Introducing Cats and Dogs
First, dogs are pack animals and cats are not, although cats are far more social than once was thought. The dog’s sense of hierarchy can work to your advantage in this situation. Basically, the cats are always higher in status than the dogs. This is essential because of the very simple fact that a dog can kill a cat.
The dog must know that the cat is in charge, and the dog
must defer to the cat. Simple things like greeting the cat first when
coming home and feeding the cat first establish higher status. Some dogs
have high prey drives and there may always be problems with co-existence
in these cases.
Kittens are the most vulnerable and there are some very sad families out there, who brought a kitten home and then, through ignorance allowed their dog to kill it. Some people think that this is the dog’s fault, but it is not. The dog is operating on a natural instinct. To blame the dog for killing the kitten is like blaming the dog for breathing. However, often this can destroy the family’s relationship with the dog. Many people decide to give the dog away or take it to a shelter, and now two lives have been destroyed.
The other way that a cat and especially a kitten may be
harmed or killed by a dog is through rough play. Again, it is the
owner’s responsibility to make sure that play does not get too rough.
So for all these reasons and more, it is important to
test the dog around cats and kittens if possible to see how the dog
reacts. But even if a dog has tested okay, the introductions still need to
be controlled until you are absolutely sure that the dog can be trusted
with a cat or kitten.
The dog should be controlled at all times during initial
introductions. The dog should be placed in a down-stay position. This
works best with two people, but can be accomplished if necessary by one
person. The person controlling the dog is positioned beside the dog with a
hand ready to grab the collar if the dog should move toward the cat. Keep
the dog in a down-stay. Any lunging or snapping is unacceptable and the
dog must be told no quite firmly. The cat or kitten needs safe places
where it can get away from the dog like perches or hidey holes.
Baby gates that restrict the dog’s movements are
helpful. Praising the dog for appropriate interactions is essential.
A puppy that has not reliably learned the down-stay
command can be introduced to a cat or kitten from behind a baby gate. This
allows the cat to have more control of the situation.
Problems situations requiring intervention are: chasing,
food protection, toy or chew toy protection, growling, snapping.
Setting ground rules for your dog in relation to the cat will pay big dividends later on and create a harmonious environment for all.