Will Cat Adjust To New Dog?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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While some cats and dogs take to each other right way,

it will usually take a few weeks to a few months for a cat to get used to a dog

. Of course, the personalities of both pets have a large impact on how long it will take. Remember, you’re not necessarily looking for the pets to become BFFs.

Will my cats get used to my new dog?


If you are lucky, your cat and dog can become friends within a couple hours. But that won’t usually happen

. It takes time for cats to adapt to the dogs and similarly for the dogs to learn how to behave around cats. Be patient and your cat and dog will get along eventually.

How do I help my cat adjust to a new dog?

  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.

Is it normal for cat to hiss at new 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.

Will my cat always hate my dog?

Though it’s certainly possible, and actually quite common, for cats and dogs to get along and even form friendships,

some cats just want nothing to do with dogs

. They may even turn hostile toward the friendliest and gentlest of pups, leaving you to wondering what to do.

Will my cat get jealous of a new puppy?


Even if you introduce a puppy slowly, a cat still might exhibit signs of jealousy

. Keep a careful eye on your kitty in the weeks after introducing a puppy. The most obvious signs of jealousy is if your cat is acting aggressively towards the puppy, even if the puppy isn’t interacting with the cat.

How can I get my cat to like my dog?

  1. It’s All About The Smell. …
  2. Ensure Your Cat Has Their Own Territory. …
  3. Raise Them Together. …
  4. Plan The First Time They Meet Carefully. …
  5. Make Sure Your Cat Is Relaxed. …
  6. Show Equal Amounts Of Fuss To Both Pets. …
  7. Separate Them After Their First Meeting.

Is it better to get a dog or a cat first?

In the most general terms, though, the best strategy would be to adopt first a middle-aged, well-mannered dog who shows little interest in cats, and then a kitten who has been raised in a household with friendly or indifferent dogs around.

Can a cat hurt a dog?


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. Like you might expect, the best way to keep your pets from fighting is to prevent them from fighting in the first place. Prevention is the best strategy in this situation.

How do I stop my cat attacking my dog?

If your cat and dog get into a fight, you’ll need to get them to stop. First try

creating a loud noise that startles the animals

, which will allow one of them to escape or may allow you time to grab one. You can also try spraying your pets with water or throwing a blanket over them.

Can you train a cat like a dog?


Cats can be a little trickier to train than dogs

. Although cats want to make their humans happy, that desire doesn’t drive them as it does for dogs. That means you need to figure out what motivates her, and you need a little extra patience. Your cat is a lot easier to train if she’s food-motivated.

How do I know if my dogs and cats like each other?

  1. Your pets enjoy playing together.
  2. They like to snuggle up close to one another and fall asleep.
  3. One pet doesn’t want to leave the other one behind.
  4. Your cats don’t have any issues sharing a litter box.

Do cats get jealous of dogs?


Yes, Cats Can Get Jealous

.

You may experience the same feelings toward your own house or loved ones! Felines can easily get jealous of cats, dogs, and other animals. They can also get jealous if their owners are being more attentive to daily tasks or to a house guest.

What do I do 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. You can also rub the pets with stuffed animals and use the toys as a stand-in, as dogs and cats may initially react to stuffed animals as if they are real.

How can I get my cat to like my puppy?

How do I know if my dog and cat are playing or fighting?

  1. Your dog starts barking loudly or chasing your cat.
  2. You notice that abrupt twitching of your cat’s tail.
  3. Someone starts growling low in pitch.
  4. There’s any hissing.
  5. You notice claws or teeth.

Can my cat smell another cat on me?

Can Cats Smell Other Cats on You?

Cats can smell when their owners have been around other cats

. Cats have pheromones in their saliva, feces, and urine. Even though you can’t smell a cat’s unique scent, their noses are far more in tune with unique pheromones than ours.

Why does my cat swat at my dog?

The most common includes fear; but

defense, territorial, redirected, play, pain, and discomfort could cause aggression towards a new dog

. A fearful cat may exhibit dilated pupils, ears turning back, or a twitching tail. In this situation, your cat may growl, hiss or swat at your dog.

Can a dog that hates cats learn to like them?

It’s a slow process that might require a few steps backward, but

with commitment and time, your dog should eventually get used to the cat and learn they’re rewarded for calm behavior

. The most important thing to remember when teaching a dog to get along with a new feline family member is that it won’t happen overnight.

What cat breeds get along best with dogs?

  1. Birman. Do you want to know the best dog-friendly cats? …
  2. British Shorthair. Do you want a cat that’s a little aloof and independent? …
  3. Norwegian Forest Cat. …
  4. 4. Japanese Bobtail. …
  5. Abyssinian. …
  6. Ragdoll. …
  7. Siberian Cat. …
  8. Tonkinese.

Will my cats get used to my new puppy?

In most cases,

with time, your new puppy and your cat will come to accept each other and may even become friends

. However, each situation is different and you should assess the reactions of both animals before you allow them to remain together unsupervised.

Is it easier to raise a cat or a dog?

In a nutshell,

dogs require more time, attention and money, but as pack animals are often much more social than cats

. On the other hand, cats, being more independent, are easier to care for, much neater and usually cost less. All pets require love, attention, play time, some grooming and regular veterinary visits.

Is it more expensive to have a cat or a dog?

If the decision came down to your wallet,

cats are significantly cheaper than dogs

, costing about $13,625 to $17,510 in a lifetime, compared to dogs at $16,607 to $22,423.

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.