| Can cats and dogs coexist peacefully? This may be | | | | spit at it. This is normal. Give her a few days to get |
| one of man's biggest conundrums. Dogs, according to | | | | more used to the scent. |
| most all cartoons, are supposed to chase cats and | | | | Finally, put your dog on a leash in a large room in |
| cats are, in return, expected to spit, hiss, and claw | | | | your house. Hold the leash and give him the |
| them. Well, if you get a new dog or cat and | | | | command to lie down and stay. Give him praise and a |
| introduce them to the older, established one without | | | | treat. Have someone let the cat out of her room and |
| taking the time to make slow, peaceful introductions | | | | bring her into the room you and the dog are in Give |
| you may see some bad results. Here are some tips | | | | her time to sniff and explore the room with the dog. |
| to make smooth transitions into each other's lives. | | | | If she growls and hisses, just stay calm and keep the |
| First, consider the breed of your dog and its | | | | dog in check. Again, give him praise for staying and |
| disposition. Most all dogs, despite their age and breed, | | | | give him another treat. If the cat runs and hides, |
| will benefit from obedience training. Respect of their | | | | don't force her out; in her fear, she may defend |
| owner and adhering to basic commands ("sit", "lay", | | | | herself and try to claw or bite the person fishing her |
| "come", and "stay") will far in making the home safe | | | | out. After she's calmed, put her back in her room. |
| and happy for everyone, especially new animals | | | | Repeat this process several days. When no reaction |
| adopted into this home. | | | | occurs from either pet and the cat comes closer to |
| Next, it is important to be calm, patient and positive. | | | | the dog to sniff, it will be time to let go of the leash. |
| Animals sense stress and will mirror these emotions. | | | | You aren't taking the leash off of him but you are |
| It will take time for the animals to get used to each | | | | giving him the freedom to explore as well. He will |
| other. Their personal space is, suddenly, being invaded | | | | probably want to chase the cat because, frankly, it |
| by one of the "enemy". It is your job, as the owner, | | | | runs and is fun to chase. This is where you as the |
| to show them that the enemy is a friend. | | | | pet owner simply take charge by stepping on the |
| Then each animal needs to have his or her own | | | | leash to stop the chase. Repeat this step until the |
| space for food and water. Litter boxes need to be | | | | cat no longer feels the need to run away because |
| put away from the dog. Elevate it or put in a small | | | | the dog will only chase the cat if he or she is running. |
| cat door into a room-one the dog can't fit through. | | | | Give both of them lots of time and tons of praise to |
| Baby gates can be good barriers, too. Putting the | | | | adjust to each other. To ease "sibling rivalry" give |
| cat's food and water up on top of something (like a | | | | both your cat and dog some separate one-on-one |
| washer, dryer or deep freezer) would be a good | | | | time. Take your dog out and let him run and play until |
| idea. Cats should be given their own safe spot in the | | | | he's too tired to care about harassing the cat. Spend |
| house; perhaps a bathroom or office that the dog | | | | quiet time with your kitty playing, petting, and |
| doesn't go into. You can also feed both on a schedule | | | | brushing her. |
| and in separate rooms instead of leaving "free food" | | | | This introduction process can take several weeks |
| out all day. Both cats and dogs can be aggressively | | | | (4-6 weeks or more) before it can be considered |
| protective of their food. | | | | successful. It could take elderly cats a little longer to |
| Once these basic changes and accommodations have | | | | adjust, especially if there is a new super hyper young |
| been made, it is time to gear up for the introductions. | | | | dog in the house. Kittens should never be left alone |
| Put your cat in a safe, enclosed room. Give her a | | | | with dogs. They are pretty defenseless next to a |
| blanket to roll around on. Feed her on the blanket, | | | | larger dog. |
| put her toys on it, and rub catnip on it. Let her | | | | Don't be in a hurry. You want to build trust between |
| wallow on it for a couple of days. Take the blanket | | | | the two and you will be the one that can make that |
| and give it to your dog. Let him roll on it and chew | | | | happen. Positive thoughts, actions and time will yield |
| and slobber on it. After a couple of days, give it back | | | | positive results! |
| to the cat. She will sniff it and, most likely, hiss and | | | | |