How do you introduce a cat to a dog?

[angelwithwaxwings]

I moved in with some one who has a dog. My cat, Wilson, is about 2 years old and has never seen a dog until today. At first we put Wilson in a big cage and while Shelby (The dog) was on a tight leash we let her sniff at him. Wilson freaked out, back arched, hissing, foaming at the mouth. I feel SOOOO Bad for Wilson and was wondering if there is a better way to do this? Should we just both let them have free roam of the house? There are places Wilson can get that Shelby can't, but I don't want to watch this happen as it's hard to see my baby this scared. BTW The dog is a Rottweiler so she's HUGE compared to Wilson. What do I do?

 

[Ocimom]

If a Rottweiler sniffed you right in your face you'd be freaking out too!

First put the cat in a room by itself with litter pan, food and water and let him get used to his new place. I would bring in a blanket or something the dog has layed on for awhile and let it be in the room for the cat to check out the scent of the dog.

Do not let the dog ever chase or harass the cat or growl either. The dog should be well trained enough to lay down on command and not approach the cat - the cat should be allowed at his own pace to check out the dog - not the way you did it. This will only set things back.

I'd be putting Shelby in a crate/kennel and letting the cat be the one to approach in his own time.

 

[Emily]

put the DOG in the cage. not the *cat*. cats like time. i have 2 cats. one 11 week old kitten and a 6 year old cat. and a dog.

 

[Jkittens]

Never let Wilson go near Shelby while Shelby is eating, & vice versa. A dog can kill a cat instantly, and it is their instinct to always protect their food. Now that that is said, after Wilson gets more used to seeing Shelby, let her out. But keep Shelby on the leash so she doesn't chase Wilson. Wilson will object to not being the 'alpha pet' for a while. Make sure Shelby doesn't dominate him, chasing him. I am assuming Wilson is a boy. If he is a girl, don't let her get pregnant for several months (It's best to make sure both are fixed) because she will be very aggressive toward Shelby till her babies get bigger.