Make your Cat and Dog Live Peacefully

Isn't it exciting to have a new pet to live with? However, it may be stressful if you have to introduce this pet to another pet that has been with you and has conquered your home. How much more if it is a cat you are introducing to your dog or vice versa! You may be thinking right now that this is impossible. But whether you're introducing a new dog to your cats -- or a new cat to your dogs -- it doesn't have to be hard.

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Most often, dogs are the main problems in a dog and cat introduction. This is because dogs will chase  rapidly moving objects and if cat gets frightened and runs away your dog will obviously chase it. So train your dog to stop that habit before it develops further or else this will result injury or death for your cat. Here are basic rules that may guide you.

1. Make sure your cat can run and hide. Your cat must be able to run around freely if it needs to. There must be an elevation somewhere in the home where the cat can get off the floor and settle in.
2. Make sure your puppy or dog is well restrained. As stated above, you must make sure that your dog will not chase your cat even if it runs away. This may be hard for some dogs with breeds that really have prey-instincts. 
3. Consider baby gates. These gates can help introduce dogs and cats. This also minimizes the danger for cats. 

These are also four mistakes you shouldn't make when introducing your cat to your dog or vice versa:

1. Forcing physical proximity. Don't pick up your cat and introduce him to your dog right in front of its face. This will encourage your cat to scratch your dog's face and, thus, your dog will end up hating your cat. Just wait for your cat to approach your dog.
2. Not knowing the background of the dog you adopt. Adopting a dog from a shelter is usually a great idea. However, you wouldn't know the background of this dog, especially if its an adult. Most of these dogs are destructive and or aggressive. If you want a dog into the household it's much better to introduce a puppy.
3. Not preparing your pet for change. Make the changes before introducing your new pet. An example would be moving the litter box or introducing the baby gates. This way your pet can get used to the changes before the new pet arrives.
4. Not thinking about your pet's reaction. Always put yourself into your pet's shoes. Be aware that if you move the litter box and the cat has to walk past the dog's kennel to get to it and the dog is barking -- that's going to be stressful for the cat.

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If you're lucky, your cat and dog may settle in quickly but usually it takes several days or weeks. However if your kitten is always hiding in fear or if your dog is displaying aggressive behavior towards your cat, don't hesitate to get help. Don't wait until a pet gets hurt. Talk with a veterinary behaviorist so they can help your new and old pet can get along.