When you bring home your new puppy, you probably don’t expect to have to deal with your cat at the same time. You might even wonder how on earth you’re going to make the two get along with each other. While it won’t be an easy feat, getting your cat and puppy to co-exist peacefully together can be done, so long as you follow these steps to introduce them safely and effectively. Here’s how to introduce your new puppy to your cat in a way that will ensure both animals are living happily together in no time!
Table of Contents
Things you need
-Puppies are typically more active than cats so make sure your cat has a safe place to hide, like a high shelf or under the bed.
-Introduce the animals by letting them smell each other’s scents for about 20 minutes. Put the puppy on one side of the room and the cat on the other, with some type of barrier between them. Let them explore but watch carefully for any signs that they might want to fight (growling, hissing, fur fluffing up). If they want to play then keep an eye on that too and stop it if it gets too rough.
First step: WOOF
The first step in introducing your new puppy to your cat is deciding whether or not they will be friends. If you have a small dog, then it’s likely that they can live together with the right introductions. Cats are more difficult because of their size and the fact that dogs typically do not respect them. The best way to introduce a new puppy to a cat is by introducing them on neutral territory at first. This means that you should bring the puppy into your home and let him explore while keeping the cat in her own space (a carrier, room, etc.). You also need to have some high-value treats on hand as well as some toys for the dog.
Second step: SIT
Walk your cat around the house on a leash, let it smell and explore the new environment. Take your dog out of sight while you do this. Then put your dog in a room with the door shut and give them something interesting to chew on (not your furniture). Leave them alone for at least an hour or two, giving them time to calm down. This will give the cat a chance to explore without being chased. After an hour or two, bring your puppy into the room where your cat is and keep both animals leashed so they don’t go after each other. Let them sniff each other and get used to being in close proximity before letting them off their leashes.
Third step: FOLLOW
FOLLOW – Spend time every day with both pets. Give your puppy a toy so that he or she doesn’t feel the need to chew on furniture, and do not play tug of war games with your puppy and your cat. Keep them apart for a few minutes, and then bring them together again. You’ll have to be patient because it can take weeks before they start playing together.
Fourth step: WAIT
We recommend waiting at least two weeks before introducing the new animal into your home. This will give both animals time to adjust, establish their place in the house, and get used to one another’s scent. If you have a cat that is territorial or aggressive, this may take longer than two weeks.
Be sure to watch for signs of stress (such as hiding) or aggression (such as hissing). Keep any children and other pets away from the introduction process, so they won’t be tempted to try and play with your new pet too soon.
Fifth step: REPEAT
The next step is the most important one: patience. You need to give your cat and your puppy time to get used to each other. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few months, so it’s best not to push them too much or you risk scaring them both away. Give them time and plenty of space, but also spend some time with them together every day, even if they don’t seem interested in playing at first. Soon enough they’ll be curling up together on the couch like old friends!
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