Introducing a New Cat Into Your Home If You Already Have a Dog
Because you are an animal lover, you may want to have more than one pet in your family home. Just as you may want each a boy and a girl as children in your family, you may also want two different types of pets. It is natural for many people to want both a dog and a cat. But, introducing a new cat into a home with an existing dog can be tricky.
Dogs are territorial animals and do not always take kindly to newcomers invading their home ground territory. If the newcomer is a cat, it can prove to be even more difficult for your dog to accept. It is no secret that dogs and cats are natural enemies. Here are a few tips to help you make the mutual acceptance of your cat and dog easier: 1. Ensure that your dog is on a leash for the initial introduction to the cat. This will give you some control of the situation if the dog reacts badly to the cat’s presence. 2. Allow the dog to sniff the cat initially so that he can get used to the cat’s scent. Don’t allow this to continue for too long a period however, or the cat may become too stressed. 3. Do not allow the dog to chase the cat as this may trigger your dog’s instinctive hunting behavior. Try to redirect your dog’s attention if he begins exhibiting this behavior. Allowing it to continue could prove to have dire consequences for the cat. 4. Do not allow the cat ever to trouble the dog’s food or food dish. The dog will instinctively defend his territory and food. Provide separate dishes for the cat to eat and drink out of. 5. Ensure that your cat has a safe place to hide if he needs it while you are away. Both animals may seem to tolerate each other in front of you, but may react differently when you are away. Dogs and cats have different personalities. Having both a cat and a dog in your home can offer you the pleasure of enjoying both types of personalities. Dogs are known to be loyal, loving companions, while cats are perceived to be more aloof. But both can make wonderful pets, especially when they get along together. Introducing a new cat into your home, if done correctly, does not have to be stressful or disastrous. Hopefully soon you will be able to enjoy seeing both your pets sleeping peacefully with both paws wrapped around each other.
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