Acclimating a new dog to a cat and vice versa

Relic · #1 01-22-2009, 12:16 PM

We just brought home our adopted shelter doggie. She's doing great, sleeping behind me as I type this matter of fact. Our cat? Different story, she's all bugged out and hiding in the basement.
What's the best way to acclimate them both to each other? I've had dogs and cats before but never together, I'm a total newbie with this.

jkritchey · #2 01-22-2009, 12:19 PM

I've always ignored them. The cat usually sorts it out...one way or the other...

TallLankyBastyd · #3 01-22-2009, 12:24 PM

As long as the dog isn't trying to eat the cat... all is well.

When we brought the two kittens home this last summer we just had the dogs lay down and then placed the cats between them. If/when the dogs made any kind of agressive move we would just say "no" and then firmly push the offending dog's muzzle away from the cat(s).

They all get along great and the cats actually try and tease the dogs into chasing them... which they do but only in fun and they haven't munched a cat... yet...

Here they all are... getting along just swell... opening Xmas presents last month.

Relic · #4 01-22-2009, 12:43 PM

Cool. I guess it just takes assertiveness on my part with her. I'll introduce her to the cat tonite and see what happens. If I create a thread titled "Oh S***!! My Dog Just Ate My Cat!!" tomorrow, you can post a bunch of "Fail" pics

Here she is:

They told us she was a shepard mix, maybe with lab or boxer but looking into it, she looks a lot like a Black Mouth Cur. Anyone good here with breeds?

Edit:
Pic of a Black Mouth Cur for reference:

PSPookie · #5 01-22-2009, 12:43 PM

The critters should sort it out on their own. Just give it time.

The cat can take care of itself. Remember: in dog world attitude counts more than size.

It is my general policy not to get involved in interspecies politics.

FYI: I have 2 cats 2 dogs and a toddler and they all get along just fine.

TallLankyBastyd · #6 01-22-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

FYI: I have 2 cats 2 dogs and a toddler and they all get along just fine.

Call me a "crazed whacko" but something tells me...

...the toddler will eventually cause you some trouble!!

bongomania · #7 01-22-2009, 12:56 PM

When we got the puppy we already had two cranky and possessive older cats. We made it a point to give them "safe" ways to interact, like where the pup was behind a baby gate where the cats could come up and smell him without getting stepped on. It also helped a lot that we had some tall climbing-tree things for the cats, so they could run up those any time they felt unsafe. We also made it so that the cats, which had always been allowed on the bed, could continue that, but the puppy was not allowed on the bed. That way there was one more safe place for the cats where they could relax.

After all that though, it really was just up to the animals and how they figured it out on their own.

PSPookie · #8 01-23-2009, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TallLankyBastyd

Call me a "crazed whacko" but something tells me...

...the toddler will eventually cause you some trouble!!

eventually . . . Ha!

tomcatgal · #9 01-23-2009, 05:31 AM

It will take a week and then they will be fine...once the cat comes out of the basement, of course. Good luck!

jkritchey · #10 01-23-2009, 08:00 AM

BTW, can the cat defend itself? Does it still have claws? I withdraw my advice if it is declawed or not able bodied....

Relic · #11 01-23-2009, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkritchey

BTW, can the cat defend itself? Does it still have claws? I withdraw my advice if it is declawed or not able bodied....

She's a fully clawed doom of squirrels, mice, lawn moles, and birds. She's also the cat that I created a thread about some time ago who actually ran a deer out of "her territory" (our back yard). If the dog starts a fight, Spooky will put a hurtin' on her that's for sure.

Here she is a-chillin'