how do i introduce a cat to a dog?

[Tina M]

i have a cat and am going to be getting a dog soon chihuahua to be exact my cat gets along great with dogs but im not too sure how good the dog gets along with cats what is the best way to introduce them?

 

[chzbrgr]

Keep the dog isolated for the first week while the dog settles into his new environment. During this time you can swap items that smell like each of the animals so they get used to each other's scent. After a week you can try letting them see each other, maybe by holding the door open a crack or using a baby gate with one animal on either side. When they can see each other without flipping out, you can try letting them interact. Make sure the cat has someplace she can escape to if she needs it.

 

[ms manners]

I always put the two in separate rooms, with a closed door between them at first (they can smell each other and hear each other, but not make contact.).

Then I put up a baby gate between them, so they could see each other, but not touch.

Once everyone gets used to each other, then I let them be together under supervision.

 

[Merie]

you could like have someone hold the cat and someone hold the dog and like see if they like try to see what the other is and if they get a long they do if not they dont...

 

[Stephanie]

I have done this process twice and they both went fine. Its great that the cat was there first as it would be older and is not so inclined not to like the dog. The Chihuahuaua if its a puppy should love everything like all puppies do. Have one person holding the hold, one holding the dog and see there reaction from each other. Make sure you dont favor one over the other otherwise they will get jealous of each other.