If you have a new puppy in your home and you’re wondering how to get a cat used to a dog, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that many people face, and with the right information, you can overcome it.
Rotate the animals in the house
The rotation of the animals in your house is not just for cats. If you have dogs, you may want to consider this as a training exercise to help your dog behave around your cat. It also helps prevent your cats from causing mischief.
For starters, you’ll want to do a proper assessment of your pets. This includes figuring out whether they are truly social or not. You may need to do a few test runs before you know what you’re doing. Some cats are simply not suited to the challenge, while others require an adjustment period before you can be confident they’ll get along with everyone. As such, you may wish to consider rotating your furry friends a few times a week to avoid a catastrophe.
Fortunately, this can be done with a little bit of time, patience and an open mind. You might even be surprised at what you find. When you have a dog, you might be able to do this without the aid of a pet sitter. With that said, it may be in your best interest to consult with a professional behavior consultant to determine if your pets are up to the task. Ultimately, you’ll need to do some heavy lifting on your part, but you’ll be glad you did. Hopefully, you’ll be rewarded with a bonded and happier pet.
Give your cat more time
The introduction of a cat to a dog can take some time. Although this may seem a little drastic, a slow introduction can help ensure that you get a happy, peaceful coexistence. However, it is also important to watch for warning signs.
The first thing you need to do is make sure that both animals have access to a safe place to hang out. There are a few ways to do this. One option is to put the dogs on leashes. This helps to keep them away from the cat.
Another option is to place them on opposite sides of a closed door. This will allow them to see each other, but will prevent them from approaching each other. If you are unable to find a way to block the two animals, you can distract them with treats. Treats will encourage your dog to focus on something other than the cat.
After a week or so of supervised interactions, you can begin to let your pet have some unsupervised time together. This can be as long as a month, but you should be very cautious. Don’t let your dog get close to the cat, or you could get scratched or even bitten.
If you’ve tried the recommended methods and your cat still isn’t interested in the dog, it’s a good idea to try a different animal. For example, if your dog is showing signs of aggression towards the cat, try a calmer cat instead. You can try putting the dog on a leash so that you can block the cat, and reward him with a treat if he stops focusing on the cat.
Some cats can become sick when they are stressed. They can be physically or emotionally unwell. It’s also important to keep an eye out for signs of stress, such as changes in facial expressions, frequent squatting, or loud meowing. These are just a few of the common signs.
A cat’s body language can help you to determine whether or not your dog is displeased. Smell is another way to get the two animals to bond. Giving them a blanket or toy to play with will help them to get used to each other’s scent.
Prioritize your cat’s safety
When introducing a dog and cat to one another, you have to consider many factors. One of them is safety. The best way to ensure that both are safe is to keep them separated during their first meeting. This can be a little tricky, as both animals are likely to be excited.
During this initial meeting, make sure to give the animal of your choice a reward for something, such as looking away from the other animal. A dog will often be hesitant to chase after a kitty, so make sure that you reward your canine companion for his or her patience. If your kitty seems a little bit unsure about the encounter, don’t worry – your cat will eventually be comfortable with your dog.
Another important factor to consider is the layout of your home. You will want to keep your dog and your kitty on separate sides of a room. This will make it easier for both of them to get used to one another. Also, if you have a spare bedroom, you can set up your pet there.
Another good idea is to keep your cat in a room with a tall baby gate. This will help them to stay out of your dog’s way while you’re in the kitchen or bathroom. Your pet should also be rewarded for being obedient, if possible.
While the above mentioned slew of safety measures might seem a little over the top, they’re actually the best ways to ensure that both animals are healthy and happy together. Be prepared to work hard to make things go smoothly and to make sure that your pets are in safe places at all times. In addition, don’t be afraid to make a few short visits with your canine buddy before the big introduction.
For a smoother introduction, keep a leash on your dog when he or she meets the cat. Once you’ve gotten the cats to sit on their leash and to get a few licks from your canine pal, you can then gradually introduce the two together. It’s a good idea to have someone else observing the interaction.
Try again if your cat is growling, hissing or swatting
If your cat hisses, growls, or swats when you walk with a dog, it is important to know what to do. Cats have predatory instincts, and they can be aggressive. It is important to take steps to help them calm down and avoid confrontation.
First, you must understand the reason why your cat is aggressive. It may be lack of physical or mental stimulation, pain, or even fear. You can work to reduce their stress by giving them a variety of interactive toys, treats, and exercise.
When you begin to notice signs of aggressive behavior in your pet, try taking him to the veterinarian. Aggressive cats may be suffering from rabies, epilepsy, or dental disease. Depending on the cause, they may need a medication or physical therapy.
Oftentimes, cats will hiss or growl at you because they are trying to warn you away from their territory. In addition, they have a need to assert dominance over other household pets. They can do this through play, wagging their tails, or twitching their tails.
If your cat is hissing or growling at you, you should not hesitate to step in to stop them. Avoid looking directly at their eyes, and keep your distance. Instead, approach the cat from the side. This will help make them less fearful of you.
When you see that your cat is getting calmer, you can gradually remove the barrier. A physical barrier can be a screen door, baby gate, or door stop. Food bowls can be placed on either side of the barrier.
You can also attempt to coax your cat to chase you. Give him a treat to relax him, and you can train him to ring a bell when he wants a treat.
If you continue to notice your cat hissing, growling, or swatting when you walk with a dog, it may be time to take him to the vet. While this type of aggression is very rare, it can be a sign of pain.
It is best to separate your cat from your dog when you are in the house. However, unsupervised time together can occur after a few months of regular supervision.
