How do you get cats & dogs to live in the same household if they have been living in two separate ones?
Borinquena asked:
Here’s my dilemma. My man has two dogs, a Rotweiler & a Shitzu. I have two cats, both female, both strictly domestic, both have been spayed. In the near future we plan to live together. Now the problem is, can we get the cats & dogs to live together as one big happy family? How do you introduce animals that are obviously supposed to be “enemies” to each other, into a new household? Is this at all possible? Any Vets out there with a real answer?
Cat Lovers Compendium
Here’s my dilemma. My man has two dogs, a Rotweiler & a Shitzu. I have two cats, both female, both strictly domestic, both have been spayed. In the near future we plan to live together. Now the problem is, can we get the cats & dogs to live together as one big happy family? How do you introduce animals that are obviously supposed to be “enemies” to each other, into a new household? Is this at all possible? Any Vets out there with a real answer?
Cat Lovers Compendium
December 6th, 2008 6:36 am
i’m not a vet but i have introduced my adult cat to a dog before. the best thing to do is to allow the dogs to have run of the house and put your cats, who will be scared into one room for three days with the door shut. this will allow the cats to get used to the new surrounding as well as the smell of the new animals. be care for with them when letting them out for the first time because this can be tramatic for the cats. you can always call a local vet or pet shop for other ideas.
December 6th, 2008 9:02 am
Any animals can get used to living together but you have to be patient and give them time. With them all being aduls, it can take more time than if they were babies when introduced. Just make sure that you do NOT force them together. Let it be on their own terms. When first bringing the dogs in, it’s best to crate them and bring the cats around. Let them sniff the dogs to get to know thr scent for a few days before allowing them to actually be together. This will also give the dogs the opportunity to smell the cats. Anytime the dogs are out, if they chase the cats, separate them during open times. Everyone in my family has cats and dogs in the same household (literally everyone but my aunt whose husband is highly allergic to cats) and no one has had a major issue. It will resolve itself, just give them time. Introducing them before living together would be the best idea. Do it slowly to give them time to adjust before making such a big move. Good luck!
December 6th, 2008 9:31 am
I tried with two cats and a lab. My lab wanted to play but the cats did not, until a week later. Then they kind of ignored each other.
If you can not trust your man’s dogs, then I suggest you get a muzzle for both of them so they will not try to bite your cats.
You can always try to introduce them buy having them in seperate cages.
December 6th, 2008 6:41 pm
The best answer for this is just trial and error, really. Have you tried bringing the cats over to see how the dogs act? I would try this: before the move-in, I would bring the cats over one at a time and try to introduce them to the dogs. The dogs will probably do one of three things: 1. Chase the cat, growling and teeth showing. 2. Sniff, and try to play. 3. Sniff, and walk away not caring.
After seeing how they will react, then you can begin trying to socialize them. Hope this helps!!