Thinking of homing a cat with a dog or vice versa?
Some useful tips for introducing cat with a dog (Taken from ‘Dogs For Good’ website):
Separate your dog and your cat when you are not at home to supervise by using separate rooms, baby-gates, or crates, if suitable and your dog is happy to do so.
Above all, be patient – the more gradual and gentle you make the process, the better your chance of success.
Have a dog-free room (use baby-gates, cat doors) as well as high places the cat can access but the dog cannot. The cat needs a safe space where he/she can retreat in peace and then venture out from again, at their own pace, when they feel ready to. Make sure food, water, and a litter tray are accessible in this area.
It’s always easier to keep the dog under control using a lead, and simply letting the cat move away, rather than trying to restrain the cat.
Never force the cat to be close to the dog by holding, caging, restraining or otherwise restricting him/her. This can be distressing and is a common reason for cats to not use their litter box anymore.
Dogs should not have access to the cat’s litter box or feeding area.
Likewise, create a safe space for your dog; this can be an open crate, a fenced off area, or a whole room. If they choose to use this area to retreat to, this must be respected so they know they can escape an interaction with the cat at any time. These ‘safe spaces’ should be introduced weeks or months ahead for your cat or dog to acclimatise to rather than changing the layout of your home on the day of the new arrival which may cause further stress or confusion.
PDSA Information: Cats or dogs that are well-socialised and used to the other species from a young age are less likely to be stressed out by living with them.
Make sure both pets are fully vacinated before introductions.
Try to scent swap first if you can as it means seeing each other for the first time won't be as big a surprise!
Keep your new pet separate for a few days and continue to scent swap while they settle in.
Always keep meetings as calm as possible.
Watch them closely and monitor for any changes in their body language.
Keep them separate for playtime and mealtime so neither pet gets over-excited around the other.
Be patient. Individual cats and dogs will take to new situations at their own pace.
Never force your pets to spend time together. If they start to become worried or stressed, let them go to their safe space.
If you have a cat and a dog who really don't get along, speak to your vet who can refer you to a veterinary behaviourist to give you advice