You want to have a dog but are afraid that your cat won't like it? You have a cat and a dog but the two are always fighting? While many cats and dogs don't get along right away, there are ways to help these two cute animals adjust to coexistence. By not rushing it and understanding the needs of your two pets, you can create a happy and peaceful home with dogs and cats present.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Introducing Dogs and Cats for the First Time
Step 1. Prepare the introduction process
Whether you're bringing a new cat or dog into a home that already has a cat or dog or trying to get the dog and cat to get along better, you need to create the foundation of a strong relationship. To start with, make sure your house has a large enough space so that these two animals have their respective places far apart from each other. You'll need to keep these two animals separate for a few days so there should be at least more than one room in your house.
- Also, make sure the dog obeys your commands. It's a good idea to refresh the dog's obedience training if he doesn't follow commands well. Don't let the first encounter with the cat turn your dog into a rogue with jealousy and aggressiveness.
- If you have a new dog or have a puppy who doesn't know the commands yet, you should be careful when introducing him to a cat.
Step 2. Do it slowly
DO NOT let the dog chase the cat. Separate the two animals first and wait 3 to 4 days before introducing them to each other. Animals need time to recognize the smell of each other and their homes before they can recognize other animals.
- Cats and dogs are more likely to fight or feel unhappy if introduced suddenly. Separate the two animals in separate rooms and do not let the dog see the cat, and vice versa, until both have calmed down.
- Start combining the smells of these two animals by rubbing your hands on the cat's body, then rubbing your hands on the dog's body and vice versa (with the dog and cat in separate rooms).
Step 3. Change the room where the dog and cat are
This method is done so that both can sniff the area occupied by each other without meeting in person. Smell is the most important medium for introducing the two animals. Let dogs and cats recognize each other's smells before actually meeting in person.
Try rubbing a towel on the dog's body and then place the towel under the cat's feeding area. This will allow the cat to get used to the dog's smell and accept it
Step 4. Let the cat and dog sniff each other with a door separating them
This will help both animals associate the new smell they smell with a particular animal, even if it can't be seen.
Try feeding the cat and dog on different sides of the same door. This will force both of them to adjust to the smell of the other animal
Step 5. Wait a while before introducing the cat and dog until they both seem relaxed and ready
If the cat is frightened, runs away, and hides whenever the dog is near the door, you should give the cat time to adapt. Once the cat has become accustomed to the smell and sound of the dog, now is a good time to bring the two together.
Step 6. Hug your cat until she is calm and relaxed
Then, ask a family member or friend to take your dog on a gentle leash. Little by little, bring the dog closer to the cat. Wait until the dog and cat are comfortable before getting any closer. Do not allow these two animals to make physical contact with each other. Let the dog and cat get used to each other's presence first.
- Be sure to hug the cat if the cat likes to be cuddled.
- Wear long sleeves to protect your hands from cat scratches.
- Another option is to put the cat in a crate while you take the dog on a leash. This will ensure that no physical contact occurs between the two animals the first time they meet.
Step 7. Show equal affection for both animals when introducing them to each other
Like humans, animals can get jealous when the "new kid" gets more attention than they do. Show your pets that you love them both and that no animal is afraid of you.
Step 8. Separate the two pets again
Do not force the dog and cat to interact for too long because it will tire them out and lead to conflict. Make sure the first meeting is smooth, short, and enjoyable.
Little by little, increase the time of the meeting session
Step 9. Keep on interacting with the dog and cat until they are comfortable in each other's presence
Once the cat is comfortable enough, keep your dog on a leash but leave the cat free in the room. After a few weeks, your dog should be trained not to chase the cat so you can free him too.
You can use pheromones available at your vet to keep both animals calm and relaxed. Ask your vet if synthetic hormones can help your pet adapt
Part 2 of 2: Adapting Dogs and Cats to Live Together
Step 1. Separate the two animals when you are not at home or not with them
You should do this every now and then so that the cat and dog don't hurt each other.
Step 2. Redirect the negative behavior the dog shows to the cat
These behaviors include rough play and barking. Give your dog a new activity or obedience exercise instead of keeping him watching the cat.
Try not to scold the dog in this situation. Maintain a positive atmosphere so that the dog will have positive associations with the cat in the future
Step 3. Reward and praise your dog for his good behavior around the cat
This includes the dog's friendly behavior or neglect of the cat. Make sure that when the cat enters the room, the atmosphere in the room is pleasant for the dog so that he will treat the cat well, without being aggressive or wary.
Say, “Look, Dogi, there's Mpus here! Hooray!” and you must sound very happy. Then, give treats to the dog. He will begin to associate feelings of happiness with the cat
Step 4. Provide a place to be alone for the cat so that it is out of reach of the dog
This could be a tree or a baby fence across from the door, anything the cat might run away from. The cat will only attack the dog when it is cornered with no way to avoid the dog.
Step 5. Have realistic expectations
If your dog or cat has never coexisted with other animals before, they won't immediately know how to handle a situation like this. In addition, you also won't know whether the dog sees the cat as a toy, prey, or medium to channel his curiosity and whether the cat sees the dog as a medium of curiosity or threat until the two animals are met. Understanding that it takes a lot of time for these two animals to get along will help keep you motivated in trying to get your cat and dog together.
Tips
- Try not to have a favorite pet. Sometimes, some fights are triggered by jealousy. If the dog sees that the cat is getting more attention, it will respond negatively.
- It's a good idea to introduce both animals when they are young. Small animals will more easily adapt to the presence of other animals. However, puppies don't know their own strengths and love to play, so they can accidentally hurt a kitten.
