{"id":9858,"date":"2013-12-18T00:45:09","date_gmt":"2013-12-18T08:45:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/introducing-a-new-dog-to-a-resident-cat\/"},"modified":"2021-10-28T11:11:00","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T19:11:00","slug":"introducing-a-new-dog-to-a-resident-cat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.doo-n-go.com\/fr\/introducing-a-new-dog-to-a-resident-cat\/","title":{"rendered":"Introducing a New Dog to a Resident Cat"},"content":{"rendered":"

First impressions are important.<\/strong>  That\u2019s true for pets as well as people.  If you\u2019re thinking of adding a dog to your cat household you\u2019ll want to consider the age, health, and disposition of your resident cat.<\/p>\n

The introduction between your new dog (adult or puppy) and resident cat will set the tone for their relationship.  This blog runs through the preparation, expectations, and steps of introducing a new dog to a resident cat.<\/p>\n

Why this is Important<\/b><\/p>\n

You might be tempted to bring home Rover and let the pets work things out themselves.  According to the Humane Society and other resources doing this can be dangerous for both the Rover and Fluffy.<\/p>\n

Cats and dogs place different value on physical space and social hierarchy \u2013 it will take Rover and Fluffy some time to learn how to treat one another.  You can help them build a friendship by supervising their first meetings.  The first meeting is particularly important if neither Fluffy nor Rover have lived with other cats and\/or dogs before.<\/p>\n

Before you bring Rover home to Fluffy you might want to check out this article: http:\/\/www.hawaiianhumane.org\/sites\/default\/files\/introduce_dog_to_cat.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

Preparation<\/b><\/p>\n

Your resident cat already has food and water bowls, a bed, litter box, and toys.  Before you bring home Rover move Fluffy\u2019s food and water bowls to a place where Rover won\u2019t be able to access them \u2013 perhaps somewhere off the floor.  Also, you\u2019ll need to do the same for Fluffy\u2019s litter box.  Cats are very territorial and dogs like to eat cat poop.<\/p>\n

Designate a space for Rover \u2013 a room where you can put Rover\u2019s bed, food and water bowl, and toys.  That way you prevent Fluffy and Rover from interacting when you aren\u2019t able to supervise them.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve brought Rover home keep him separated from Fluffy until he has mastered some basic commands.  You may want to train Rover yourself or you can take Rover to obedience classes.  You may also want to train Fluffy to come when she\u2019s called using treats as reinforcement for good behaviour.  For more on this check out: http:\/\/www.aspca.org\/pet-care\/virtual-pet-behaviorist\/cat-behavior\/introducing-your-cat-new-dog<\/a><\/p>\n

In addition, you\u2019ll need:<\/span><\/p>\n