Is Two Really Company?Any time you have morethan one dog or cat, you run the risk of a conflict. That goesdouble if there are differences in age, size, activity levels or species. Old dogs or cats mightjust want to kick back and take it easy, but puppies and kittens have moreenergy than they know what to do with — and they often use it to bounce off the senior member’s head. And we’ve all seen the big galoot of a puppy who pesters atiny old dog — or cat — to the point where the smaller animal prefers to stay inhiding rather than get pounced on again by the youngster. Choose a new dog or catwho will mesh well with your current pet. For instance, it can be helpful if your new puppy — whenfully grown — is the same size as or smaller than your senior dog, so the former doesn’t beat up on the latter too much. It’s also a good idea to get a pet of theopposite se Even when pets are spayed or neutered, opposite-sex animals tend to get alongbetter than those of the same se Are you bringing adog into your older cat’s happy home?
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When you first bring your new dog or puppy home
On the day you bring your dog home, secure your cat in their favourite room with their bed and bedding, water, food and litter. Allow your dog to explore the house and then secure them in a room of their own with comfy bedding, water and a treat. While your dog settles down allow your cat to explore the house and become familiar with your dog’s scent. Repeat this over the next few days, allowing each animal their turn to have access to the whole house without ever confronting one another. In the meantime, work on basic training with your dog or puppy so that you have some control over them when it comes to introducing the dog/puppy to your cat.
Selecting the Perfect Dog for Your CatPuppies and kittens are a good combination.If both pets are young, they adjust and accept each other quickly and can form positive impressions about one another, but read on if you have an adult cat. Puppies and older cats can be a challenge.Exuberant puppies can sometimes be a handful, even for us humans. Adult or older cats often find a young pup’s antics annoying and stressful. Inquire about the dog’s history with cats.Shelters may not have any history on some dogs, but many perform temperament testing on each dog before offering it for adoption. Ask if the dog has been tested around cats. If you’re permitted to take the dog for a walk, stroll through a local park or neighborhood with small animals such as cats, squirrels or birds. A dog that shows aggression, barks excessively or pulls hard towards small animals may not be a good adoption candidate for your cat. Expect your dog to be accommodating.Since dogs can more easily injure a cat and are also more easily trained, expect your new dog to make the most effort in creating a peaceful coexistence with the cat. A dog that already knows some basic commands such as
When you’re ready for the big day, take your time and stay calm as your proceed through the steps below to introduce your cat to her new housemate. Some cats take quite awhile to adjust to a dog in the home and you’ll want to be watchful that your cat continues to eat, drink and use the litter box normally.