Introducing puppies to cats is a very grueling process for both of them. However, if done properly and correctly, the two pets can be kept safely and remain on good terms along with the formation of a positive relationship. At first, make sure the two pets are separated. Then briefly introduce the leashed puppy to the cat. Before allowing the two pets to interact with each other on their own, make sure they are comfortable with each other.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Separating the Two Pets
Step 1. Place the puppy and cat in different places
Puppies and cats need different spaces to adapt. Do not immediately introduce the puppy to the cat. Give different care and attention to both pets on the first and second day.
- You should lock up your new pet when it just gets home. Therefore, puppies should be placed in a different room before letting them roam in the house.
- Place enough food, water, and toys in the room. Spend a little time with the puppy while he is adapting.
Step 2. Lock the two pets in turn
You have to lock the pets in turns. Thus, both have the same opportunity to explore the house. They can also get used to each other's smells and will become more comfortable with other animals.
- Do this change every few hours. It's important for the puppy to leave the room and explore the house, but don't let him roam too far as this will interfere with the potty training process. Let the puppy explore a larger room and watch if he is going to pee.
- When not locked up, these two pets may interact at the door. For example, a puppy may sniff or stick his paw in a doorway. Generally, this will not cause any problems. However, if your dog is sticking his paw into the door too much, train him to stop. The cat may feel stressed that it hinders the introduction of the two.
Step 3. Perform an odor swap
It's important for puppies and cats to get used to each other's smells. You can swap out the blankets or pillows used by dogs and cats. Puppy and cat toys are also interchangeable. Try rubbing a towel on one pet and then placing it under the other pet's feeding bowl.
Step 4. Confine the pet when no one is home
Don't leave pets unattended before they get acquainted.
- Make sure the dog and cat are kept in separate rooms when no one is home.
- You can also train your dog to stay in his crate when no one is home, so that the cat can roam freely (if he is comfortable).
- If your cat is locked up indoors while you're away, make sure he can poop in the litter box.
Part 2 of 4: Making Introductions
Step 1. Choose a good place to do introductions
After a few days, you can introduce the puppy to the cat. This must be done in your home. Generally, dogs can be introduced to other animals in a neutral setting. However, cats will be stressed when they meet outside the house.
Do this in one of the rooms of your house. Make sure the room is large enough for the two pets to be comfortably placed on opposite sides of the room
Step 2. Put a leash on the puppy, then make introductions
This is best done after the puppy has played or trained so that he is less active around the cat. Hold the puppy's leash and let the cat into the room. Let the two pets look at each other.
- Both may feel scared or be aggressive. If both pets growl at each other, or the cat attacks the puppy, neither of them are ready to be introduced. Separate the two pets again for a few days and then try again.
- Provide a toy or treat to distract the puppy if he disturbs the cat.
- Don't let go of the dog's leash when the two get to know each other. This should be done gradually. An overzealous puppy can hurt a cat.
Step 3. Continue the introduction process with brief, controlled meetings
Start with short meetings and gradually increase their duration. Give both pets love, attention, and reward for good behavior.
- End each meeting positively. When one of your pets behaves aggressively after spending time together in the same room, this is the perfect time to end their meeting.
- Over time, the cat will become more confident and the puppy will stop bothering the cat.
Step 4. Keep the dog on the leash when interacting until he calms down
How long the dog must wear the leash depends on the personality of the puppy and cat. Some dogs and cats can cool off more quickly, and some may take longer.
- Cats should be comfortable when in the same room with a puppy. Cats should continue to eat, drink, and defecate without hesitation.
- Puppies should not bother the cat too much. The puppy should ignore the cat and turn his attention to other stimulants.
- Once both pets have calmed down, you can leave them in the same room without the leash.
Part 3 of 4: Encouraging Good Behavior
Step 1. Reward consistently
Some people prefer to scold or punish a puppy who chases or annoys a cat. This method is ineffective and can make the situation uncomfortable, so the puppy may behave aggressively towards the cat. Instead of punishing your puppy for negative behavior, try to encourage him to behave in a better way.
- Always reward your puppy for being calm and submissive when around a cat. Give the puppy treats and praise when he ignores the cat.
- You should always carry a snack bag with you. Whenever your puppy behaves well, reward him with a treat.
Step 2. Distract the puppy if he is bothering the cat
Instead of punishing the puppy, distract him if he bothers the cat. Distract the puppy if he chases, notices, or annoys the cat.
- Use a treat, a friendly greeting, or a toy to distract the puppy who is bothering the cat.
- Once the puppy stops bothering the cat, give him a treat in return.
Step 3. Always watch for aggressive behavior
You should be careful to let the puppy and cat interact with each other. Aggressive behavior can cause problems, and both may get hurt. If one of your pets is behaving aggressively, you need to act quickly.
- If the puppy's attention is so focused on the cat that he doesn't even look away, this is an aggressive behavior. Growling, hissing, or clawing are some of the most common aggressive behaviors cats engage in.
- Separate both pets if they are behaving aggressively. Don't let them fight.
Step 4. Always supervise puppy and cat interactions for a month
You can leave both pets when they get used to each other's presence. Provide privacy for both pets. You can provide a cat door, a dog door, a high shelf, or a separate room to maintain the privacy of both pets. Puppy and cat interactions should always be supervised for one month.
Depending on the personalities of the two pets, you may need more than a month. Always supervise puppy and cat interactions until they are comfortable with each other
Part 4 of 4: Taking Security Measures
Step 1. Consult a veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy
Health issues can hinder the process of introducing your two pets. Before starting the introduction process, take both pets to the vet to make sure they are both healthy.
Step 2. Make sure the cat has a place to hide
Cats need privacy to stay happy. When you've just brought a new puppy home, make sure the cat has somewhere to hide. Cats may behave aggressively if their privacy is disturbed.
- You can buy a cat house to make your cat feel more secure.
- The cat must have a place to perch. Provide a shelf in the closet as a cat perch.
Step 3. Consider contacting professional help
If the introduction process doesn't go well, contact an animal trainer. Some puppies or cats are more difficult to train. Certified animal trainers can train puppies and cats to behave better.
Tips
- Dogs tend to ignore cats when they're just practicing.
- Training your dog to obey commands can help make the introduction process safer.
- You can lock your puppy in a laundry basket when he gets to know the cat. Cats will feel more comfortable around puppies. Cats can sniff puppies without hurting them.
Warning
- Don't let the two pets interact unsupervised until they're ready to do it themselves.
- Cats may still not tolerate a puppy's bad behavior even after getting acquainted. Some dogs and cats will never get along.
