Nice to Meet You: Introducing Cats and Dogs

Congratulations! You’ve decided your family is ready to take the next step in pet parenthood by adding a furry friend. While this can be a difficult transition in any case, it can be especially complicated when your new addition is a different species. Keep your cats and dogs from fighting like — well, cats and dogs — with these homecoming tips:

Consider Personalities First
Before you even cross the threshold with a new animal, American Humane reminds us it’s important to consider the personality and lifestyle of your current resident. Is your dog notorious for lunging, chasing or barking at smaller animals? Is your cat especially fearful around strangers or loud noises? Would your elderly pet’s world be turned upside down by a rambunctious youngster? If so, a cross-species relationship might not work out. However, if the animals appear to be a match — in energy level and disposition — it could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

Separate and Supervise
Whether introducing a new pup to a resident cat or a new kitty to a resident dog, the Animal Humane Society indicates that separation and supervision are crucial during initial meetings:

• Separate: In the first few days, keep the animals separated. Start by confining the new animal in a “sanctuary” room with a securely closed door that allows both pets to hear and smell each other without a face-to-face meeting. Later, switch which animal is confined so the scents have a chance to cross paths and the animals both get a chance to roam freely to investigate the smells. Start to feed them both near the door, so they become used to eating within the presence of a stranger.
  
  
• Supervise: When both animals can eat calmly near the door, allow a short, supervised meeting in a neutral zone — NOT either animal’s sanctuary space. Keep your dog on a leash and make sure your cat has an escape route. Reward both pets with treats for good behavior!

• Repeat: Daily supervised sessions can be extended over time but should end before either animal shows signs of stress or aggression. When the animals both act happy and relaxed during meetings, you can explore unleashed interactions — however, it is still vital you are there to supervise for a month or more until you are certain they will not harm each other.

Fido, Meet Fluffy
Introducing a new cat to a resident canine requires precaution and careful observation, as even the friendliest dog could accidentally injure a cat by playing too aggressively. Make sure your dog:

• Knows and responds to basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come” and “down”
• Is rewarded for good behavior in the cat’s presence, not only punished for bad behavior
• Can’t access the cat’s food, as dogs love to eat cat food!
• Isn’t overly focused on the cat during interactions, even if he isn’t growling or lunging, staring can be a warning sign that he wants to attack
• Is comfortable being isolated in a crate or confined room

Fluffy, Meet Fido
Introducing a new dog to a resident feline requires the same precaution and observation, including a keen awareness of her comfort level and safety. Make sure your cat:

• Always has an “escape route” during interactions with the dog
• Can access her litterbox without interference
• Has hiding areas and high places to retreat throughout your home
• Is eating, socializing and using the litterbox normally after the initial introduction period — if not, she may be unhealthily stressed
• Is comfortable being isolated in a crate or confined room

Practice Patience
In any relationship, it takes time for two strangers to get to know one another and feel comfortable in each other’s presence. Your cat and dog may become best friends, or they may merely learn to tolerate each other. Either way, it takes time, patience and understanding from pet parents to facilitate the best relationship possible. 

Covetrus is dedicated to the well-being of cats and dogs throughout their lives. Visit us online or contact your Covetrus representative at 855.724.3461.

Sources

https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/behavior/how-introduce-dog-and-cat

https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/introducing-dogs-to-cats/

https://www.paws.org/library/cats/home-life/introducing-cat-to-dog/