Introducing Your Dog to a New Cat

First impressions are so important, especially when it comes to dogs and cats. If you are thinking of adding a new feline friend to your household, you will want to keep the introduction as calm as possible for both animals. Although it might take some time, if your dog is properly trained the introduction to your new cat should go smoothly.

Before bringing home a new cat, train your dog to “sit”, “stay” and “leave it”. Sitting and staying will keep your dog calm and still during their initial meeting, and the leave it command can be used to stop your dog from chasing the cat. Just prior to their introduction, take your dog for a long walk. This will make your dog tired and less likely to chase the cat.

Put your new cat in a crate and give it plenty of treats to reinforce the experience as positive. Allow the cat to smell some of your dog’s things so that it can get used to your dog’s scent. If possible, try feeding your dog and cat on either side of a closed door. This will help them associate the scent and sound of each other with a pleasant experience.

To introduce your pets, crate your cat and place the crate on a table so that it’s out of your dog’s direct reach. Leash your dog and bring it into the room. Tell your dog to sit and stay. Once everyone is calm with no hissing, lip licking, growling, barking or lunging, offer both your dog and cat a treat. This will help each of them associate the experience as a positive one. Calmly praise each pet for calm, non-aggressive behavior. If both animals remain calm you can let your cat out of the crate. Continue to praise each animal for behaving calmly.

If your dog attempts to lunge at the cat during their initial meeting, use the leave it command. If the aggressive behavior continues, keep the cat in the crate and calmly take your dog out of the room on its leash. Try the introduction again on another day. Remember to only reward your dog and cat for non-aggressive behavior.

Claws N Paws Day Spa has been taking care of Orange County’s dogs and cats since 2001. We offer full service pet grooming at our state of the art pet salon in Fountain Valley, California. Additionally, we offer mobile pet grooming to all areas of Orange County. Claws N Paws also has many wonderful cats and kittens available for adoption. Two doors down from our pet salon we have a consignment shop offering several unique and interesting items. 100% of the profits from all pet supply sales at This n That Consignment go directly into our rescue efforts! For more information, or to schedule your next grooming appointment, please call 714-962-1005 today.