I confess that the cats in my life have had more attitude and conviction than most adult humans can muster.
Despite being smaller, lighter, and newer to the house than my dogs, these cats are completely unfazed by them. Each cat has stood her ground, glared at the canine in question, hissed in an offhand yet meaningful way, and stalked off. A short distance away, she would set about cleaning herself with not even a glance at the dogs huffing and circling her in helpless frustration.
Other cats, I know, are much less confident and will avoid canine contact at all costs. And as any cat owner knows, there is a constitutional amendment that states “once a cat runs, a dog must chase.”
Below are two cat companion scenarios, along with suggestions on introducing your companion animals to each other:
Cat #1 is a planned addition to a household that already has a resident dog.
Bring the cat into the house in a cat carrier (not a wire cage).
Let your dog smell the carrier.
If the dog is not overly excited, put the carrier down and supervise as the animals eye each other.
For the first few days, only let the cat out of the carrier when the dog is not in the room, so that the cat can explore safely.
When your dog no longer pays attention to the cat in its carrier, leash the dog and let the cat out of the carrier.
NOTE: Do not try to hold the cat in your arms! An anxious cat can leave some pretty significant scratches if it tries to flee.
Cat #2 has already laid claim to the house, and the owner had the audacity to add a pesky dog to her previously peaceful life.
Reverse the above, but the dog is in the crate.
When you eventually bring the dog out for the first real face-to-face with the cat, keep the dog leashed, please. Your cat will thank you…maybe.
For more information on introducing cats and dogs to each other, visit the
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