{"id":14871,"date":"2022-10-05T07:20:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-05T13:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/?p=14871"},"modified":"2022-11-07T06:58:47","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T13:58:47","slug":"introducing-new-dog-to-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/pets\/introducing-new-dog-to-cats","title":{"rendered":"When House Pets Collide: Introducing a New Dog to Your Cat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introducing New Dog to Cats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve all seen those sweet pictures of dogs and cats cuddling together. The golden retriever spooning a new kitten, the kitten tugging at the Rottie\u2019s face. It’s a little like a Disney movie coming to life. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the internet flooded with such cuteness, it\u2019s natural to think you can get a new dog or new cat and they\u2019ll be instant best friends. Just add awww\u2026. But the reality is often different. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might find your senior cats want nothing to do with the new pup<\/a> you\u2019ve brought home. They might even show aggression toward the new four-legged family member when they come face-to-face for the first time. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don’t want a battle of the species on your hands. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does a pet parent introduce a new dog to your cat(s) and have it go well? They don’t have to be instant friends, but you do want to manage safety and keep the stress levels low. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It starts with your expectations. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Introduce a New Dog to Cats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When you’re dealing with personalities, every situation is different. When introducing a new dog to cats, maybe they become fast friends. But a senior pet may not be thrilled with a new addition to the household. The key is knowing the animal\u2019s personalities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s your resident cat like? How old is your kitty? What about the doggo? Do they have experience with the other species? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, cats can be territorial. You don\u2019t want to bring home a friendly puppy bounding with energy who\u2019s going to get all the attention and see your aloof, senior cat as a playmate. That can result in hurt feelings (on the doggo\u2019s side) and maybe even a scraped nose. You’ll also have a miffed feline on your hands. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s how you can coordinate an introduction process that starts things off on the right foot…er…paw.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions to Consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll want to consider the personalities of the cats and dogs in question before their first introduction. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n