Introducing a cat to 2 dogs??

Re: Introducing a cat to 2 dogs??

flow * — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 18:47:05 GMT

was just searching for introducing a new puppy to my already settled cats. If I could add on this post and ask for some advice. We got our puppy 4 and half month old staffie, he wasnt planned and we took him on from a friedn of a friend who had him for a day but couldnt keep him. he is lovely very laid back for a puppy but gets so excited around the cats. Because I lost my other cat last year from being attacked by a dog Im more worried than I would be normally. they have a stair gate so can get upstairs without being bothered they both come down stairs and do hang around until he gets to much. He isnt so bothered by suki as she doesnt bother with him but tinkerbell gets very upset hissing and spitting i think he just wants to play with her. I think its more of a piece of mind thing I need to say that they will settle etc because of my other cat. its only day 6 and there coming down stairs etc their feeding bowls and litter tray are upstairs now away from the puppy but they have to come down stairs to go outside. is there anything I can do other then just give it time. I suppose there i no real problem he just gets so excited around the cats barking and jumping up wanting to play but will keep about a foot away.

I know Iv ranted on about it with no real meaning just abit of advice if there is anything else I can do?

ThanksFlow x

Re: Introducing a cat to 2 dogs??

Nicola Smith — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:53:00 GMT

I have successfully got my whippet living with y elderly grumpy cat - initially it was hard never taking an eye off them but everyne else has covered the main points. We had a stair gate so cat could go upstairs out the way of the dog for peace. For us establishing a leave command with the dog was really helpful. It is possible - my 2 were playing earlier and are now lying on the sofa together, in fact I think it has made my cat a bit more active!

Re: Introducing a cat to 2 dogs??

Saskia Quinn — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:20:22 GMT

I introduced my cats in one of the medium size dog cages - like the sort groomers would use, you can buy them in Argos.

Be careful though about leaving the cat feeling 'very open' - cover half of the carrier with a towel so they feel they have somewhere they can hide and dont feel so vulerable.

I'm sure a cat basket would be fine for the initial introductions! Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Re: Introducing a cat to 2 dogs??

Heidi Young — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:15:36 GMT

Thanks for your advice, Im glad to hear some success stories. I know its very do-able, but I just dont want to muck it up!

Would you introduce the cat in his basket, or carry him? he wont hang about long as soon as he hears or see's the lab!

Re: Introducing a cat to 2 dogs??

loobylou — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:00:25 GMT

Good advice from Saskia! I would make sure that the cat has somewhere she can get away, eat, drink, toilet etc without having to constantly look out for the dogs. Also try to ensure the dogs don't have the opurtunity to chase her and maybe use a long lead so you can control meetings.

I introduced a puppy to 3 cats who were established in the house and now they all live happily. My old cat was no prob as he had grown up with a dog and so didn't take any nonsense and took to sleeping with the dog quite quickly! The two younger sisters took a bit longer as the dog would chase them and they would run which made it into a big game for the dog! Once they became more confident and stopped running the dog stopped chasing and they all pretty much live in harmony now! The only time we have problems is when the cats are playing as the dog likes to join in but gets a bit overexcited and scares them!

Don't expect a quick transition for your kitty, it does take time for them, especially as she will be moving into a new home aswell.

Good luck

Re: Introducing a cat to 2 dogs??

Saskia Quinn — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:47:32 GMT

Hi Heidi,

I'm no expert when it comes to cat/dog behaviour - however, I can tell you how I went about the same situation.

I have a few retired racing greyhounds and lurchers as pets. I never owned a cat before because I never thought I could as I had the greyhounds.

However, when my boys became that little bit older to understand about animals, they really wanted a cat. So, to cut a long story short, we rescued 2 moggies from my friends animal shelter.

The cats - Maisy & Tiger-Lily were terrified of the dogs to start with, never having been used to dogs and the dogs were equally wary, though very curious. There were a few hissing/spitting episodes to start with, but rather than intimidating the cats any more than they were already, I took it really slowly, introducing one dog at a time until they finally just accepted that the dogs were also a part of the household.

The cats would have ran upstairs or behind the sofa etc - just to a safe place and it was actually the cats who started to 'tolerate'the dogs.

It took a lot of time, but quite a few years on, dogs and cats are happily living together - thats greyhounds and cats! It is possible!!

Even now, the cats would be a bit wary if the dogs are all outside when they come to the front door to get in, but there is always the safety of under my car lol!!

Stick with it, be gradual and patient, and hopefully they will live in harmony, same as mine, without any major incidents!

Good luck and keep us posted