Introducing new dog to cat.

[RitaMills]

DS really wants a dog, we’re considering it but it’s such a big commitment so it’s still in the research stages. Problem is we have our cat (Ralph) he’s 3 and obviously rules the roost. He really isn’t keen on dogs and I’m just wondering does anyone have any success stories of introducing a new dog to your cat and it all turning out ok?

My mum has two little dogs and she brought the most boisterous one up, Ralph turned into a little ball of fluff and just sat hissing on the stairs, heckles were up. We adore Ralph and obviously he comes first so is this something that cats can get over given time? Or shall we just get another cat?

I just want to gather thoughts on this, I know nobody can tell me how my cat is going to be but it would be nice reading people's experienced.

I have had dogs and cats under the same roof my whole life. Most cats are not keen on puppies but some don't mind dogs. They will get used to each other in time. Cats and dogs have different signals. A cat wagging its tail means it is mad and a dog wagging its tail means it is happy, just one example. They often don't understand this at first but they will adapt and understand each other over a few days or a few weeks.

I have no experience of this, but I'd love to have a little dog eventually. Sadly, I don't think I've got the heart to introduce a dog into my cat household.

Have you posted on the dog house forum? They might have some good advice?

Yes, I introduced a pup (now 11) to my two resident cats.

There are two important things to bear in mind - firstly, the slower the better - it takes lots of patience; secondly, it's all about smell.

Before you bring the dog home, take a blanket that he has used and leave it around in your house so the cat will start to get familiar with his smell. Give the dog something that smells of your cat so he can do the same.

Don't bring them face to face to begin with - keep them separate for a few days. The first introduction should take place with the dog restrained and the cat with an escape route. Separate at the first sign of aggression.

Hopefully you will be able to gradually increase the length of the supervised introductions and stop restraining your dog. Cat and dog will take on the same house/family smell which will help you.

Once they reach a place where they completely ignore each other you will be safe to leave them, but the cat should always have access to a dog free space.

Here they are sleeping happily in a mutual indifference to one another!

My 2 cats have got used to the dog we acquired. Not entirely planned..
Luckily dog is older, calm, quite timid and not at all aggressive. Dog is in fact bullied by all cats that meet her!
It can be done and dogs and cats can live quite happily together. We sometimes look after a friends dog for the weekend too and no ones gets eaten. Our bolder cat has even been known to curl up and sleep with guest dog. Guest dog is brilliant with cats - just ignores them completely. Even our scaredy cat is fine.

Screaming - is it just me or is that dog suspecting something is planning to ambush him?

Spartacus I think he was thinking something like: "Why is my idiot human waving a phone around when she could be taking me for a WALK?"

Oh yes of course! I can't think in dog.