I am adopting a dog from a local animal shelter. And I have four young cats. I want to make the transition for my cats as pleasant as possible. Does anyone have any suggestions of what I could do? The dog is used to cats and gets along with them well.
Posts: 39 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: 07-29-02
The fact that the dog is used to cats is a very good start for you.
I would introduce them slowly - bring the dog in and give him either a cage or a room to work with for starters. You shouldn't close the kitties up in one room rather than the dog, cause they will be a little confused anyway. One by one, bring the cats in to see the dog - holding the cat and let them sniff.....if it appears that the cat is OK with the dog, you can let it down - believe me, if the cat doesn't want to be there HE/SHE WILL NOT BE!!! Cats are generally very curious anyway, so they will want to come around just to stare at the new "beast" and wonder what the heck it is.
It's just a matter of trial and error really. Do make sure you continue to shower the kittie with the attention you normally do and they will eventually come to love the dog or they will tolerate it as necessary.
Until you are certain that the dog will not nip at the cats, I wouldn't leave them unattended for long periods of time.
It is a medium sized dog, about 40 lbs. The foster family that has had him for almost a year said he likes being crated, so that is good. Because that way the cats can observe him and he the cats. He sleeps in the crate at night and is crated during the day (I believe) when the foster family is out. It took me a while to find a dog that liked or tolerated cats, that derived from a shelter or foster home. Lydia it is a Pit Bull Terrier/German Shepard mix. He was raised with this family since he was 4 months old.
Posts: 39 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: 07-29-02
Cookie - that's perfect that he is used to being crated. Personally, I don't think a dog should be crated all day, but that's just my opinion. It's going to be much easier for the kitties to get used to the dog though. Given the fact that he is already used to cats, the cats will be able to get used to him without being chased.
Ultimately, I'll bet you'll be able to let him roam free and the cats and he will be friends in no time!!!
