Knowing how we should introduce a dog and a cat is essential if we are thinking of welcoming a new member into our family, but we must have Keep in mind that not all cases will follow the same guidelines, they will vary depending on the personality of our pets, their education and the specific situation.
In this article on our site we will give you some advice on how to introduce an adult dog and cat or if it is an introduction between a puppy and an adult.
Remember that each case is completely particular and specific, so you must be very attentive to all reactions, carefully follow each of our advice and, in the event of a bad reaction, keep your phone handy from an ethologist, read on and discover how to present a dog and a cat correctly:
Details to consider before the presentation of the dog and the cat
Although there are breeds with a greater predisposition to be sociable with other animals, the truth is that if we have not correctly carried out the socialization process of our dog or cat, coexistence can be very complicated in its Adult stage.
What is socialization? Why is it so important?
Socialization consists of introducing our dog or cat when it is a puppy to all kinds of people, animals, environments and stimuli so that, when it reaches adulthood, it is an animal without fears, stable and without reactive behaviors.
If we have not been able to work correctly on this part of the puppy's education, it will be very important to follow some tips to prevent an accident from occurring when we are not there or during their first interactions. For this reason, knowing the behavior of our pet with other animals is essential before considering the adoption of another.
Some dogs and cats, despite having followed an adequate socialization process, do not always get along with other animals. There are also cases of animals suffering behavioral problems. In these cases it is very important to have the presence of a specialist such as an ethologist. The professional will guide us in the process of adaptation, presentation and will offer us appropriate guidelines for our specific case. Especially if our pet has behavior problems, we should ask for help.
Do we have enough space? What will we do if they don't get along?
It is important to have enough space and elements to ensure the tolerance of both animals, for example, it will be very convenient to install walkways and have several nests in which the cat can hide if it wishes. Space is also important to be able to place several watering and feeding bowls, as well as toys, objects that can generate disputes in coexistence. The most recommended
Finally we remember that it is important to know what we are going to do if our two pets do not get along. Despite the fact that coexistence usually improves over time, in some cases it will not be possible. To prevent this from happening, we recommend adopting our future pet in an animal shelter, a place where the doors will always be open. The abandonment of animals is a very common practice in these cases, we must be responsible and think carefully about what our solution will be if our dog and cat do not get along.
The introduction of an adult dog and cat
The presentation of a cat and a dog, both adults, is probably the most delicate of all since in some caseswe don't know how they're going to react . To do this, we recommend you follow these tips:
1. Prepare a safety zone for your cat
Feeling threatened, cats tend to take refuge in high places where the dog will not be able to reach. The multi-tier scratchers, the shelves, the catwalks or wall beds are excellent tools for our feline to sneak away if he feels threatened. Correctly preparing the security zone is the most important point of the presentation.
two. Introduce them by smell
Indeed, a very appropriate way to introduce your dog and your cat is going to be by smelling each other. At first They will sniff each other when the newcomer is in the carrier with great curiosity, but later they will probably ignore the presence of the other animal.
3. The first face to face
Especially if we are unsure about the reaction of both animals, it will be very important to present them physically in a room that has the cat's safety zone, since, in the face of any unforeseen event, you can take refuge. It will also help to leash the dog or use the muzzle (only if you are used to wearing the muzzle).
If we decide to use the leash at the time of the presentation we will not tie it short, but we will have it well caught in case it tries to pounce on the cat. It should be loose so you don't feel tight or in control. You should relate the cat as something positive
In this first face-to-face we must be very attentive to the reaction of both animals and it will be very useful to have the presence of another person who can help us if necessary. The growls, snorts and chasing attempts are normal, don't worry, little by little they will stop.
The physical presentation should last a short time and we will try to make it the most positive and pleasant for each of the animals, you can use treats, prizes, sweet words and caresses to improve the perception of both.
4. Let them interact
After one or two weeks of fortuitous encounters we must make a general assessment: Have they reacted well or badly to the presence of the other? Has one of the animals tried to attack the other? Are they ignored? We must Leave freedom to our animals so that they can create their own hierarchy and not feel forced to do something they don't want to do.
In principle both are alert for each other's presence so there should be no surprises. The cat will take refuge in the heights if he considers it and the dog will be able to escape to his comfort zone
During the first month of coexistence it will be very important to always be present in their interactions and when we leave we will leave each one in an area delimited from the house so that an incident cannot occur while you are not there.
The introduction of a puppy and an adult
This type of presentation is the one we must be more careful with since one of the two members is very young and could go wrong stopped from this presentation. However, except in cases of serious behavior problems, adult animals will show surprise and tenderness when they meet the new member of the family.
It is important to consider that in this type of adoption, that of a puppy, can cause jealousy in the veteran animal, so we must always continue offering affection and attention to the veteran first, avoiding conflicts that may arise.
1. The smell as presentation
If you're not sure how your pet will react to meeting a puppy or kitten, you shouldn't introduce them without first warning. You can let the adult specimen observe the little one but you should not expose it directly, it is best to leave it inside the carrier.
two. Let them meet
If we are not sure how the adult animal is going to react, we can use a slackened leash for the first face-to-face so we can act in a bad situation. Muzzle use on dogs that are used to it may also be appropriate.
We will let the adult specimen sniff and observe the little one, it is its way of interacting. You must be very attentive to his reaction and congratulate him whenever you observe positive attitudes: smell, touch, observe, be calm… Repeat this interaction regularly during these first few days and always under your supervision.
Don't leave the puppy or kitten unattended, when you leave home look for separate areas where they are calm and safe so you too will have confidence that nothing will happen.
The presentation of a cat and a puppy dog
The introduction of two puppies is simply an introduction. The baby animals are so cute and sweet that there won't be any problem when you introduce them, they won't be able to hurt each other either since their teeth and nails are tiny.
Introducing two puppies will be great for strengthening the socialization of both animals as well as giving them a best friend to grow up with and have fun with. Use sweets, prizes, affectionate words and caresses whenever you observe positive attitudes between both and avoid punishment for an education based on positive reinforcement.
Don't forget to visit our puppy training guide or our small cat training guide to learn more about the behavior and techniques you should use to teach both of you everything they need to know.
Tips
- Prevents the dog or cat from eating the other's food as it can cause conflict.
- Always prepare a safe area for your cat as we have explained.
- Be patient as your relationship evolves.
- See a specialist if you notice serious coexistence problems.
- Always separate them before leaving in different rooms.
- Be patient and use positive reinforcement, never punish them.
