New Dog Introduction to Cats? - Paw Talk

Core · #1 03-30-2004, 11:16 AM

Hello all.

This weekend Sunday me and my girlfriend got a 4 month old Siberian Husky. We brought him to our home where we have 2 cats we have had for about 1 year.

How long does it take for the cats to become comfortable with the dog? So far the cats stay in the basement and are very scared when we bring them near the dog. The dog however is very good. He is mostly curious but never really even cares they are there.

We have the cats litter and food downstairs now since they are mostly down there but people have said we should being the food upstairs so they have a reason to come up, and not to teach them they're supposed to stay down there.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Dirk · #2 03-30-2004, 11:55 AM

Dawson Dad - I wish i would know how serious situation is this? When you put dog and cat in same room do cat try to fight and defend or does it get very scared and run away? I use to have problem like this in Germany but it really is not such a big thing. I remember cat not like to see dog when they put in the same room together, it either run away or try to defend. What I think, judge by what you say is that you must be aggresive, no matter how much it hurt to see cat afraid. Problem sort it self out. After we left cat in house along with dog in Germany it learn to not even notice dog, you understand? Eventual they both just get tired of one another and is not such big thing. If you keep this animal seperate now at the beginning think what it would be like a year or so from this time? Situation will be much worse no? Cat have natural ability to stand up for itself, no matter what the siuation, is instinct, you have to let them sort out problem their own way. But please, this only suggestion by Dirk as I see it before, do what you think is rihght, I only try to give idea. Hope it help maybe and I say sorry for my English, I know is bad but i try best I can do. Hope your cat and dog grow up to love each other! Love and Peace - Dirk.

Core · #3 03-30-2004, 12:16 PM

I understand. We do not keep them seperated and we actually pust them to meet. For instance we bring the cats up all the time and leave them in the bedrooms forcing them to pass him if they want to go back downstairs.

Just now we had a positive experience. Our one cat came upstairs and went right up to the dog very carefully and sniffed ,etc. When the dog noticed the cat did not run away, nor smack the dog. THey did this for a while and finally the dog tried to play with the cat barking and slapping its front paws on the ground like it does when it plays with other puppys. The cat STILL did not run away. I feel this is a big step for the cat seeing the dog does not want to harm in anyway and she is learning to stand her ground with him

**Scarlette** · #4 03-30-2004, 02:48 PM

It will take awhile but they will get used to one another eventually. I wouldn't be too concerned unless the dog is trying to attack the cat but it doesn't sound like that is the case in this situation.

**kittygurl823** · #5 03-30-2004, 02:58 PM

That does sound like a big step!!!

I agree with Scarlette, it just takes time.

They will get used to one another. And it sounds like your dog is doing great, not showing aggression in any way. I have 3 cats and 3 dogs. I had Snuggles and Ginger at the time (my cats) when I brought home Kahlua (my dachshund). They were like "What is going on here?" at first, but came around. He just wanted to go play with them right away and they were keeping their distance, but I would say they were adjusted to everything after about a week. Keep us posted and we would love to see some pictures!!!!

Core · #6 03-30-2004, 03:03 PM

Yeah the dog either shows the cat no attention at all besides looking at it, or wants to play. lol

Deja · #7 03-30-2004, 04:51 PM

Congrats on your new dog! What a gorgeous breed, I'll bet he's really beautiful.

I too have 3 dogs and 3 cats, all aquired at different points over the years. I find that if we act very casual and not make a big deal about the introductions - and let the cats lead the way as far as what they will tolerate - things go rather smoothly!

It does take some time for them all to get used to each other.
All of my cats have such different personalities - they've all dealt with the dogs in very different ways.
One of them hides for what seems like weeks, only coming out for food or to use the boxes when she is sure the dog is crated (or in the middle of the night!). She'll also make sure she gets her "loving" too. Eventually she starts getting closer and closer until she works up the nerve to sniff the dog. Once she gets to that point everything is on *her* terms, including the rapid-fire whaps to the dog's nose - just to show who's really in charge

The middle cat is our dog lover. He sniffs and rubs himself all over the dogs almost from day one. He's also the "dog buddy" making sure he gets his run around and play time in with them. It's really cute, especially when the top of one of the dog's head is soaking wet and set in a spikey cat-spit-punk-hair-do from the cat grooming.

The third cat falls somewhere in the middle. She likes to perch herself high and have a good vantage point so she knows where everyone is at all times. She's a princess and lets everyone know this. She loves to spit and hiss at the dogs! She also loves to *whap* them if they walk too close to where she is perched and they are within paw-reach. None of the dogs ever minded the "cat antics", they always either ignored them or gave the occasional chase and the cats always had easy access out of the way to jump on something high or lightening-bolt out of the room and hide.

I think when it comes to cats and dogs it's very dependant on their individual personalities. There is no reason why they can't at the very least learn to tolerate each other and more often than not I've found that they do become really close. I love to watch them curl up and sleep together and watching a cat give a dog a good tongue bath is always good for a few laughs

The only suggestion I would have is when they are getting to know each other, always make sure that the cat has a way out of the room. We all know how fickle and finicky and well, sometimes skittish cats can be and should they decide they are too close for comfort they need a quick exit

I think this is especially true if the cats were there first and the dog is the *invader*! It just takes some time for them to work out the new world order

It sounds like yours are making really great progress! I'll bet it won't take them that long at all to work out their own rules and get along just fine

Chrisanne · #8 03-30-2004, 05:18 PM

I agree, it will take time. Deja is right, it will vary based on their personalities. I would like to add, that if it were me, I would not move the cats food and litter pan to their hide out area. They will come up to eat and do their business when they need to.

Siberians are gorgeous. Double check your fence for holes, they are escape artists.

Core · #9 03-30-2004, 06:16 PM

Thanks for all the info, it is appreciated.

As far as the cats personalities, you are very right. Our one cat Jack has come up three to four times with direct confrontation with the dog. Where as my baby kiwi won't come out of her hiding place in the basement unless I pull her out. lol I think Jack will warm up to the dog within 1 week, where as kiwi I am thinking will be about 1 month or so. She is just scared to death of everything! Outside, sounds, etc.

Core · #10 03-31-2004, 08:20 PM

UPDATE: Both cats are getting more and more nerve to come upstairs and greet the dog. They end up going back downstairs after a while but 2 days ago they wouldn't even come out of hiding downstairs. Hopefully things keep on this motion.

Chrisanne · #11 03-31-2004, 08:30 PM

sounds like they are getting used to the new family member. I am so happy for you all

Deja · #12 03-31-2004, 10:37 PM

me too! I'm really glad things are going so well for you. It sounds like they are doing great!
Keep us posted

**kittygurl823** · #13 03-31-2004, 10:58 PM

That's great news!!!

Sounds like the kitties are getting used to Dawson!!! Keep us updated!

Core · #14 04-01-2004, 06:28 PM

How is this for an update on this situation? Sorry its kinda blurry. Jack just gets closer and closer. And as you can see Dawson just lets him and goes about his business.

Chinchilla_Girl · #15 04-01-2004, 07:35 PM

Awww...see! I knew they would be okay! With our old cat and our pitbull, we pretty much did what Dirk suggested to you and it worked out just fine...playful pitbull met scared kitty. Playful pitbull tried to play with scared kitty. Scared kitty scratched playful pitbull's nose...playful pitbull decided scared kitty was no fun! They got over it though and would snuggle together...until the day the cat disappeared...I found his collar down the street, (it was a break away cat collar) but never saw my kitty again. My dog went into a depression for days! She's fine now, but if we ever found my Neuka kitty again, she would be one happy pitty-bull!