Introducing other pets to your cat

Unless cats are appropriately exposed to pets of other species during the socialisation period, the may never be comfortable or safe in close proximity to them. However, bringing kittens up to view other household pets as part of their own social group is sometimes possible.

Supervision
Supervision is key to making a success of the enterprise and cats should never be left un-attended with any pet from a prey species, no matter how well bonded the may appear to be. Equally, when introducing a resident dog, never leave them unsupervised.

Refuges
Make sure that your cat can quickly escape to his sanctuary or an elevated observation post. It is important to maintain a degree of separation between pets, especially where dogs are concerned, so that the cat feels safe in one part of the home.

Smaller pets
It is important to be aware that for many small furies, such as hamsters, even the scent of a cat is bad news. This is embedded into their evolution that a cat is one of their predictors.  So once again, we must take care in not to allow them access to smaller pets from prey species, as well as ensuring we don't pet our cat, then handle our tiny companions as that may send them into a fear induced state.

Cats and dogs
Care should be taken when introducing cats to dogs. The breed, temperament, age and degree of control we are able to exert are important issues when introducing them to a new feline companion.
A poorly trained dog should never be introduced to a cat and exceptional care should be taken with terriers.

Obedience
Brush up on your dogs obedience training before the new cat arrives. You need to feel confident that he will obey commands to leave and sit.

Escape routes
A frightened cat that is unable to escape is unlikely to tolerate a dog again, let alone become friends with one. The secrets to a successful meeting are:

• Have elevated refuges available for the cat
• Dog gates over which cats can escape
• A light lead that the dog wears for control if and when necessary
• A supply of favourite treats or an exciting new toy with which to distract your pooch
• Use of pheromones to create a calm relaxed environment.

Closer contact

Repeat the sessions over several days, weeks or months, depending on your pets reactions. When the time is right, allow your cat to approach the dog but not the other way around. Never leave your pets together unsupervised in this crucial stage, make sure they are well adjusted and your cat can easily get away if necessary.

Quick guide to canine introductions

Keep introductions short and sweet. Control everything and ensure the dog learns that it is more worth it's while to not chase the cat than to do so.

1. Do not force your cat into contact with your dog but when you think the time is right, sit quietly in a room with your dog beside as you as far from the doorway as possible.
2. Keep hold of the lead but let it hang loose or put your foot on the end so you can stop the dog chasing the cat. Have your supply of treats or new toy nearby and make your dog sit with his attention focused on you.
3. If you have someone to help you, get them to play with the cat and gradually move towards room but not too close. If not, choose a time that the cat is likely to approach or even lay a trail of treats that lead towards the room.
4. Reward your dog for not taking any notice or just sitting quietly and let the cat hop up onto a shelf, climbing frame or the back of a sofa.
5. End the session before your dog gets over excited or if the cat becomes stressed or frightened.