Have a cat? Want a dog?
Despite the cliche' about fighting like cats and dogs, it is possible for the two species to live happily under the same roof. However, it is also possible for a cat to injure a dog, or for a dog to seriously injure or even kill a cat. Follow these guidelines to ensure a happy and healthy environment for everyone:
If you already have an adult cat, it's better to get an adult dog than a puppy. Puppies have high energy levels that can be very annoying and stressful for cats. Look for a dog with a successful track record of living with cats, and think twice about getting more than one dog. They are more likely to chase or harm a cat if they are in a pack. Before you bring a new dog home:
Make sure the cat can escape if need be-make sure your cat has places in the house he or she can go to in order to leap out of harm's way. You should also create areas where the cat can get a good distance away from the dog; consider using baby gates or installing cat doors, and set up the cat's belongings so the dog can't get to them.
Making the Introduction:
Get them used to each other's scent.
Rub a cloth on each pet and put it in the other's hang out spot--on the dog bed, under the cat's food dish etc. Keep this up until neither gets too distressed over the other's smell; barking and whining in your dog and a swishing tail in your cat are a sign they need more time.
Let them investigate each other's living area.
While the cat is outside or somewhere else in the house, bring the dog in to sniff around in the cat's area, and vice versa.
Introduce them through a door or baby gate.
Bring the dog and cat on opposite sides of a door or gate, with a person on either side. Don't restrain your cat at all--feeling trapped may frighten her. Let them sniff through the door or gate, but don't force your cat to get too close. Lavish them both with praise and attention to reinforce that good things happen when the other is around. Keep practicing until the cat doesn't seem frightened and the dog doesn't seem overly excited.
Introduce them with the dog on a leash.
Again, don't restrain the cat so as not to frighten her. Some cats will hiss and swat at a dog as a warning, which is better than running away. If the cat flees and the dog tries to chase, grab the leash and say "no" and ask him to sit. If he returns the attention to you, give him a food reward for his restraint.
Once your dog and cat seem fairly comfortable you can let them roam around when you are at home, but it is wise to continue separating them when you are out until you are absolutely sure they will get along.
Bottom line:
Cats and dogs can coexist peacefully, but it will be much less stressful for everyone if you plan carefully before introducing a new pet.
Check out related articles on http://www.dogtime.com// for more info!
