By Dena Jill Fitzgerald
Can you adopt a cat into your family if you already have a dog? In most cases, the answer is a resounding YES!!
• Most dogs and cats will accept each other over time and many will even form a close bond. However, in some cases, a dog’s prey drive may be too strong and the dog may not be able to learn to respect the cat as a member of the family. The prey drive is the instinct to chase, capture, and kill smaller animals.
• If your dog has not cohabitated with cats before, take him to the animal shelter to do an assessment of his reaction to cats. Your dog should be kept on a short lead for this first introduction. Ask the shelter staff to assist you with the introduction.
• Is your dog exhibiting a prey drive aggression – intense stare, hair standing on end, stiff erect tail, vocalizing, and lunging or pulling wildly on the leash? If so, then you should not consider adopting a cat. Although your dog’s prey drive could be modified over time with intensive training, it is a strong instinct that cannot be completely eliminated and there will always be a potential danger to the cat.
• Is your dog exhibiting a playful curiosity – sniffing, tail wagging, play bowing, pulling towards the cat (but not lunging)? If so, then your dog can most likely be taught to behave gently towards a cat.
• Is your dog exhibiting a fearful response - averting eyes, tail down or between the legs, trembling, backing away? It is not uncommon for dogs to show fear of cats at the first introduction, especially if the cat is hissing or growling. Typically, a dog will quickly overcome his fear and begin to bond with a new feline family member in a matter of a few days.
• Once you have established how your dog will react to a cat, it is then time to select the right cat for your family. It is a good idea to try to match the cat to your dog’s personality.
• A kitten is a good option for a playful exuberant dog. Kittens are rough- and-tumble players themselves and will enjoy having an equally energetic playmate.
• Another option for a large, playful dog is a young adult cat that has lived with dogs before. Animal shelters often get cats that have previously lived in a home with dogs.
• A fearful dog may actually be more frightened by a playful kitten or young adult that is constantly running around and pouncing on him. However, a laid-back older adult kitty that has lived with dogs before will quickly put your fearful dog at ease.
• If your dog is generally calm and gentle, you may want to try adopting an adult cat that has not lived with dogs before, but be sure to choose one that is outgoing and gregarious. Some very timid cats will never learn to feel comfortable around a dog. Your animal shelter staff can help you choose an outgoing self-confident kitty. A cat that comes to the front of his cage and solicits attention would be a good choice.
• Once you bring your newly adopted kitten or cat home from the shelter, it is important that you proceed slowly with the introduction to your dog. Although "love at first sight" between a cat and dog does happen sometimes, in most cases an adjustment period of a few days is needed.
• A dog that is well-trained in basic obedience will make the introduction go more smoothly. Before you adopt a cat, it is an excellent idea to reinforce your dog’s training. Make sure your dog knows "sit," "stay," "down," and "leave it."
• When you bring the new cat home, be sure to praise your dog’s good behavior rather than yelling "No" if he attempts to chase the cat. If your dog is constantly punished whenever the cat is around, he will develop a negative association with the cat. With positive reinforcement for good behaviors, your dog will quickly learn that the cat is associated with praise and rewards.
• When you first bring your adopted kitty home, it is advisable to confine him to a small room, such as a bedroom, for a few days. Make sure he has food, water, a bed, and a litter box. Move your dog’s food and water bowls outside of the closed door. This will allow your dog and new cat to become familiar with each other through smell and feel more at ease before a face-to-face introduction. By feeding your dog near the cat’s room you will also be teaching a positive association.
When you are ready for the first introduction, put your dog on a short leash and have one family member sit with the dog at one end of the living room while another holds the cat at the other end of the room. Ask your dog to sit and stay and reward him for good behavior while the family member with the cat gradually moves closer to the dog.
Be prepared for hissing and growling from the kitty, especially if he has not lived with a dog before. If the cat starts to become very upset, then it is time to back up slightly and let him calm down before you attempt to bring him any closer to the dog.
Depending on the behavior of your dog and cat, you may need to repeat this procedure several times over the course of a few days or a week before you are comfortable allowing them to roam free in the house together.
Dena Jill Fitzgerald is director of Animal Welfare Services for the American Humane Association
