Talking Tails - 6/2/15

Welcome back to Talking Tails!

The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 44% of pet owners have multi-species homes, with the most common combination being dogs and cats. Personally, we don’t have any feline friends, but a few of our buddies do coexist with cats. They seem to enjoy sharing their home with their cat “brother” or “sister!” 

Here are a few tips to help you introduce a cat and a dog into the same family.

• How dogs react. Dogs that have never lived with a cat usually react in one of three ways: by being playful, treating the new cat like a dog and initiating play; by being aggressive, perceiving the cat as prey and chasing it; or by being disinterested, watching the cat from a distance.

• How cats react. Cats that have never lived with a dog usually react in one of two ways: by being defensive, seeing the dog as an intruder in his/her territory; by being disinterested, watching from afar or approaching cautiously. 

• Smell, but no sight. Start the socialization process slowly by confining the cat to a separate room. This allows the cat and dog to get used to the smell of each other and acknowledge each other’s existence. Since dogs and cats have a keener sense of smell than humans, this approach can be very helpful before a face-to-face encounter.

• Sight and smell, but no contact. The next step involves letting your cat and dog see each other, allowing for a safe distance between them. A strategically placed baby gate is one of the best ways to accomplish this level of introduction. Depending on the layout of your residence, the gate may be placed at a doorway, in a hallway, or near the stairs. Regardless of gate location, be sure that both animals are comfortable on their “side of the gate.”

• Dog on lead and cat loose. Once they can coexist on opposite sides of the gate, it is time for your dog and cat to meet in the same room. Your dog should be on a leash, so you have control and can redirect undesired behaviors. While keeping your dog occupied, monitor their response to each other. Treats and toys can be helpful in obtaining desired behaviors. 

• Dog-free zone. Your cat will be less stressed if s/he has an area to eat, sleep, and relieve itself that is not accessible by your dog. The other benefit to this arrangement is that your dog does not eat the cat’s food and does not have access to the litter box. Good for the cat and good for you!

Slow and controlled introductions, a little bit of patience, and harmony between your cat and dog will soon follow! Talk to you soon. 

Buster and Joey