Cats and dogs are both very popular family pets, but they are notorious for not getting along. Dogs chase cats because they want to play, and cats tend to be wary of dogs, which can lead to hissing, screaming, clawing, and climbing up to the highest point they can find. This is probably not something that you envisioned for your household when you decided to get a dog and a cat, but it can certainly become a reality unless you take the time to prepare and introduce your pets. If you already have a dog at home and want to introduce a cat to your family, here’s the best way to do it.
Get a Kitten
Adult cats tend to be quite set in their ways, and while it’s possible to help an adult cat get used to new surroundings and other pets, it’s going to take a lot longer compared to a kitten. Kittens tend to be more open to new experiences - they’re babies, after all, and usually just want to play and be loved. A kitten that grows up around a dog is going to find it much easier to live harmoniously together compared to an adult cat who might never have lived with a dog before. If you’re set on adopting an adult cat, look for one who has had the experience of living with dogs in the past.
Train Your Dog
It’s important that your dog is well-trained before bringing a kitten into your home. You can expect that your dog is going to want to play with the kitten, and this can be great for bonding - but you need to trust that your dog is going to do as they are told if things go too far and you tell them to leave it. Investing in some obedience classes before you bring a kitten home is an ideal way to prepare.
Introduce Slowly
The worst thing that you can do when bringing your new kitten home is to just put them in the same room as your dog. Both dogs and cats can get a little out of sorts when there’s a change to their routine or environment, and suddenly introducing a new pet can cause stress levels to rise. The kitten will already be stressed by the change in home, so create a separate room for your kitten to go to for at least a few days while they settle in.
Keep everything that they need in there and spend some time with them daily. Swap blankets and pet both your dog and kitten without washing your hands in between so that each pet can get used to each other’s scent before they are introduced.
Creating an Environment for Both Pets
Finally, create an environment that is ideal for both your pets. Read this awesome blog post on how to do best dog proof litter box to prevent your dog from going in the cat’s toilet for a snack. Make sure that your dog is still getting walked regularly and provide your cat with perches and other high-up places to go when she needs a break. Remember that even if your dog and cat get on well, they still need their own space to go to in the house.
Dogs and cats might be notorious for chasing and fighting each other - but with the right strategy, you can keep both as a pet without trouble.
Leave a Reply