A family with each canines and cats shouldn’t be uncommon, but it surely does take a while for felines and canines to make associates.
Whereas some canines and cats would possibly discover it much less of a problem, for others, there could be some angst till they get used to one another.
Fortunately, there are some simple issues house owners can do to deal with the tensions between their furry associates.
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Be certain to present your cat their area
It is vital to plan for when your pup and cat will meet, particularly if it is your cat who’s having their territory invaded.
Feed your cat someplace that may be sectioned off out of your pup’s feeding place, to make sure they can not assist themselves to the cat meals. Think about feeding your cat on a bench as a substitute of the ground to stop this.
It might be useful to erect a brief child gate so your cat has someplace protected the place they’ll retreat out of your canine, till they get the grasp of sharing the family.
Lastly, maintain the cat’s litter field in a spot that’s off-limits to the canine, as canines like to snack on cat poo, which is a gross behavior.
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Introduce them to one another’s scent
Earlier than making any introductions, let every pet odor a blanket the opposite has slept on, and current that to them individually earlier than bringing the brand new arrival house.
If a cat is coming right into a canine family, maintain them in a separate room (with their mattress, litter tray, meals and water) for a number of days initially, so your canine can solely sniff on the door.
After that, you possibly can transfer your cat into one other room and permit your canine to discover the room the cat was beforehand in.
You may then repeat this course of till each your cat and canine are acquainted and cozy with the presence of one another round the home.
Put on your canine out earlier than the large assembly
For younger and playful canines, it’s best to put on them out with a run or play session earlier than their first face-to-face encounter along with your cat.
This can calm them down earlier than the large assembly, and likewise make them much less threatening to their new feline housemate.
Hold your canine on a leash
Hold your canine on a leash whereas they’re attending to know your cat and use loads of treats to reward calm behaviour. You need your canine to see your cat as a optimistic factor, so reward them each time the cat is close by.
It is necessary to let your cat be the one to provoke any contact and guarantee your canine can’t lunge towards them. In case your cat turns into frightened, stroll your canine away and ask them to take a seat or lie down and reward them when they’re calm.
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Present protected locations on your cat
Don’t let your pet chase your cat as this will likely turn out to be a lifelong behavior and all the time ensure your cat has an escape route and might come and go as they please.
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