If it is done correctly, introducing your new puppy to the existing cat can be a calm and stress-free experience.It's important to separate the animals initially.Go for brief, leashed introductions after that.When the animals are comfortable in one another's presence, allow them to interact without supervision.
Step 1: There is a space to confine your cat or dog.
There is a room in which your puppy and cat can adjust.You don't want to have a meeting right away.For the first couple of days, give your pets separate attention.You should keep your puppy in a separate room before you allow her to roam around the house.The room should have enough food, water, and toys.As your puppy learns to live in your home, make sure to spend lots of time with her.
Step 2: Which animal is in confinement?
The animal that is confined should be switched out.They will have a chance to explore the home.They can get used to one another's smells and become more comfortable with a new animal.The animals should be moved every few hours.It's important the puppy has a chance to leave the room and explore a little, but you should not allow her free-range of the house yet, as this may interfere with potty training.If you want to watch for signs of toileting in the puppy, expand the area in which she is confined to two or three rooms.The animals can interact with each other through the door.Your dog can sniff or paw at the door.Correct the behavior if your puppy is pawing at the door excessively.This can cause stress for your cat.
Step 3: Exchange smells.
The dog and cat need to get used to each other's scent.You can swap small pieces of bedding.You can swap toys.Rub a towel on one animal and put it under the other animal's food dish.
Step 4: No one is home so keep the animals confined.
Before you make many successful face-to-face introductions, you should never leave your pets unattended.When no one is home, make sure the dog and cat are locked up in separate areas.If you want to keep the cat out of the house while you are gone, make sure he has access to a litter box.
Step 5: The first meeting should be at a good location.
You can introduce the animals after a few days.The introduction should be in your home.In a neutral location, initial introductions are made with dogs.Cat stress can be caused by bringing a cat outside.The introduction should be made in a room in your home.Make sure the room is large enough to accommodate both animals.
Step 6: A puppy is on a leash.
Your puppy will be less rambunctious around the cat if you tuck her out with play and exercise.Let the cat into the room while holding the leash.Allow the animals to look at each other.You may be afraid or aggressive.If the animals are growling at one another, or if the cat bats at the puppy, you should slow down.Try again after a few more days in the separation phase.If the puppy is showing too much interest in the cat, give her a toy or treat.Don't let your puppy off the leash during the first meeting.It's important to ease into contact.A puppy could hurt a cat.
Step 7: Keep up with short meetings.
Begin with short encounters.Give each pet attention, affection, and rewards for being peaceful.Try to end the meeting on a positive note.This is a good place to end the meeting if both animals are being aggressive.The puppy should become disinterested in the cat as time goes on.
Step 8: Continue with leashed interactions until the puppy is calm.
The temperament of both animals will determine how long this will take.Some dogs and cats calm down quickly, while others take more time to relax.The puppy is in the room with your cat.He should drink, eat, and use the litter box.Your puppy should not be interested in the cat.She should pay attention to other things.If both animals are at this state, you can allow them to be in a room together.
Step 9: Good behavior should be rewarded.
People tend to scold or punish a puppy for chasing a cat.This is counter productive and could cause your puppy to become aggressive towards the cat.Try to reinforce your puppy's positive behaviors instead of punishing them.Reward your puppy for being obedient around the cat.When your puppy ignores the cat, give them treats and praise.There is a bag of treats on hand.Reward your puppy when she behaves well.
Step 10: The puppy should be kept away from the cat.
It's better to keep your puppy away from the cat.If your puppy is chasing, watching, or otherwise bothering the cat, find a distraction to keep her occupied.Use treats, a happy voice, or a toy to distract your dog from the cat.Give the cat a treat as soon as the dog leaves.
Step 11: Be aware of aggressive behaviors.
Allow your dog and cat to interact, but be careful.Both animals can get hurt during a physical confrontation if aggression becomes an issue.If you see signs of aggression, act quickly.A sign of aggression is when a puppy won't take her eyes off the cat.There are signs of aggression in a cat.If the animals become aggressive, you need to get them away from each other.You don't want to have a fight.
Step 12: For at least a month, do not allow unsupervised interactions.
If your animals are used to one another, you should never leave them alone.Each animal should be given a way to find privacy.The animals can have their space if this is a cat-door, doggie- door, high shelves or small recess.It will take at least a month for supervised interactions to be safe.Depending on the temperament of your animals, you may need more than a month.They should be left alone until they mostly ignore one another.
Step 13: Make sure the pets are well cared for.
The introduction process can be complicated by a medical problem.Before attempting an introduction, make sure to have your pets evaluated by a vet.
Step 14: Make sure your cat has places to hide.
Cats need space to be happy.Make sure your cat has a place to hide when you bring a new puppy into the house.Hostility may become an issue if your cat feels like he has no privacy.You can invest in a kitty condo.There is a chance that your cat will feel safe there.Make sure your cat has access to the perches in your home.Your cat can use the shelf on your bookshelf.
Step 15: Consider professional help.
An animal trainer can be hired if the introduction doesn't go smoothly.Some animals are more difficult to train than others.If you have behavioral problems, a trainer can help.