social

Introducing a Dog to Resident Cats

March 9, 2010

We are fostering a Pit Bull Boston Terrier mix from the Humane Society. How can we introduce her to our 2 cats? She knows what room they are in and just stares down the hallway. We tried to introduce them, but she goes nuts. We think she goes nuts, maybe she just wants to play?
Advertisement

We put a cloth muzzle on her tonight and while the cat was on top of the bed brought her into the bedroom. She wanted to get at the cat. Her prey drive seems strong. We've only had her a week. She seems to be fine around our other 2 small dogs.

Any advice is much appreciated.

By Maria from fort Worth, TX

Answers

March 9, 20100 found this helpful

Maybe she wants them for dinner. Not all dogs do well with cats. Keep them separated for at least a week. Let them smell each other under the door, but that's it. Try rubbing the cats with a towel and the dog with a towel; leave these around for the other animals (that is, give the dog the cats' towel) so they get used to each other's scent. Keep the dog on a leash at all times near the cats and/or in a crate while the cats roam free. Make sure the cats always have an escape, such as a high piece of furniture if they need it. If any animal feels trapped at any time, you may have trouble. Also, phone your vet's office and ask for tips. They should be happy to help. Good luck!

 

Gold Post Medal for All Time! 846 Posts
March 12, 20100 found this helpful

Since you are fostering I would suggest calling the Humane Society you are fostering for and ask them to take her back with the reason why and have them find a foster home that does not have cats. It's just not worth risking your cats health and lives! I have personally witnessed firsthand an aggressive breed tear up a cat and it's not a pretty sight to see or to hear :-(

 
March 12, 20100 found this helpful

I had the same issue, but with a shepard/lab mix and 3 cats. What I did was this; I used a 4' x 6' or so section of lattice wood (normally used in gardens or to seal off the underneath of porches or decks). I placed it in a prime position (in my case in a hallway wedged between a door and the kitchen wall). It allowed the cats to have the bedroom areas and the dog to be in the living room, kitchen and dining area - allowed easier access for outside. When I first put it up, the dog and cats were on their respective sides and hissed and barked at each other.

Advertisement

After about a week, they were so used to seeing each other, smelling each other, that I took the opportunity and took it down. No problem! They then were used to each other and got along fine. Hope this helps! Time and the opportunity of seeing and smelling each other seemed to take the edge away. After that they all lived together for a very long time...with no issues.

 
Answer this Question

3 More Questions

Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.

December 29, 2010

How do I get my new one year old rescue dog to get along with my 3 rescue cats?

By Rosemary from Buffalo, NY

Answers


Gold Post Medal for All Time! 846 Posts
January 3, 20110 found this helpful

Could you please give more detail of what the problem might be of what is happening that concerns you? Without knowing the specific info you are seeking answers for it's really not possible to give correct information.

 
Answer this Question

Archives

ThriftyFun is one of the longest running frugal living communities on the Internet. These are archives of older discussions.

December 29, 2010

Three weeks ago I got a 7 month old puppy. I have 2 older cats and I can't get them to come downstairs. I've had to move their food and litter box up there.

 
Read More...

October 14, 2010

I have two cats, 2 and 3 yrs old. They have both been holed up in the room since we brought Logan home yesterday. He seems to be okay with them, no barking or growling when he did see them.

 
Read More...
Categories
Pets AdviceMarch 27, 2014
Pages
More
🍀
St. Patrick's Ideas!
💘
Valentine's Ideas!
🎂
Birthday Ideas!
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Categories
Better LivingBudget & FinanceBusiness and LegalComputersConsumer AdviceCoronavirusCraftsEducationEntertainmentFood and RecipesHealth & BeautyHolidays and PartiesHome and GardenMake Your OwnOrganizingParentingPetsPhotosTravel and RecreationWeddings
Published by ThriftyFun.
Desktop Page | View Mobile
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2024-02-07 08:35:46 in 11 secs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2024 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Introducing-a-Dog-to-Resident-Cats.html