The process of introducing your two pets can happen in the following process:
- First, restrict both pets to separate areas of the house where they will not be able to see each other. Since they will hear and smell each other, but not see each other, they will both be able to adapt to the other animal. It will also allow the new pet to adapt to the living area.
- Second, while the pets are separated, rub a piece of cloth all over the new pet, then put the cloth next to the old pet. This will allow the older pet further adapt to this newcomer. Let the cloth rest with your old pet for an hour or two.
- Once the time is up, switch each pet so that one is resting in the other one's previous spot. When you do this, rub a piece of cloth all over the older pet and let it rest with the new pet.
- Now you will want to place each pet on opposite sides of a closed door by placing pet food or treats next to the door. This will create a positive association between the two animals, as they will learn to enjoy their food and having fun while being close together.
- Keep both animals on opposite sides of the door until they stop sniffing each other from underneath. At this point, both pets are ready to see each other, but should still be separated by a screen door or gate, as there may be some tension. This will quickly go away if you pet both animals and give them treats.
- Your pets should be relaxed and calm now, so you should gradually allow them to interact. One thing you can do is put them both in the same room and keep your dog on a leash while you stand aside. The cat will slowly become comfortable with the dog. In order to stop your dog from getting into the habit of getting too aggressive and chasing the cat, you may have to quickly spray some water onto the dog if it grows too excited.
This way, the cat will understand that the dog will not bother it in the future. This will take a few minutes, but will be well worth it when both of your pets become more comfortable with each other. Information provided by Amy McCabe - for more dog information by Amy, have a look at designer dog beds as well as dog types at Animal-World.
