Mary Allen
Despite the prejudices and stereotypes, dogs and cats can become good friends and live together peacefully under one roof. But in order for this state to come about, you must bring the two together and introduce them to one another. You can find out how best to do this here.
General Information About the Merger
If both sides have not previously had any unpleasant experiences with the other race, this is the best prerequisite for the merger. It is important that you as the owner set a precise plan beforehand. Be clear about how you want to move in and do the first encounters. First of all, the different body language can be problematic. However, this obstacle can also be overcome with slow habituation. Incidentally, the easiest way to do this is if both come together as young animals. It is important that the dog sees the cat as a member of the pack and not as potential prey. Incidentally, it is easier to integrate a cat into a dog household than the other way around. Dogs are pack animals and are therefore usually better at accepting cats.
The Preparations
It is important that the new addition – regardless of whether it is a dog or a cat – matches the character of the animal that is already there. A kitten or young cat should be “matched” with a puppy or young dog so that neither side is oppressed. However, if the dog is already fully grown, the cat should be at least 4 months old. If the dog is particularly lively, the cat should also have a good deal of self-confidence and not be too shy or even anxious. Older animals are best paired with calm or equally old newcomers.
Before the newcomer moves in, the smell of the animal should be made accessible to the “old-established animal” on a blanket. This allows the animal to get used to the smell. If you bring a dog into a household with cats, it is also important that the cat can get used to the barking noise. To do this, first, playback recordings of dogs barking softly, later you can slowly increase the volume.
In addition, you have to adapt the apartment. The feeding points should be separated so that there is no jealousy about food. It is best to move the cat’s feeding station to an elevated position. If this is an adjustment for the cat, you should make this adjustment slowly so that it does not count as an additional stress factor. Just like the feeding station, the litter box must be taboo for the dog. Dogs tend to eat cat feces, and the cat may respond to such an intrusion of privacy with uncleanliness.
There must also be physical separation during the first few days, so you should prepare a room for the newcomer. Here he can stay for the first few days and get used to the new environment. At the same time, both can get used to the smell of the other without meeting directly.
The First Encounter
Now the time has come, the first encounter is pending. In principle, the procedure is the same. Regardless of whether a dog joins the cat or a cat joins the dog. In order to simplify the wording, we want to describe the new arrival of a cat in a dog household.
So while the cat has been living in the isolated room for a few days, one should not neglect the dog. Otherwise, jealousy can arise, which only complicates the reunion. In addition, the cat should already have made forays into the apartment – when the dog is absent – and know a little about it.
In any case, the assembly should be carried out with two people. That simplifies things enormously. There should be a stress-free atmosphere that is not disturbed by annoying noises. In addition, both animals should have eaten beforehand, then they are basically “full and happier”. You yourself act as a moderator during the encounter, very relaxed and calm. Your emotions will transfer to the animals, so don’t be nervous or scared!
It is important that you are patient and show empathy. You have to be aware that getting used to it can be exhausting and time-consuming. Setbacks are normal and the animals always determine the time of the acclimatization phase. Therefore, do not dramatize sham attacks, but clearly communicate that such behavior is not desired. Additional treats loosen up the situation and make the whole thing a positive experience.
Once you have chosen the room for the meeting, you should leash or hold the dog. Under no circumstances should there be a hunt, as this makes the work much more difficult. It helps if the dog has been properly exercised beforehand.
Now you let the cat into the room. You determine the distance to the dog yourself! Seeing him and smelling him “from afar” is quite enough for the first encounter. You shouldn’t put her in a transport box, because there she has no chance of escaping. If the dog reacts by barking or tugging, you should try to distract it. If he calms down, give plenty of praise. If it doesn’t get better, break off the encounter for now. This should also happen if one of the animals is too scared.
Incidentally, an elevated vantage point is beneficial, since the cat is safe here and can observe calmly. While the four-legged friends are making friends, one person should turn to an animal, pet it, talk to it soothingly, and encourage positive behavior with treats. If everything goes well, you should end the encounter after a few minutes. Then praise both animals extensively and play or go outside with them.
Keep Practicing
Practice this type of contact until there are no strong emotions or defensive reactions. Be careful not to overwhelm the animals. As the owner, you are the best person to notice when you can let the dog off the leash and when it is the turn of the “free” encounter. During these encounters, one should be attentive, but carry on with normal everyday activities. The animals notice that the contact is something normal. At the same time, you should always stick to your normal daily routine, which gives you additional security.