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So,
you're thinking of bringing home a puppy, but you're
not sure how your cat will react to a new four-legged
member of the family. Take heart - canines and felines
can indeed get along! And by heeding a few simply
precautions, your happy, harmonious home will prove
false that old phrase, "fighting like cats
and dogs"!
Cats and Dogs Living Together – First Days
On
the day you bring home a puppy to a household with
a cat, ANIMED recommends that you put the dog
in a crate or another room. You can also keep the
two separated by using a sturdy baby gate. Allow
your cat to sniff out the dog on her own terms.
Remember, it's perfectly normal for a cat to hiss
and run away when she sees the newcomer for the
first time.
Dog Behaviors & Understanding Cats
If
you are bringing home a cat and your resident dog
understands basic commands, you're in luck. You'll
most likely be able to control him indoors around
the cat. If the dog lacks basic manners or is the
newcomer, you'll need to put him on a short leash.
Should he attempt to chase the cat, simply step
on the end of the leash and tell him "Sit"
or "Down." Don't forget to praise him
when he complies.
Cat Behavior & Feeling Safe
And
remember, as your cat gets used to sharing space
with a dog, the baby gate will be her, and your,
best friend. A nervous cat can hop the gate to find
a safe haven. This will help her feel a lot more
secure. You may also need to place your cat's litter
box behind the baby gate, as it is very common for
dogs to eat cat feces. If a gate isn't a viable
solution, do make sure you put the box somewhere
your cat can easily get to it, but in a place where
your dog cannot.
You
also may need to find an alternative feeding station
for your kitty, one that's inaccessible to your
hungry chow hound. Counter tops and wide window
sills can provide out-of-reach dining spots for
cats. And remember, cat and dog food are not interchangeable.
For example, cats should never be fed dogfood. It
won't meet her protein requirements, nor will it
contain adequate levels of taurine, an essential
amino acid. Inadequate levels of taurine in the
diet have been linked to feline heart disease and
blindness. Much research has gone into developing
specialized canine and feline diets, so keeping
your dog and cat out of each other's bowls is crucial!
Keep
in mind that it might take time for your furry friends
to completely accept other. But when they do, you
may even see them cuddling or grooming each other!
How's that for a home, sweet, home?
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