Introduction
You’ve just brought your new dog home, and your cat is not happy. In fact, your cat looks downright mad. Maybe you’re even worried that the cat won’t ever warm up to the new addition to the family.
Don’t worry—we’re here to help. Whether your cat has never been too fond of dogs or just seems to be having a hard time adjusting to the new pet in the house, we have some tips for making friends with a cat that does not like dogs. Read on for our best advice.
What to Consider Before Introducing a Dog and a Cat
Before you even think about introducing a dog and a cat, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. For one, do you have enough space for both of them to roam around? Secondly, can you create a dog-free sanctuary for the cat at all times? This means no dog bed, no dog toys, and no dog chew toys lying around.
The key to getting them to get along is patience and setting the groundwork from the start. Feed them first on the opposite sides of a closed door. As they get more comfortable with each other’s scent, you can start to slowly let them see each other but always make sure there’s a barrier between them.
And finally, teach both pets some basic commands. This will help them feel more in control and ultimately make them less anxious around each other.
Tips on How to Create a Friendly Environment Between Dogs and Cats
Coming into contact with a dog can be very scary for a cat. Dogs often come in close contact with their owners and may unintentionally scare or hurt the cat. There are a few things that you can do to help create a friendlier environment for the cat.
First, take the personality of the cat into account. Not all cats will get along with dogs, even if they are of the same breed. If your dog is trained and knows how to behave around cats, that will help tremendously. Make sure that the cat has its own territory in your home and that the dog is not allowed to go into that area. This will help minimize confrontations.
The best way to introduce your dog and cat is slowly and carefully. Make sure that you are in a calm environment with plenty of treats for both animals. Allow them to smell each other and get used to each other’s presence before introducing them to each other face-to-face. If either animal becomes scared or aggressive, stop the interaction and try again later. With patience and time, you should be able to create a friendship between your beloved pets.
How to Monitor the Interaction Between Dogs and Cats
Your number one job when it comes to getting your cat and dog friends is to monitor their interaction. This means being close by, keeping an eye on them and intervening when necessary.
It’s important to take the personality of your animals into account, rather than their breed. For example, a Jack Russell Terrier might be bred to be a hunting dog, but that doesn’t mean all of them will automatically take to hunting down your cat. In the same vein, not all cats are going to detest dogs just because they’re cats—each animal has its own unique personality.
The key is to train your dog not to chase or bark at the cat, and to give the cat its own territory where it feels safe. This might mean a separate room, or even just a different part of the house where the dog isn’t allowed. With time and patience, you can help these two become the best of friends.
Create Separation Between Dogs and Cats if Necessary
When introducing a cat to a dog, it might be beneficial to give each pet some alone time and create separation between them. This space can help with desensitization, since cats feel safer and more secure when they have their own territory.
You can designate one side of a room or house as the dog’s and the other side as the cat’s. This way you can work on building independent relationships with both animals. You could even use a baby gate or carrier to keep them separate if necessary.
Also, be sure to use calming techniques such as placing each pet in his own space, providing toys, and offering treats and positive reinforcement to both pets during introduction sessions. By keeping each animal in their own area and rewarding good behavior during this process, it’s more likely that you will succeed in helping both animals coexist peacefully.
Methods of Positive Reinforcement for the Cat
If you have a cat that doesn’t warm up to your dog, you don’t have to give up all hope. The same methods used with dogs can be applied to cats. After all, cats do appreciate rewards too!
Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to introducing cats and dogs. Reward behaviors that you want to encourage as soon as possible. That means if your dog is quiet around the cat, let him know he’s done something good and give a treat or lots of praise right away. This will help the cat learn that it and its actions are appreciated.
Additionally, giving the cat treats when it’s around the dog can help create a positive association between them. Giving the cat treats while they’re together can help the cat relax and will help it associate being around the dog with something pleasurable.
Be sure to always reward your pet immediately for desired behavior, otherwise it won’t understand what you’re trying to teach it!
Common Mistakes Made When Bonding Cats With Dogs
As with any relationship, there are things to avoid when bonding cats and dogs. Some common mistakes are easily avoided with a little knowledge.
One mistake is to introduce cats and dogs without the proper preparation. Before you let your dog meet your cat, make sure the cat is comfortable around dogs – not too fearful or skittish. You should also begin introductions with the dog on a leash, if possible, so that you can prevent them from chasing each other and give the cat freedom to wander and explore.
Another mistake is allowing the wrong behavior from either one of them during introductions or continuing the bad behavior after introductions are complete. Good manners go a long way! Make sure both animals learn how to behave appropriately around one another by obedience training your dog. And for cats, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviors such as not swatting or hissing if they see a dog nearby.
By following these tips for making friends between cats and dogs, you can help ensure a loving bond between your four-legged friends.
Conclusion
So, if you’re a dog lover trying to make friends with a cat that doesn’t like dogs, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Check out these tips, and you’ll be on your way to a furry friendship in no time!
