by Troy Wilson & Rosita Wilson
If you already have a cat in the family, you are well aware of the joys of pet ownership. Adding a dog can only increase happiness levels, but there are some things you need to consider first. In many cases, cats and dogs get along well, but you will need to take certain actions to ensure your newly-blended family remains conflict-free.
Matching Personality Traits
Think about the personalities of your existing furry family; are they laid-back? Are they hyper? While every animal is unique, try to match these overarching traits between your pets; combining a hyper cat and a laid-back dog will probably not end as well as if they share a personality type.
If you can, get a dog that has spent time around cats; this will be a huge bonus, as it will most likely be cat-socialised, and will build a relationship with your cat quicker than a dog who has never spent any time with cats.
Health Checks for All
No matter where you get your new family member, they should have had all their vet checks, vaccinations and any other health procedures. Nevertheless, you should always get a vet-check before you bring them home, just to be sure. The same applies to any existing furry family members; just to be on the safe side.
Implement an Isolation Protocol
When you bring your new dog home, it is best to keep them separate from the cat, by restricting the dog's access to the house. Tether training is a great way to do this; your dog can begin to get acclimated, while being fully supervised, and your cat will be able to get away from the dog if they feel the need.
Crate train your dog. Not only does this give your dog a safe area to go when it needs 'alone time', it protects your cat and dog from each other, as well as allowing them to see each other, acclimatise and interact with safety.
Ensure your dog has access to water, some toys and watch for any signs of stress as it adjusts to its new environment.
Exchanging Scents
Animals use scent to get to know each other, so let each pet sniff the other indirectly. Get a towel or blanket, rub it on the cat or dog, then take it to the other animal, and let them have a good sniff. Then do the same thing with the other pet. This will ease the stress of a face-to-face introduction, as they will already be familiar with each other to some degree.
Train Your Dog
Structured training is essential for all dogs; a calm, focused dog is a dog that listens and makes good decisions. While you likely won't have time to get the dog fully trained before you bring it home, you should begin structured training immediately. A strong 'Focus', 'Leave It', 'Food Etiquette' and 'Calm' training should be your first priorities, along with crate training and toilet training.
Begin by tethering your new dog to yourself, this way you can begin training straight away, and give the cat and dog some space and protection from each other.
Supervise, Supervise, Supervise
Keep early interactions short and always supervise. Keep your dog on a short lead or tether, so you can control, correct and redirect unwanted behaviours into wanted behaviours.
Nervousness and wariness are to be expected, but if things look like they are escalating, end the session. Never forget; a single swipe from a dog's paw, a sudden grab and shake by your dog, or a cat's extended claws are all capable of causing potentially serious injuries.
Better safe than sorry.
Always Have an Escape Plan for Your Cat
Even though you will have your dog tethered; your dog will eventually have earned it freedom. Therefore, it is essential your cat knows it can get away any time it feels the need. Make sure there is an escape route, be it a high spot, a cat door or a gated door your dog cannot get through. Knowing it can get away if necessary will make your cat feel more relaxed and less threatened, and thus make your cat's life easier. It will also enable the cat to have 'alone time' whenever it feels the need.
Puppies and Kittens
If your cat is a kitten or young cat, consider getting a puppy rather than a fully grown dog; if your animals are closer in age and energy levels, they may bond better. In fact, you may end up with a dynamic duo racing through the house, who grow into best friends through adulthood into old age.
Take It Slow
Take it slow. Trying to force your cat and dog to get along will not help; in fact, it will probably make things worse. Everyone is different, and each situation presents different challenges.
Take your time, show your animals love, respect, patience and consistency, seek help if you need it, and you will get there in the end.
Seek Professional Help
If you've tried repeatedly to get your cat and dog to get along, but it just isn't working, seek professional help. Find a reputable behaviorist in your area who may be able to help with training or suggest alternate solutions.
Don't give up on your animals; seek help. They may just have gotten off on the wrong foot, and will, with a little extra help, develop a strong bond.
Training Resources
All the training requirements (Tether, Focus, Leave It, Food Etiquette, Calm, Crate and Toilet training) you will need to ensure a successful transition can be found in our Outback Dog Training Group on Facebook.
All the relevant training videos can be found on our YouTube channel.
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