an exciting time welcoming a new puppy to the household, but it can also be nerve racking when introducing them to your family cat. Let the cats interact in person for 5-10 minute sessions, 3-5 times each day. Swap spaces - allow the cat to be in the larger area of the house and confine the dog to a Jan 30, 2024 · Introducing a Pit Bull to a cat is similar to introducing it to a kitten, but there are a few key differences. Nov 15, 2021 · How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat in 5 Steps. Start to Introduce the chihuahua and the cat through the baby gate: #5. Feb 17, 2022 · Swapping toys or pieces of bedding is a good way to share the scent of their new companion. Kick things off on a high note and ensure the new cat feels at home. Use tidbits of food to increase your dog’s motivation. Schwartz also recommends putting your puppy in a harness or a collar and keeping her on a leash while introducing her to your cat. This is key for the cat’s sanity and sense of security, as well as for their safety should an unsupervised chase ever ensue. If he pulls away from you toward the cat, walk away from the cat, and ask your dog to sit again. Introducing a puppy to a cat can be a bit daunting. Scent Swapping. A scent handshake is a way to introduce two animals before they meet each other. After a few introductions, allow your cat to come and go while your dog remains confined to a leash. Sep 28, 2022 · Put your dog on a leash and guide them to the living room. To get your cat ready, set up their isolation room with food, water, a litter box, and a bed. Exercise your puppy to tire them out. With the cat in the other room, put your dog in its kennel and lock the door. Feed them on opposite sides of a gate. The safe spot should include the cat’s toys, food, water, bed, and litter box. Since your dog has to get familiar with the house, you’ll have to alternate which animal is confined. Nov 17, 2023 · With these preparations and a thoughtful approach, you can lay the groundwork for a successful integration of your pets. Swap scents by exchanging bedding and blankets. Allow your cat to see your dog and approach if they want to. Make eye contact with your dog, and ask him to sit. This guide will delve deep into the steps Jan 12, 2021 · Set up a baby gate or x-pen (some sizes out of stock) in the doorway of your cat's den. Try rotating who is in which space to give them more exposure to the other's scents without visual contact. It’s important to keep your dog on a leash during these meetings to ensure control and safety. Slowly decrease the distance (this Here is how to introduce dog to cat and help them become friends. As before, you can increase the amount of time the cats are able to see each other as long as they both remain calm and relaxed. Nov 2, 2022 · Keep it calm, keep it relaxed, and your puppy and cat can get along well. Create a safe, clutter-free environment to introduce the dog to the cat in. Jan 25, 2022 · Introducing Your Dog and Cat 1. Take the dogs inside the house separately. Initial Meetings. Introducing Cats and Dogs Successfully 1. If they do not already know the commands “sit” and “stay,” they should learn them before being introduced to your cat for the first time. Don’t force the interaction, let it develop over time. With the leash, you will be able to prevent any chasing from even occurring. Always supervise. During this period your cat and dog should be kept separate. ” 2. Have control over the environment and situation. This doesn’t mean your new puppy and older cat won’t get along, but it does mean it may take a little time. Take the older dog inside the house first and unleash it. rachelfusaro. Avoid visual contact between the animals. These are the important things to bear in mind. Command your dog to ‘sit down and stay’ on the carpet or couch. Pick a place in the house that will be free from distractions and items that the dog may feel ownership over. Give them plenty of time to get used to each other before moving on. To perform a scent handshake, you will need a couple of rags or old washcloths. Introducing pets to one another can be a frustrating process even when you are prepared. Introducing a new pet to the fold can upset a feline’s carefully structured routine, potentially causing stress, anxiety and even illness. Allow both animals to be in the same room at the same time, but keep the dog securely leashed. A good way of doing this is by keeping both animals in carriers or cages first, which will help them feel safe from any potential aggression. Let one of your family members bring the new cat into the living room and release them on a couch (preferably opposite your dog). Step One: Getting the House Ready. To introduce a puppy to an adult dog, use the procedure given above. If one of the cats appears overwhelmed or fearful, shorten their periods of interaction. You can even add a nice blanket, pillow, or some toys to your dog’s crate (as long as they aren’t in that teething, destructive puppy stage, of course!). One person can keep the Dachshund on a lead and another person can hold Make sure your new dog understands a few basic commands before introducing him to your cat. Have a friend or family member bring your cat into the other side of the room. 6. Keep the dog in its crate and let the cat roam free for the first few encounters. Navigating the intricate dynamics of introducing a dog to a cat can be a daunting task for pet owners. Step 1: Separate the cats. 7. Allow the cat avenues of escape from various places. This could be on dog toys or a blanket. Make sure your cat has food, water Feed Them on Either Side of The Door. Puppy is very interested in my cats & I believe she just wants to play with them. Jan 19, 2024 · Keep everyone calm and allow your cats to approach at their own pace, keeping the puppy controlled on a leash and asking it to sit. At the start of introductions, use your dog’s comfortable crate as a default. Anytime your cat is in the same room as your dog, get your dog’s attention. Make sure there are cozy hiding places for your new pet, especially if they seem fearful. Use the Crate. First, get your dog ready. Dogs and cats depend a lot on chemical and scent communication, making introducing each other’s scent a non-threatening first step before meeting face-to-face. 3. Put your dog on a lead behind a stair gate and have some tasty treats at the ready to reward them for calm and relaxed behaviour. Jun 28, 2023 · Step 1: Get your home ready. Cats and dogs learn about one another through smell, so before you introduce them, it's a good idea to transfer scent from one to the other. I have two cats and was looking for any tips or advice on how to properly introduce my puppy to the cats. During the first 24-48 hours after bringing your new kitten home, keep them in a quiet room away from other pets and people. Once they've been introduced while on a leash and things seem Feb 24, 2024 · When she has had a few minutes to investigate the pen, bring your leashed dog into the room with the pen. Creating a welcoming and safe environment is key to easing the transition and minimizing stress for both pets. Jan 19, 2024 · Step 2: Supervised Face-to-Face Meetings. Command 'down-stay' for aggressive behavior. Next, it’s time for them to say hello. Start by setting up your home. Go back to containing the kitten if necessary. Dec 21, 2021 · The cat's litter box, food, water, and toys should be put in this private area away from the dog. You can also have a play session with your resident cat so it can blow off some energy. Keep your dog and cat separated before introducing them so the current pet doesn’t feel threatened and the new pet doesn’t get overwhelmed in his new environment. Starting on day 1, reward your puppy for being calm and quiet. May 15, 2024 · 6. When introducing a Chihuahua to a cat, it’s essential to do so in a neutral area. Wait for a few minutes. Tire out your pets beforehand. 5. Reward calm behavior. Some cats might prefer an enclosed bed, like May 8, 2018 · There are different ways in which you can introduce your Dachshund and cat to each other: Allow them to meet face-to-face: This method is all about watching the body language of both the dog and cat. This may take longer depending on how confident your cat is. Create high, safe spaces in your home that your dog cannot May 17, 2021 · To help your cat get used to the smell of your dog, allow your dog to sleep on an old t-shirt of yours and then move the shirt into one of the cat’s favorite rooms and vice versa. May 12, 2020 · 6. Spend time alone with the cat: #3. It is important to take extra care when introducing a Pit Bull to a kitten to ensure their safety. To ensure the introduction goes as smoothly as possible, Reveal has put together a few tips Methods for introducing a dog and a cat There are many different ways to introduce a dog to a cat. As long as the dogs continue to pay more attention to you and less attention to the other dog, continue walking. Dec 10, 2021 · Close the gap gradually until they are able to be nose to nose. So if you have two cats, you need three litter boxes. May 4, 2020 · Allow the new kitty and dogs to see each other by placing a baby gate in the doorway of the safe room (instead of closing the door). Your pup will also have the pleasant experience of eating outside the cat's door, associating the Keep your cat in a safe place and shut the door: #2. Allow the animals to look at each other through the open doorway. Apr 10, 2024 · 2. Arrange a Positive First Encounter. Begin bringing the new cat out of the safe room for short periods of time. Sep 2, 2015 · Introduce the puppy or dog to your cat gradually. Ensure the cat can escape to a safe place that he/she already frequents. First, keep your cat and dog in separate spaces so they can get used to the other's sounds and scents. Allow your cat to come and go. After a few days of exchanging scents, you should notice a calmer reaction from your cat about the new smell in the house. This can even be done before your puppy comes home if you’re able to exchange these items. Dec 22, 2021 · Whether you’re bringing a new puppy into a home with a cat, or adding a kitten to a family that includes a dog, follow these 5 simple steps to help them get Nov 13, 2023 · Repeat this introduction process several times per day for several days. 2. Before bringing your cat out of the room, it would be a good idea to feed both pets on opposite sides of the door. May 15, 2024 · Provide your new cat with a comfortable sleeping area, and use your old t-shirt as bedding. Apr 10, 2023 · The cat should really be in a carrier because if he or she gets scared immediately and decides to run you are likely to get scratched up if you are carrying him. Switch Confinement Between the Two. I’ve got my puppy in a play area that the cats could choose to go into, but the puppy can’t get to them. This should be over the course of days or even weeks, depending on your pets’ progress. Mix Their Scents. Sep 28, 2018 · Are you thinking of bringing a dog into a house with a cat already present or vice versa? Especially with pets, first impressions matter. 4. Place it on one side of the baby gate, preferably the side that has open access to the house. Keep a comfy bed in the room for your kitty, like the Lazy Cup bed. The first meeting should take place within the house, and your cat should be able to access their own safe place if they choose to retreat. Put your dog in a crate and let the cat get used to him. Confine the new pet to one room of the home. Create vertical space so that your cats can get up and away from the dogs. Keep the dog on a lead and reward them with treats for good behaviour. 9 percent were playing, 56. While on the leash, bring the puppy inside and place it on the other side of the baby gate. If the first method of introduction you try doesn’t work or you don’t feel comfortable with it, try a different option. If you want to, and have previously visited the puppy, put a blanket in with the cat with his scent on it. Then introduce on a leash. The puppy sniffing the cat calmly is perfectly fine and should be rewarded Jul 23, 2020 · Step 1: Scent swapping. For your dog, think about using their crate as a safe place to sleep or relax away from any outside chaos. It’s not unusual for cats to react to the new dog by hissing, or trying to escape by running or hiding. Then, close the door. You can’t keep the pup confined forever, so when she’s out, take your kitty in, at least for the first few days. Seek help from a professional dog trainer in your area. ll il my fu zg ar ur ea qw ar