How to introduce a cat and a new dog to eachother?

[PINKY DOO DAH]

The cat is 11 years old and been at my house for 6 years, but we have just inherited a 10 year old norfolk terrier. How do we get them to like each other? How do we introduce them at first?

 

[Bubblez&Cookiez=]]

Put the dog in a cage at first and let the cat hang around it for a while the cat will probably hiss and the dog will bark but they are just making it clear as to who is boss (the cat will probably win haha.) umm then you want to open the door of the cage a little bit and see if the dog jumps out t the ct if they start a fight squirt them with water aloe punish them immediately if they don't fight and the dog either stays in the cage or walks out they should be fine!! I really hope I helped I had to introduce two cats once it was horrifying haha I hope it works the same my cats and dogs all ignore eachother and do things on there own the only thing they do together is eat and drink but yeah they give me no trouble so it's all good

 

[Sy M]

just put them both in a large sack together and shake it a bit, any first meeting awkwardness should be resolved through this.

 

[EEEKKK!!!]

Just get them near each other every now and then and put their food bowls together it does take time but in the end they will have to get used to each other that's how I got my kitties to like my two dogs

 

[kitty76]

Introducing a cat to a dog
is not always a cut-and-dried system. There are several factors you need to consider. The most important factor is the breed of dog that you are working with. If your dog is a cross-breed and the two breeds are not compatible within themselves, you will have a genetically confused dog. This can make for a bit of a problem when you want to introduce Fido to another cat. If you are not Alpha over your dog, then he does not respect you, he will not listen to you, and introductions to another cat should wait. Here are some more tips:
dogs and cats

When you are introducing a cat to a dog, there are several factors to consider.

* You cannot control the cat.
* Your focus should be on controlling the dog.
* You need to consider the breed of dog you are working with.
* The dog should be obedience-trained, and respect you.
* A puppy will become overly excited, and could hurt the cat unintentionally.
* When it goes right, you praise, praise, praise. If it goes wrong NEVER punish!

Dogs are pack animals. They respond to other dogs differently. Don't make the mistake of thinking because he is accepting of other dogs in Obedience Class, that he will respond to a cat favorably right away.

If you have a purebred dog, be sure to research how this breed gets along with other pets. For example; an Afghan hound is a hunter. If an Afghan sees a cat outside, it will chase the cat. But inside the home, it will not. Cocker Spaniels
, Beagles, Bassett Hounds and Dachsunds are good with other pets. Do your homework on this issue.

Obedience classes are a must. If your dog has not been through an obedience course, do not attempt introductions. Here are a few tips to get you through that stage -

* Keep your cat isolated from your dog.
* Make a safe and secure room for the cat.
* Swap scents; using an old blanket or towel, give the item to your cat. Let her play on it, sleep on it, eat on it. Rub her with this blanket and then leave it in her room for 24 hours.
* Remove the blanket and present it to your dog. Rub him all over with it, let him roll on it, sniff it, sleep on it for 24 hours, then switch and do the same thing again. This blends their scents, making them a bit more at ease with each other.
* Use a soft plush dog toy, give it to the dog first, let him play with it, slobber on it and then toss the toy into the room with the cat. Just leave that toy there.

Obedience course completed?

You are now ready for the first meeting.

Ref: Written by Mary Anne Miller

Hope this helps, also here are 2 links:

http://www.thecatsite.com/Behavior/50/Introducing-Cats-to-Dogs/2.html

http://www.thecatsite.com/Behavior/50/Introducing-Cats-to-Dogs/3.html

Good luck

 

[Leia]

well it depends on the cat and the dog. i had a cat that hated dogs so much she got physically sick. if the dog is calm and not trying to play with it and throw it around etc, it should be fine. dont force them to interact, just let them do it their own way. the cat will likely hide for a few days at first, but the animals will get used to each other as they would

 

[Nothing]

From my personal experience, this will be hard. When my sister got a six month old puppy my cat (five years old at the time) hated her since the moment she saw her. It was always a love-hate relationship with the dog loving the cat and the cat hating the dog. It didn't help that the dog seemed to love teasing my cat, for she was never afraid of my cat. After all, she was just playful and my cat never actually harmed the dog despite hissing at her and maybe threatening to scratch her.

To be honest, I think you should ask some professional to help you and give you tips. Someone who can tell you what strategy is best in your case. Just because something worked for someone, doesn't mean it will work for you and since your cat and dog will be living together you need the best help you can get.

Just keep in mind that if things go badly (such as in my case), it helps that both cat and dog have one place that is only for them. My room was my cat's personal space, the dog was not allowed in there except for a very few exceptions. It gave her some breathing space and she didn't need to worry about the dog suddenly coming at her and jumping around her.

 

[John Chin]

just take it slow. slowly introduce them by arressing them both.