Animal Welfare Professionals

Good morning. I've been asked to help get some suggestions for adopters regarding introducing a rescue dog into a home with a cat. I've never owned a cat so this is all new to me. We have a shelter cat so that the dogs all know him and see him throughout their time with us. We've had a few dogs returned recently because of the whole cat thing once the new dog gets home. 

Any suggestions on how to make the transition easier? I do not work in the shelter but out of my house doing marketing.

Thank you for any help you can offer. 

Hi, this video from Rebound Hounds might help. https://www.maddiesfund.org/introducing-your-foster-dog-to-cats.htm And here's a print resources from Best Friends: https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/how-introduce-dog-cat

Thank you for responding. I'll make sure to pass these on. 

Hi! Here's another technique using a crate https://www.adoptapet.com/blog/6-steps-to-introduce-a-new-cat-to-your-dog/  -- love the leash dragging suggestion in the Rebound video. 

From Maddie's Pet Assistance advice: 

If the dog seems fearful -

Here are some helpful tips:    

• Keep visits with your cat safe so that your dog does not get chased or attacked by the cat.
• If possible, put your dog and your cat on either side of a tall gate where your dog can sniff the cat, but the cat is not able to swipe or scratch.
• Feed your dog tasty treats when near your cat to create positive associations.
• Keep these greetings on leash so that your dog cannot lunge at the cat if he/she is scared.

If you feel your dog’s behavior around cats is worsening or not improving, please seek the help of a qualified positive reinforcement trainer, behaviorist or veterinarian.

Additional information:

• AmericanHumane: Introducing Dogs to Cats
• ASPCApro: Living With Cats and Dogs

if dog is grouchy or shows irritable behavior toward cat(s) when, he/she has food or a high value item (e.g., food wrapper or special toy):

Some dogs can show grouchy and irritable behaviors toward cats around food or food-related items. Keeping everyone safe should always be your priority.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Do not feed or give {petname} food-related items at any time when your cat is near. Only give {petname} food items or chew toys when {he/she} is in a crate or a separate room that the cat cannot access, and do not leave {his/her} food bowl out for {him/her} to nibble on throughout the day.
• Always closely supervise {petname} when your cat is near {him/her}. Separate {him/her} and your cat when they are not actively being supervised. For example, put the two in different rooms with the door shut or the dog crated.

If you feel at any time {petname}’s behavior around cats is worsening, please seek the help of a qualified positive reinforcement trainer, behaviorist, or veterinarian.

Additional information:

• ASPCA: Food Guarding
• San Francisco SPCA: Resource Guarding
  
  
  

if dog is grouchy or shows irritable behavior toward cat(s) when, he/she sees the cat:

Don’t rush your pets into anything they are not comfortable with. 

Here are some helpful tips:

• Separate {petname} and the cat when they are not being closely and actively supervised, either in different rooms with the door shut or with {petname} in a crate.
• Provide your cat with a safe area as well, such as an area behind a baby gate or high on a cat tree, which {petname} can’t get to.
• Have {petname} on leash when {he/she} does have to be in the same room with your cat and you can gently redirect and move {him/her} away if he behaves aggressively.
• Take a positive reinforcement dog training class so {petname} can learn basic training cues and you can form a positive relationship together.

If you feel at any time {petname}’s behavior around cats is worsening, please seek the help of a qualified positive reinforcement trainer, behaviorist, or veterinarian.

Additional information:

• BestFriends: How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat
• PetMD: How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat
• DrSophiaYin: The Learn to Earn Program