Monday, July 8, 2013

Introducing A Dog And A Cat To Each Other

By Patricia Ramsey


Cats and dogs are known to be mortal enemies. Though this can sometimes be a fact, some pet parents who want to have both animals as their pet are hoping that everything will be fine if they do the right steps on introducing the newcomer to the chief of the house. Felines and canines have their own unique needs and wants. Being aware and understanding all of it will help you to introduce the two and help them enjoy each other's company.

Preparing for the Meet Up

Before you add a new pet, there are things that you have to keep in mind in order to prevent the cat, dog or even you from getting harmed. The perfect time to introduce a canine and feline is when they are both young. On their baby stages, both are trying to familiarize themselves of the things around them. Getting them aware that the other kind of species exists while they are young will give them the impression that nothing is very special about the other and this will save them from the possible shock. If both or the existing pet is an adult, this is where the real challenge sets in.

The pet that has been living with you for a while is the king or queen of the castle. If the adult pet is a cat, the newcomer will be seen as an intruder. For adult dogs, they might chase the cat and make them go outside of your house on first instance while they can be gentle sometimes. It is normal for cats to mark their territory when threatened while dogs have the instinct to chase small things that run around. Before the meet up, focus on training the dog since cats rarely follow commands. It is important that they learn to sit, stay and leave something alone when told. Do not let the new pet wander around the house to avoid fights.

Meetings and Visits

A new cat or dog in the house would need time to adjust themselves on the new place. Do not make the existing pet and new one meet each other on the first day. This would instill fear and insecurity on the part of the newcomer while the one that lived with you for a while will suffer from stress. Place them on separate rooms and let the new pooch or kitty to become familiar with your house. If the new pet is a kitty, hold and pet it so that its smell will stick on you. After that, go to the other room where your dog is and let him sniff you. This will prevent the latter from the shock and it will serve as a preparation on the upcoming meeting.

When you started the visit, watch out for nasty things that they might do. Treat them well and never scold anyone during the meet up. Provide rewards if they are behaving properly to give them the idea that being with each other is good. Introduction should happen for over a few days. Allow them to visit each other every day and supervise each visit. If someone do things that might harm or unfriendly towards the other, separate them immediately. Do not harm or punish a pet for the other's sake. Enjoy the visits with your pets for those to become a pleasant experience for them. It does take time before you can be at ease that they will get along well. An approximate 3-4 weeks of patience and understanding is needed to get this all done.




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