Dogs and cats can be “friends”
Scenes from a Tom and Jerry cartoon can swim into
your mind if you start to think about introducing a
new dog to your cat(s) who have had your home all
to themselves.
cannot reach, such as a raised surface or upstairs
room?
But it need not be so.
If you go ahead then try the introduction indoors with
the dog on a lead until you are sure they are really
comfortable together. Time should be spent actively
rewarding the dog for not chasing or being overly
bold towards a cat. Creative use of food and/or toys
are great rewards for not barking or trying to chase
the cat.
Many of us know of homes where there’s happy
relationships between the two. Some even curl
up with each other and develop a strong bond as
friends.
Of course that’s not always the case. The introduction
of a dog has to be done slowly and with care.
Some dogs do have a predatory instinct and may
never be able to live safely with cats. If you’re
adopting a new furry friend from Stokenchurch
Dog Rescue I suggest you choose a dog that has
previously lived happily with cats. At our kennels we
have two quite contented cats patrolling quite happily
in the reception area, staff rooms and grounds. Very
rarely is there a commotion! Sometimes, prior to an
adoption, we can lead a dog past one of the cats to
test reactions.
Select a dog that has a “yes” to cats written on the
information panel by their kennel.
You should consider the following. How bold or
nervous is your cat? Is your cat used to living with
dogs? Is your cat elderly or infirm? Will he or she
be able to get away if
the dog decides to
chase? Can you
provide the cat
with a retreat
“safe”
area
where the dog
If you think your cat will be really unsettled you must
consider that and not proceed with a dog adoption.
We suggest you place a barrier, such as a baby gate,
between the area where the dog is and the cat’s safe
area so that the cat can come and go at will without
the dog being able to follow.
A good tip for getting each accustomed to the other
is to use food. Only try this approach if you know
that your dog is not a food guarder. Put a bowl of cat
food in reach of the cat but out of the dog’s reach. At
the same time give the dog a treat or chew. Eating
is a pleasurable experience and so the association
between the other animal and food may help smooth
any relationship problems.
Try to ensure that the dog is never allowed to chase
your cat. Dogs often find that exciting. Your aim is
to reward the dog for ignoring or turning away from
the cat.
In the first few weeks and months you will just have
to be patient and wait and see if the dog and cat
can co-exist.
At our kennels you can get a leaflet and staff advice
on this subject. We usually have about 50 dogs in
need of new homes - and maybe with a cat!
Geoff Perfitt, Press Officer, Stokenchurch Dog Rescue,
Oxford Road, Stokenchurch. Kennels Tel. no. 01494 482695.
P. Bowden
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