For most members of your household, bringing home a new puppy will be a fun and joyful time. Your only roommate who may be more stressed than excited? Your cat!
The process of introducing a new puppy to your cat can be overwhelming. But the good news is that with careful planning, patience, and dedication, you can teach your two furbabies how to live in harmony (and even to be friends). Here are a few introduction do’s and don’ts you can follow to help your cat and puppy build a foundation for a strong friendship!
DO start with separation.
Before you throw your new pup and cat together in the same room, you need to let them get used to each other’s scent and presence. When you first bring your puppy home, put your cat in a room and let the puppy explore the house. Then, switch them and let the cat explore the puppy’s lingering scent. Repeat this process for the first few days.
DON’T rush into a face-to-face introduction.
Until you’re 100% sure your puppy and cat can be around each other safely, all face-to-face meetings should take place in a controlled environment. For example, let them hang out in a room together but with your puppy on a leash, in a crate, or separated with a baby gate. This will allow them to get familiar with each other, slowly relax, and prevent chase.
DO make sure your cat has an escape route.
Knowing they have an exit route or a high place to get away from the puppy will give your cat a sense of safety and control. If they know they’ll be able to leave at any time they want, they’ll be more willing to indulge their curiosity and spend time around the puppy. Limit interactions in the beginning to rooms with cat trees, high bookshelves, windows, or easy cat exits, such as a baby gate with a cat door.
DON’T forget positive reinforcement.
Using a reward system when your cat and puppy are interacting, or just together, will help them develop positive associations with one another. When they’re in the same room and interacting calmly or even just ignoring each other, offer them treats, toys, pets, and/or praises. If one of them (more likely the pup) gets too excitable, remove them from the area.
If you’re looking for a puppy you know will be able to get along with you, your family, and your resident cat, consider an Australian Labradoodle puppy from Blue Star Labradoodles. With their gentle, loving temperaments and joyful, easy-to-train personalities, Australian Labradoodles will fit seamlessly into any home, becoming a trusted companion for all of its residents.
Contact us today to inquire about bringing home one of our exceptional puppies!
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