How Do I Make My Cat More Comfortable Around My Dog?
Multi-pet households can be tricky to navigate, especially when there are different species in the mix. Pet owners with more than one type of pet often fantasize about having their dogs and cats develop a deep friendship with each other. However, cats and dogs do not always cohabit peacefully.
Many pet owners are often surprised to realize that it may be their cat who has the hardest time adjusting to the presence of a new dog. Even if your cat has grown up with other dogs, any kind of dog may make them uncomfortable.
To help your cat become more comfortable with your dog, start introducing your cat to your dog slowly, just as you would introduce two cats to each other. Isolate your cat in a separate room and give them something that will smell like your dog to get used to their scent.
After some time, you can allow short, supervised meetings between the two pets. Keep your dog on leash and make sure your dog does not display any behavior that might make your cat upset. Only lengthen the time they spend together when your cat seems to have grown more comfortable.
From there, you can repeat this process while supervising your dog while it is off leash to leaving your pets alone with each other.
Don’t be surprised if your cat never adjusts to the presence of your dog. Cats enjoy their alone time. Always make sure that your cat has a space where they can escape from your dog and be alone. A cat flap that your dog cannot get through would be a great way to give your cat their own territory.
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DOG PERSON🐶
Pets: I have a fluffy, 14 year old chow-collie mix with red fur named Rosso. He's very stubborn and has the standoffish personality of a cat.
Fun stuff: I am a hot chocolate connoisseur.
