Any tips for getting cat to accept new puppy ?

Somerset

We were always going to get a dog but thought it best to wait till the cat was old enough to stand up for himself.

Anyway the cat is about 18 months old. He's a lovely boy, loves his cuddles, has his routine, is very attached to home etc. Only thing is he disappears/hides when strangers come inside the house, but comes out of hiding when they leave.

Puppy arrived yesterday (10 weeks old) and cat is not happy. The puppy is fine with the cat, a couple of yips but nothing of note. The puppy came from a household full of cats so he's not bothered. The cat is now mostly living upstairs. He sleeps and seems relaxed enough but only upstairs or on the stairs themselves (puppy can't climb stairs yet). The cat spends a lot of time looking at the puppy but always at a distance. I've had to move the cat's bowls upstairs as I was worried he wasn't eating & needed a 'safe' place to eat. If the cat needs to go outside (hunting) he 'stalks' his way around.

The cat is both wary of the puppy but also fascinated. I assumed/hoped that eventually, over time the cat would get used to the puppy, come down, maybe put the puppy in his place, and they'd 'get along'. Probably I'm looking for some reassurance. I'd hate for the cat to 'leave home' because of the new addition. Btw I've been giving the cat lots of time, stroking, attention etc so he doesn't feel left out.

Any input appreciated.

frugallass

baby gates - the cat can squeeze through but some pups can't (depends on the size of the pup I suppose)

attention for the cat in view of pup - so puppy knows that it has to wait its turn and if he tries to muscle in he needs to be pushed away and told to wait

time and patience is the only other advice I can offer

Swans1912

Somerset wrote: »

The cat is both wary of the puppy but also fascinated. I assumed/hoped that eventually, over time the cat would get used to the puppy, come down, maybe put the puppy in his place, and they'd 'get along'. Probably I'm looking for some reassurance. I'd hate for the cat to 'leave home' because of the new addition. Btw I've been giving the cat lots of time, stroking, attention etc so he doesn't feel left out.

Not an expert but it sounds like the cat is making sure it is safe!

As you said the cat is 'fascinated' by the dog so perhaps after some time they will both get along. They will be fine I'm sure - they just need time!

UKTigerlily

I have an adult cat age 10.5yrs & a new rescue dog aged 6 & have only had the dog since 5th Dec & the cats much like yours, it sounds like theyll be fine & as someone said, the cats making sure it's safe before moving! Just take it slowly & don't force it, maybe give both lots of nice things when they're together, mix scents & stuff?

Milford_Cubicle

You'll need to give kitty lots of time, several weeks in fact.
Cats do not take kindly to others encroaching on their territory. Dogs don't care, they love the company. This is why I chose to get my kitten and puppy at the same time! You can quite happily introduce a kitten or young cat to a puppy/dog, but to do it the other way around will take lots of time and patience. Good luck

Hintza

Just leave them to sort it out.

My sister took in two rescue cats a number of years ago and when they arrived one shot straight up the chimney. He died recently bujt in his later years he kept all the dogs in order. Just walking past him would result in the mark of Zorro, soon sorted out all the new puppies who soon learnt not to mess with cats. Even our Border Terrier who used to hunt the farm cats was brought into line.

ariba10

Daughter had two Cats and one stupid Labrador.

The cats were boss. One would sit on the arm of an easy chair and give the dog a swipe every time it went past, just to show who was boss.

The cats are gone now and the dog will chase any cat that comes into the garden, but if they stop and look at him he chickens out.

Bounty2009

I would suggest putting the puppy in a dog cage in your sitting room for a few hours a day so your cat feels safe enough to come down stairs. The cat can then sniff the puppy in safety through the bars.
It will probably take several weeks for them to get used to eachother, so don't feel disheartened that it hasn't happened immediately.

Good luck x

Somerset

Well I think I'm seeing some progress though it's slow. The cat is still giving the puppy a wide berth but seems more relaxed. Plus when the cat was sitting on a chair and the puppy came too close to him, we got the big hissssssss. Ok, the cat scarpered after that, but I think he's getting more confident (slowly) around the puppy.

Hintza

Somerset wrote: »

Well I think I'm seeing some progress though it's slow. The cat is still giving the puppy a wide berth but seems more relaxed. Plus when the cat was sitting on a chair and the puppy came too close to him, we got the big hissssssss. Ok, the cat scarpered after that, but I think he's getting more confident (slowly) around the puppy.

Tomorrow he will be mugging the puppy....:D

hewhoisnotintheknow

carry the cat and show it love whilst ignoring the puppy