There are many different ways to introduce a dog to a cat. If the first method of introduction you try doesn’t work or you don’t feel comfortable with it, try a different option. Even if the dog has had experience with cats and the cat has lived with a dog before, proceed cautiously during the introduction. It’s best to have two people present — one to intervene with each animal, if necessary. If you have more than one dog, introduce each dog separately to the cat.
Some dogs live well with cats; others simply cannot live safely with felines. Sometimes a dog can live with some cats (depending on their age, temperament, and activity level), but not with others. Even if your dog has successfully lived with cats in the past, it's important to remember that every dog and cat is an individual and therefore every presentation is different.
Body language of cats and dogs
When introducing your dog to a cat, pay attention to the body language of both animals. If the cat's ears are pinned back or its tail is swinging back and forth, this is a good indicator that it is upset. In particular, you should pay attention to the dog's body language which could be warning signs. If your dog has high prey (the tendency to seek out, chase, and potentially capture animals considered prey, typically smaller animals like cats or rabbits), he may become very cat-focused. She will stiffen, stare, and may start to bark or whine. If you see these signs, stay away from the cat. Ideally, your body language will be loose and relaxed around the cat. It's okay to pay attention to the cat, but you don't want to see it become obsessed with it.
Additionally, a dog's interaction with a cat can change depending on the environment. Just because your dog is fine with the cat indoors does not mean that he will behave the same outdoors. She might become obsessed with the cat and start pestering him when they are out together. Therefore, be aware of your body language around the cat in each new situation, until you know how you are going to react to it.
Option 1: slow and steady desensitization
If your dog is too obsessed with the cat, you can try desensitization, the goal of which is to reduce your dog's reaction to the cat by gradually increasing your exposure to the cat. Place the cat in a room (for example, a bedroom, bathroom, or guest room) with a high baby gate on the door. The room you choose should be the one the dog does not have access to and does not need to access. For example, if the dog sleeps in the room with you at night, do not choose that room for the cat. The idea is to separate them and allow them to see each other only at specific times.
In his room, give the cat all the necessary materials: litter, toys, food and water. Keep in mind that cats are good at traversing small spaces and are good climbers and jumpers as well. Therefore, make sure that your cat cannot pass through the door that you have erected. The door should be a barrier that allows the cat and dog to see each other, but does not allow access to each other.
To begin desensitization, let the dog briefly look at the cat through the door, then have the dog focus on something else, such as playing with a toy or practicing signals. Sometimes it helps to keep the dog on a leash so you can keep it away from the cat when trying to refocus its attention. Praise and reward the dog for being able to concentrate elsewhere. Continue to give the dog brief visits from the cat throughout the day.
Sometimes even seeing the cat at the start is too exciting for the dog. If so, close the door and start feeding each animal on your side of the door: the cat eats its food in its room, right next to the door, and the dog eats its food on the other side of the door. the door. door. door. This allows each animal to associate the smells of the other with something good: food. You can also change each animal's blankets and bedding and give them to the other. This way the dog can get used to the cat's scent and the cat can get used to the dog's scent, without over-stimulating either one.
Hopefully, through this process of letting the dog see the cat slowly and getting used to the cat's presence, the dog will eventually become desensitized and lose interest in the cat. In some cases, the dog will lose interest in the cat within hours, but it can take days, weeks, or even months. Each dog (and each cat) is an individual and will learn at their own pace.
That said, however, your dog may never be able to safely share space with a cat. If you don't think you can trust your dog around your cat, keep them separate. Many dogs can injure or kill a cat very quickly, and your dog can also injure or kill a cat very quickly.
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