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While some cats and dogs take to each other right way, it will usually take a few weeks to a few months for a cat to get used to a dog. Of course, the personalities of both pets have a large impact on how long it will take. Remember, youre not necessarily looking for the pets to become BFFs. If your cat is happy to ignore your dog while being in the same room, that could be considered a success.
Whether you already have a dog and are considering getting a cat, or vice versa, it is very important to think about their first introduction. By letting a loose cat and an off-leash dog meet each other in an open room for the first time, you are probably setting up both animals to fail. Instead, plan ahead and take your time.
If the dog stares at the cat or the door separating the cat, try to distract him and get him to look away with treats, a happy voice or by gently guiding the dog away on a leash. Once the dog is away from the cat, try offering a treat. If he takes it, repeat this process until he is no longer focused on the cat or door.
Precautions
Dogs like to eat cat food. You should keep the cat food out of your dog’s reach (in a closet or on a high shelf). Eating cat feces is also a relatively common behavior in dogs. Although there are no health hazards to your dog, it’s probably distasteful to you. It’s also upsetting to your cat to have such an important object “invaded.”
Unfortunately, attempts to keep your dog out of the litter box by “booby trapping” it will also keep your cat away as well. Punishment after the fact will not change your dog’s behavior. The best solution is to place the litter box where your dog can’t access it, for example: behind a baby gate; in a closet with the door anchored open from both sides and just wide enough for your cat; or inside a tall, topless cardboard box with easy access for your cat.
How to Introduce Dogs & Cats SAFELY What to AVOID
Some people like dogs, while others can’t live without their cats. But what if you love both? If you want to welcome both canine and feline companions into your home at the same time, there are some important things to keep in mind.
As much as we like to think of dogs and cats living together in harmony, that might not always be the case.
That’s why it pays to put a little extra thought into the situation before purchasing a pooch or making plans for a moggy.
How long does it take for dogs and cats to get used to each other’s company? When should you introduce them? Which animal should you buy first? And how are you going find the right insurance for your pet to protect your pet once they’ve settled in?
Here we answer some of the most common questions people have when they’re considering adding to their animal family.
One recent study discussed on Psychology Today found that it was the cat’s comfort that ultimately determined the overall success of the canine/feline relationship. It seems that when the cat’s happy, everyone’s happy!
The study also found that the earlier you can introduce the two animals, the better, and that the cat should ideally be brought home first to get used to its surroundings without having a dog to contend with.
Surprisingly, they found that cats were more likely to threaten dogs. And perhaps unsurprisingly, that the two are not very good at sharing – each kept to their own food, beds and toys.