How to Introduce an Older Cat to a New Dog

Planning the Initial Introduction

Start by keeping the animals apart. When you're introducing a new dog to an older cat, you'll want to plan their introduction carefully. Though they're sharing your home, male sure that they're confined to their own spaces at first. Allowing them time to adjust to each others' scents within your home will help them get used to each other. You'll want to prevent any direct contact until your new dog has had his vet checkup and is cleared of any contagious diseases or infections. Consider having a sanctuary room for your cat, who's likely to be more comfortable in a confined space.

Swap scents. Animals use smell to "see" and understand one another. To help speed this process for your new dog and your resident cat, switch their sleeping blankets so they become used to each other's scent. Or try rubbing a towel on one animal and put it under the food dish of the other. If you have other animals, do this with each animal in the house. Allow your animals to sniff each other when they're in close proximity.

Feed the two animals on separate sides of a door. During the time when they're still being separated, start to feed them at the same time, but on separate sides of the same door. For example, if your cat's sanctuary space is in your bedroom, put her food dish by the door inside your room, and put your dog's food dish in the hall. They'll be able to smell each other and recognize how closely they're in proximity to each other. This will encourage them to associate each others' scent with good things, like food. With each feeding, move their bowls a little closer together, but keep the door closed.

Start training your dog. If he's a rescue dog, he may already know some basic commands, such as "sit" or "stay." If he doesn't, he may learn them quickly. For example, teach your dog to sit by holding a treat above and slightly behind his head. His body will naturally sit in order to access the treat. As soon as his bottom touches the floor, reward him with the treat. Say, "Good dog!" in a cheerful voice. Repeat, using identical gestures and voice commands. Being able to follow basic commands (sit, down, come, and stay) will help ease the introduction to your cat.

Introduce them face to face. Once they've become accustomed to each others' scents, allow them to meet. Your cat should be able to come and go as she pleases, while your new dog should be held on a leash. Keep these initial meetings quite short, and provide plenty of treats and praise so that they continue to associate each other with good things. Don't restrain either pet in your arms, because this risks injury. Repeat this introduction process several times per day for several days.

Allow your cat to come and go. After a few introductions, allow your cat to come and go while your dog remains confined to a leash. If your dog is crate-trained, keep him in the crate while encouraging your cat to explore the room. If your dog obsessively paws the floor, whines, barks, or attempts to get out of his crate when looking at the cat, you're likely to need the help of a behavior specialist. If your dog relaxes his attention, appears calm or stays focused on you, reward him with a treat.

Reward your dog's good, calm behavior. When you're making introductions, have your dog sit or stay. If he obeys your command, reward him with a tasty treat. Dogs are more likely than cats to learn to associate the treat with behavior. This will also keep the dog's attention on you, rather than the cat. Your cat can then explore the dog with more confidence. You can toss some cat treats to your cat as well, but don't allow your dog to catch them. If either pet acts aggressively, such as growling or snarling at the other, calmly distract and redirect him. Finish by calling the dog's name and returning him to his own space. Allow the cat to return to her own sanctuary space, and close the door.

Watch for warning signs that this is not a safe match. There are some dogs and cats who should never be left unsupervised together. Be aware that some dogs will never be safe around cats. A cat who continually hisses and growls at all types of dogs won't be happy living with dogs. Some dogs and cats just aren't good matches with each other, though they may be fine around other animals. Even though there's likely to be a difficult period at first, if you don't see improvement in your pet's behavior within 48 hours, you'll likely need to consult with an animal behavior specialist. Warning signs include the following:Warning signs include: If your dog continues to be overly focused on the cat, not taking his eyes off the cat If your dog ignores you, and doesn't follow your commands when the cat is present If your dog lunges at the cat when she moves If your dog lunges, snarls, growls or snaps at your cat even if she's not moving If your cat attacks your dog when your dog is quiet and not moving

Establishing a Happy Household

Keep both animals confined when you're not there. Your cat should be allowed to stay in her sanctuary space, and your dog should be left either in his crate or in a fenced area outside. Don't allow unsupervised time together until you're confident that they are safe together. The use of baby gates to keep your animals confined is encouraged. Both animals should have access to food, water, blankets or bedding, and (for your cat) a litter area in their separate spaces.

Understand differences in social order. To cats, physical space is of paramount importance. To help a cat stay calm, make sure she has a safe physical space. For dogs, the social order is the most important element. To help your dog stay calm, make sure he feels that he's secure in his relationship with you. This is one reason why teaching the dog basic commands and keeping him on a leash for the initial introduction will be important. Make sure your cat's food is out of your dog's reach. Any dog will happily eat cat food.

Continue to praise calm behavior. Keep treats in your pocket so you can "catch them being good." Whenever you notice calm interactions between your dog and cat, praise them with a cheerful voice, saying, "Good dog!" and offer treats. Whenever your dog doesn't bark or chase cats, you'll want to reward this behavior. Try to avoid situations where you have to tell a dog "No." Telling a dog "no" results in stress and confusion for a dog, without any real idea of what the "right" behavior might be.

Don't expect your animals to be friends right away. Dogs and cats communicate in very different ways. While they might become good companions, they might only learn to tolerate each other. They'll need to establish their relationship at their own pace. Make sure that you continue to pay attention to your resident cat. If you have more than one new dog, don't allow them to gang up on the cat. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise.

Ask a behavioral consultant for help. A behavioral consultant can help you figure out what might be the problem between your dog and your cat. If your cat has stopped eating, if she avoids the litter box and stays away from people, she's not happy. Call your local animal support group to find quality animal behaviorists who can help you. Your veterinarian will also have the contact information about local animal behavior specialists.