Hi Everyone,

I wondered if anyone has got some tips they can share about introducing a dog to cats?

I have two cats, both 1 year old who for the past year have had only each other and for that whole time have had mine and my partners full attention. We got an 11 month old pup from the dogs home at the weekend and are trying to introduce them to each other.

I've read tips on the internet and so am taking it day by day and for small intervals of time only.

I thought they were getting a little used to each other this evening, one of the kittens isn't too bothered but the other is quite shy around him and tends to hiss and run away to hide. For the first time, she was sat on the table as the dog was underneath it and seemed ok, she even came over to him and sniffed his head. After about 45 minutes (the longest they have been together) the dog had a walk about and put his head up to the kitten so she swiftly hissed and swiped at him. He didn't react, just backed off and I took him to another room.

My partner only wants to give it a week before we consider rehoming the pup but I'm desperate to keep all the animals - how long should we realistically expect the process to take? And any tips from people who've done the same would be very much appreciated!

Thanks so much

Sarah

Im appalled by your partners attitude. Did neither of you consider the cats reaction in getting a dog? Or do any research on the matter? To give a dog a week is ridiculous, and rather cruel. A dog is a huge commitment, and not something to be discarded when things are a little difficult.

It can take weeks, even months before a cat will be tolerant of a dog.
You must always allow the cat the choice to be in the room or not. Ive found that forcing the two together can do more harm than good. If you do decide to shut them in the room together (supervised of course) then make sure that cats can get somewhere high so that they feel safe.
NEVER allow the dog to go bounding up to the cat. Its adviseable to have the pup on a lead when the cats are in the room.

Try getting some of your cats favourite treats for when the dog is in the same room. And always reward you dog when hes calm and wellbehaved with the cats.

It takes time and patience to introduce a dog to established cats, and the process is usually done at the cats pace. Each one will deal with the situation differently.

It took my 8 years old cat about 5 months before he wasnt scared of my dog anymore.

we let our cats say hello when they wanted to, The youngest whos nearly 2yrs old has been fine with the pup they play chase eash other, the pup does get told off by the cat which hes fine about and will normally back away. He also leaves the cats alone when we tell him

With the oldest it's been harder, the second night we had the pup we shut the bedroom door while we were brushing out teeth for bed etc and the older cat ended up going in the room not knowing the pup was in there and scared herself and swiped at him making him bleed. it was horrible but Hes had a healthy respect for her since lol and only sniffs her when she goes up to him, 2 weeks ago she did the headbutting thing cats do when they want a stroke to the pups head it was lovely Shes still a little scared of him but it gets better every day just take your time we have had zeb since just over 8weeks and hes now pretty much 6months old so its been a while but so worth it

Your hubby needs to realise a dog isnt something he can throw away because its not doing what he think he should be. The poor things has only been with you less then a week and has alot of things to get use to. He needs to realise that pups are hard work and it's not going to be easy and quick to get them used to each other

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Owner to-
lots of rodents
2 monster dogs
1 slinky cat

It took 3 months before my rescue dog would accept my newest rescue. Even now, I have to monitor it.

My advice, because of your partner's attitude is to take the dog back. Even if you manage to over come this, there will be other problems i.e house training/chasing/barking. It could be anything. Your partner does not sound as if he has the tempremant for a rescue dog. Far better for the dog to go before he gets attached to you. It is especially hard for a rescue dog who has been in the dogs home.

Or if it were me, I would get rid of the partner! Nothing comes between me and my dogs!

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Lilly, Max, Henry and Sammy. The joys of my life!

www.rescueremedies.co.uk
www.staffierescue.co.uk