The stereotype states that cats and dogs fight a lot.It doesn't have to be that way.It's possible to get your cat used to a puppy.Ensuring that each animal has their own space to roam, eat, and sleep is one way to help the relationship form.Offer affection and treats to your cat and dog during the process.
Step 1: Your puppy's scent should be introduced into your home.
Take some toys or blankets that have been touched by a puppy and put them in your house.You can use a towel that you used to rub on the puppy to wipe down your furniture.The scent of animals will give an introduction before the two meet.You can place scented towels from both animals in the food or play areas of the other one if the puppy moves in.Territorial impulses will not generally be triggered by this.
Step 2: For the first meeting, choose a calm time.
When friends are around, don't introduce them.Right after you come home from work is a bad time to be stressed.Stress can cause animals to behave differently and they can sense it as well.When you finally bring the puppy into the house, make sure that you haven't recently moved or undergone any other major life change.
Step 3: For a little while, fine the puppy to a particular area.
For a few days, put your puppy in a separate room or living space that is blocked off by baby gates.They should put their food and drink in the same place.This will allow your cat to get to know the new person.To gauge how a final introduction might go, observe the reactions of both animals.It is a good idea to keep an eye on all interactions after the two have met.Your puppy may be able to hurt your cat without even knowing it.
Step 4: The puppy should be on a lead.
When you take your puppy out of its space, put a halter or lead on it.This will allow you to keep your cat safe.If you feel that putting your cat on a leash will add to their safety, you can.If the puppy is allowed to chase the cat once, he will want to do it again.Praise the puppy for ignoring the cat and distract him with one of his favorite toys.If you have an older dog, you can give them the "sit" command and then do some training while the cat is away.Your dog will learn to pay attention to you instead of the cat.
Step 5: Don't try to force it.
As the home's first resident, it is best to let your cat decide when and how to approach your new puppy.It's not a good idea to hold or dangle your cat near your dog, as this may cause it to strike out in fear.Future interactions will be dominated by fear instead of positive feelings.
Step 6: A dog training professional could be in your home.
It's a good idea to contact a dog trainer in your area if you're worried about the introduction process or if your cat is particularly nervous.To get a good reference, talk to your vet.Write down your main concerns before the trainer arrives.Are you concerned that the two animals will hurt each other?Are you worried about your cat?
Step 7: Put your cat's food in a protected area.
Pets love to eat cat food.Cat food can cause serious problems for dogs.Take your cat's food and water bowls to an area where the puppy won't be able to reach.They could be moved to a countertop.To a separate room for cats.As your cat eats, it will feel less vulnerable.Some cats will forgo eating entirely if a bouncy puppy pouncing on them causes too much stress.When you have a puppy, it is a good idea to keep your cat away from it.Your cat could be injured by your puppy's food protectiveness.
Step 8: Your cat's litter pan needs to be moved to a protected location.
Puppies and dogs love to eat cat feces.You should get a box with a cat flap or one that is too small for your puppy.You could put the box in a cat-only room or use baby gates to create a barrier around it.Your cat is vulnerable when using a box.They might use the restroom elsewhere if they feel unsafe.It is very difficult to stop this outside marking.
Step 9: Provide high-rise hideaways for the cat.
The majority of cats are climbers or hiders.If you want your cat to escape from the puppy, you should take a look at your home.Bookcases can be placed in an accessible way.You can clear a path to the window.Specialty cat climbers are sold at some pet stores.Make sure your cat has at least one high-rise escape route.This will help to avoid a confrontation.
Step 10: Attach baby gates.
Your puppy doesn't need to have the whole house.In order to limit your puppy's access, you can put baby gates in certain doorways.Your cat will learn which areas are protected.If your cat can't jump over the barriers, you should use them less.
Step 11: Crating the puppy would be a good idea.
It's a good idea to put your puppy in a crate for a short period of time.The puppy control is taught.It allows you to take a break.As it used to be, it gives your cat a puppy-free period.The "Quiet" command should be issued when you place your puppy in the crate.While your puppy is in the crate, don't allow your cat to pester it.This will make the crate seem more like a punishment than a training tool.
Step 12: Be patient, be patient.
Relationships take time to form and this situation is no different.It is not expected that your cat will instantly love your puppy.If you can get them to get along first in a safe manner, then you should be happy.
Step 13: Your attention should be shared.
Make sure to keep cuddling and treating your cat because it will expect the same treatment.Make sure your puppy and cat have plenty of toys to play with.Make sure that toy stealing is minimized.When your cat and puppy are doing well, make sure to praise them by giving them treats and saying good job.Everyone can help to make sure that your dog and cat are happy together.
Step 14: You should enroll your puppy in classes.
You can search for a class by typing your city's name into a search engine.You should take your puppy on a regular basis.If they get out of control around your cat, they will learn a number of useful commands.This is a great way to burn calories for a puppy.
Step 15: Know the stress behaviors of your cat.
During the first few weeks of puppy cohabitation, keep a close eye on your cat.Your cat may look fine on the surface, but could be signaling that they are stressed.If your cat marks the furniture by scratching or spraying, you should watch.The corners of your closet may be where they use the restroom.Your cat may show stress by hissing or arching its back.A lack of grooming is a warning sign.If your cat stops grooming itself, this could mean that it doesn't feel safe with the puppy around.It's important to give your cat a safe place to tend to its needs.
Step 16: Take the problems that you see and make your own.
Try to adopt an attentive attitude.When a puppy enters a room or approaches a family member, your cat may be aggressive.When your cat tries to steal a toy, your puppy is only snippy.Tailor your responses to the issues you see.
Step 17: Talk to your doctor.
Discuss how the animals are getting along with your vet when you bring your puppy and cat to 888-276-5932 888-276-5932s.Try to get as much advice as you can from any questions you have.You could say, "How can I keep the puppy from tearing up my cat's toys?"