New Cats for Households with Resident Dogs

When introducing your dog to a new cat it is vital that your dog knows basic obedience. You will need to have your dog under control when interacting with the new cat, so he can learn which behaviors are appropriate and which ones are not.

It is generally easier to introduce a kitten to a dog, but it isn’t necessary for a harmonious relationship. If you do bring home a kitten, follow the guidelines given below, but do not leave them together unsupervised until you feel it is safe to do so.

Introducing a new cat to a resident dog is similar to introducing cats to one another. Without letting them actually meet, you will want to start by giving the new cat a safe haven. Set her up in her own room, and allow her to become comfortable.

Once she is comfortable in this room, let her explore the rest of the house for short periods each day while the dog is not there. Always keep the dog on a leash or tether during initial introductions and until they are comfortable around each other. Separate them immediately if the dog growls, lunges at the cat or tries to chase her.

On the other hand, if the cat comes up to your dog and swats at him, that’s a good sign! It means she’s unafraid of him and comfortable approaching him. It’s also important to make sure that the cat’s litter box is in an area inaccessible to your dog. Many dogs love the smell of the litter box (we don’t know why) and will attempt to eat the contents. For the health of your dog and the peace of mind of your cat, the box should be out of the dog’s reach.

If you need help with your dog or want to get information about training classes, please visit our website www.eastbayspca.org or call us.