How Can I Get My Cat To Settle With My New Dog?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Getting started. Make sure the cat has access to a dog-free sanctuary at all times. ...
  2. Keep the pets separate at first. ...
  3. Feed them on opposite sides of a closed door. ...
  4. Teach basic commands. ...
  5. Begin face-to-face meetings. ...
  6. Repeat sessions daily. ...
  7. Allow pets loose together. ...
  8. Proceed with caution.

How long does it take for a cat to get used to a new dog?

Allow at least one to two days for your cat to settle in before introducing them to your dog. This may take longer depending on how confident your cat is.

Will my cat ever accept the new dog?

In time, you may find that your cat and dog simply learn to tolerate one another . If you are lucky, they will become friends, perhaps even playing and snuggling together.

How do I teach my puppy to be gentle with my cat?

The cardinal rule of peaceful coexistence between your and cat is patience. Puppies need time to learn commands such as sit, stay or heel, and should be trained to obey these commands before meeting a cat. Speak your pup's name and then say the command . Reward her with a treat when she gets it right.

What do I do if my cat doesn't like my dog?

  1. Introduce a new cat very slowly. Keep the newcomer separated from established household pets by using crates, pet gates and closed doors. ...
  2. Prioritize your cat's safety. ...
  3. Monitor your kitty's stress. ...
  4. Give your cat a lot of playtime. ...
  5. Break up fights safely.

Do male or female cats get along better with dogs?

Interestingly, when you have more than one dog or cat, the opposite sexes get along better . Maybe they see each other as less of a threat when it comes to their mating instincts or their place within the social pack. And spaying and neutering have alleviated many of the gender-specific problem behaviors.

What if my cat hates my new puppy?

Rub the new pet with a towel, and bring that towel to your cat to sniff; then do the same for the new pet. ... If either pet seems anxious or too excited, increase the distance between them or end the session. Over time, gradually increase their time together, and decrease the distance between them.

What cat breeds get along best with dogs?

  • The Abyssinian. The Abyssinian is a very social, loving and affectionate cat that gets along with dogs, cats and other animals. ...
  • The American Shorthair. ...
  • The Birman. ...
  • The Bombay. ...
  • The Maine Coon. ...
  • The Norwegian Forest. ...
  • The Ragdoll.

How do I get my cat to stop hissing at my dog?

  1. Give him space. Do not try to hold your cat or comfort him.
  2. Let your cat feel secure. Do not stare at him. ...
  3. Give your cat time. Cats may take hours to calm down, not minutes.
  4. When he is calm, coax your cat out with food and/or catnip.

How can you tell if your dog is an aggressive cat?

The signs of a dominant and aggressive dog include staring; excessive low-range barking ; snarling; growling and snapping; standing tall; holding ears erect; and/or carrying tail high and moving it stiffly from side to side. However, beware, often a dominant aggressive dog will give no sign before biting.

What dogs are bad with cats?

  • American Pit Bull Terrier.
  • Scottish Deerhound.
  • Greyhound.
  • Samoyed.
  • Bedlington Terrier.
  • Weimaraner.
  • Beagle.
  • Shih Tzu.

Will my cat hurt my puppy?

A cat can hurt a puppy with it's very sharp claws and teeth . I would recommend supervision in the beginning, just so your puppy doesn't get it's eye torn. Cats don't always appreciate rambunctious puppies. You also need to make sure the puppy doesn't accidentally hurt your cat, if it's a larger size puppy.

How do I make my dog and cat go together?

  1. Getting started. Make sure the cat has access to a dog-free sanctuary at all times. ...
  2. Keep the pets separate at first. ...
  3. Feed them on opposite sides of a closed door. ...
  4. Teach basic commands. ...
  5. Begin face-to-face meetings. ...
  6. Repeat sessions daily. ...
  7. Allow pets loose together. ...
  8. Proceed with caution.

Why is my cat scared of my puppy?

Cats have good reason to be fearful of dogs , since most dogs are bigger than cats and smell like a predator. ... Even if your dog has never chased a cat, she still smells and looks like a dog to your cat. If your cat was not exposed to dogs at a young age, he may be more apprehensive of them.

Should I let my puppy play with my cat?

A: It is okay to let your dog and cat play with one another , but it is important to make sure that their play does not get too aggressive. Cats who have long claws can cause a lot of damage to your dog. Not only can long nails cut your dog's skin, but they can cause serious damage to his eyes.

How do I get my puppy to stop biting my cat?

  1. Match Personalities. ...
  2. Teach Basic Commands. ...
  3. Redirect the Behavior. ...
  4. Keep Your Pets Entertained and Busy. ...
  5. Introduce Them All Over Again.

How do I stop my puppy from playing too rough with my cat?

Avoid physical contact with your dog or cat during playtime to discourage dominant behavior. Treats can be a great motivator to stop playful aggression, much like with any other form of training. If your dog starts getting rough, practice a command to get her to calm down . If she obeys, give her a treat.

Will my dog hurt my cat?

Dogs can severely injure cats , so it is important to ensure that they are fighting for as short of a time as possible. Cats can also harm dogs, but this happens far less often. In most cases, the cat is simply trying to get away from the dog.

Do cats get jealous of new dogs?

Sometimes, the target may be an object the animal or person they are jealous of uses regularly. For instance, if your cat is envious of the new dog, it may mark the dog's bed .

Why does my cat not like my new dog?

Cats are creatures of habit. They instinctively dislike any change in their lives , such as moving houses, going to a boarding facility, or adding a new pet to the family. It takes time for them to get used to these changes. ... The two pets do not need to come face to face at first.

How do you introduce a puppy to a cat that hates dogs?

Allow both animals to be in the same room at the same time, but keep the dog securely leashed . Continue with this type of introduction until the dog is calm and ignores the cat, and the cat is calm, eating and using the litter box normally.

What breed of cat is most dog like?

  • Turkish Angora. Soul of Autumn via Shutterstock. ...
  • Manx. Robynrg via Shutterstock. ...
  • American Curl. Eric Isselee via Shutterstock. ...
  • Abyssinian. Anna Hoychuk via Shutterstock. ...
  • Burmese. Alinute Silzeviciute via Shutterstock. ...
  • Ragdoll. Anna Hoychuk via Shutterstock. ...
  • Maine Coon. DragoNika via Shutterstock. ...
  • Birman.

What breed of cat has the most personality?

  1. American Shorthair. Seeking a gentle family playmate and all-around great cat? ...
  2. Sphynx. While the name “Sphynx” might call to mind the ancient Egyptian statue, this breed isn't nearly as old. ...
  3. Siamese. ...
  4. Persian. ...
  5. Maine Coon. ...
  6. Scottish Fold. ...
  7. American Bobtail.

Why does my cat touch my face with her paw?

Not only is this a sign of cat love, but if your cat's sleeping habits include touching your face, it's a sign that she trusts you . ... If your cat kneads on you or touches your face with her paws while snuggling up to you, she may be putting her scent on you to show you how much she adores you, according to Animal Planet.

Why is my cat hissing at my dog?

If the cat is growling, hissing or attempting to scratch, it means she is currently uncomfortable . That doesn't necessarily mean that she won't accept the dog; it might just take a little more time. Keep in mind that a new interaction or relationship may not succeed in the first few minutes or even the first few days.

Why does my cat bite my dog?

Much like dogs, there are many reasons and connotations behind a cat's biting action. Cats tend to resort to biting if they are stressed, frustrated, or afraid. Confusingly enough, they also tend to bite when they are in a playful mood or overly stimulated . Biting is even used as a mating ritual.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.