The thought of introducing your new cat to your dog can cause you stress. You might be worried that they won’t like each other and that you’ll then be stuck with tensions in your home. While your dog might think everyone’s his friend, cats are notoriously territorial and can become stressed in new environments and scenarios. It’s therefore important to consider several factors before you introduce your new cat to your dog to ensure that their meeting goes as smoothly as possible. So, what should you consider beforehand?
Your Living Space
Before you think about introducing your new cat to your dog, you should make sure that you have the available living space first. Ideally, you should have enough room to keep both animals separate under the same roof for a period of time before you introduce them. A separate secure space, such as a utility room or a spare bedroom, is ideal for confining your new cat for the first few days or weeks while it gets used to its new home. Make sure the room is well-equipped with fresh water, food, a litter tray, bedding, and toys. Also ensure that you spend time in there interacting with your cat – don’t leave them alone for long periods of time as this will be distressing for them and could result in behavioural problems.
Scent
Scent is incredibly important to both cats and dogs. Not only does it give them information about the world around them, but it also helps them to determine whether someone is a friend or foe. It’s therefore vital that you allow your pets to become familiar with each other’s unique scent before you let them meet each other. Let your cat sniff your hand after stroking your dog and vice-versa; also consider swapping their blankets and bedding. Another good tip is to feed your dog next to the closed door of the cat’s confinement room. This will make them both aware of each other’s existence and will make them associate each other with something positive – such as meal times! Getting them used to each other’s smell and reinforcing positive associations before they meet face-to-face will make the initial introduction so much easier for everyone.
Be Prepared for Conflict
In an ideal world, our pets will live in perfect harmony, but you can’t always be sure of that. You need to be prepared for any conflicts that might arise, not only during the initial introduction, but thereafter. Even the most placid animal can become aggressive if it feels threatened and this could result in costly encounters. When it comes to body language, cats and dogs differ and so things can get mistranslated. For instance, what your dog considers to be a play signal could be a misinterpretation, causing your cat to lash out. This could result in something as trivial as a small scratch or a bruised ego to something that escalates into a full-blown fight where someone loses an eye or worse. Before you know it, you’ve got massive vet bills to deal with alongside the emotional worry. It is therefore vital that you have adequate pet insurance so that you’re well covered. Also be prepared to intervene during the first few meetings in case conflicts arise. It might be a good idea to have a trusted friend or relative with you in case you need any help.
Conclusion
Introducing your new cat to your dog should be relatively hassle-free if you follow our advice. As long as you have the adequate space, consider the language of scent, and ensure you’re poised to handle conflicts, then you’ll be well prepared for your pets’ first meeting.
