Homes adopting chocolate lab retrievers (or any other kind of pup) need to take the initiative to ensure a smooth transition for your pup into a new home… and that includes socializing the new puppy with existing pets. Cats in particular require a careful hand when being introduced to their new four legged friends. If you brought a puppy into the home over the festive period (or you’re thinking of bringing one in for the new year) a properly managed introduction is essential for years of harmony between pets.
Here we’ll look at how to introduce a new puppy to a cat in a way that is safe, happy and stress-free for everyone.
Dogs and cats don’t have to fight like dogs and cats
Unfortunately, our popular mythology can serve as a stand-in for knowledge when it comes to the relationships between dogs and cats. Yes, dogs and cats have different instincts as one is a pack animal and the other is a solitary hunter. Yes, these different instincts can cause them to behave adversarially to one another at times.
But don’t let popular myth fool you.
Cats and dogs can and do live long and happy lives together without any conflict. Dogs and cats both have natural instincts to be gregarious and affectionate even if cats prefer a more solitary existence and dogs just want to establish themselves in the pack. A successful first meeting can make all the difference. And it behoves you to make that first meeting perfect…
Taking charge of the first meeting
When you bring a puppy into the home, it’s only natural that you might want to give them free run of the place. However, that’s simply not a luxury that households with cats can afford. It’s up to you to take charge of your pets’ first meeting and the courtship which will precede it. While your household (especially your kids) will want to make your new furry friend a part of the home as quickly as possible, restraint can make all the difference in creating lifelong bonds of friendship between cat and dog.
When arranging the first meeting it’s important to take charge and be as assertive yet calm as possible. Animals can sense when we are stressed or panicking and if they perceive stress in you the introduction is already off to a bad start.
Stage your introduction properly, however, and there should be nothing to get stressed about.
Doing it right, however, is going to take some preparation.
Making the proper introductions
When introducing a puppy into a home with the cat, it’s essential to inconvenience the resident cat as little as possible. As you’ve probably noticed whenever unfamiliar visitors come around, cats can be wary of newcomers into their space and may be reluctant to socialize. They may instead perch somewhere with a good vantage point and wait for the intruder to go away.
Needless to say, introducing anything as inquisitive and excitable as a puppy should be managed carefully.
Scent articles and scent swapping
Ideally this should take place before the pup enters your home. Try and get a favorite chew toy, sock, blanket or any other item that your pup spends time with. This is a scent article, as is any of your cats favorite toys, blankets or sleeping baskets.
Letting each pet spend time with one another’s scent articles can ease the introduction, allowing both friends to get used to one another’s scents slowly. It adds the new puppy’s scent to the normal “smell-scape” of the home while also helping your new pup to better understand their kitty friend, too. Some families rub the dog’s scent articles and rub them on various objects at “cat height” around the room.
Stroking each pet in turn is another great way to get them used to one another’s scents while creating positive connotations with the scent.
Separation without anxiety
If your pet is already moved into your home (or soon to be moved in), it’s important to give both pets a space that is theirs. Both dogs and cats have territorial instincts and will be confused by a home that doesn’t smell “theirs”. It’s best if you can give your pup their own room where the family can come and visit (it’s also important for you to manage introductions to small kids).
Over time, you can start bringing your pup into the cat’s main living space. Although it may be best to bring them in on a leash or better yet in a crate at first.
Be very vigilant in managing the pets’ introduction. Your cat may prefer to observe from a distance at first, but will come and investigate the new kid in the home in their own time.
The importance of a safe space for your cat
Once again, as much as you may want to give your new puppy full access to your home, it’s also essential to give your cat a safe space where they can enjoy some alone time. Even if your furry friends appear to be getting along, even the friendliest cat will start to crave their own space (and get stressed out if they don’t get it).
That means that you should try and keep your new pup away from your cat’s favorite “safe spaces” and make sure that your cat gets the peace and solitude they need.
How long should the lead up to the introduction take?
Honestly, it depends on the dog, the cat and you. You’ll need to carefully manage all interactions at first to get an idea of how your cat is reacting to the presence of their new friend. Sometimes pups and cats are happy to share a space in a matter of days. In other cases it can take weeks or even months.
It’s always important to supervise contact between the two. Over time you’ll develop an understanding of their relationship and phase human intervention out of their introductions.
While it may take patience and restraint, this is the best way to lay the foundations for a lifelong friendship!
