Vital Pet Health

Whether your dog has lived with cats before or this is the first time these precautions must always be followed, as every new encounter can be different, and the cat not necessarily be tolerated.

Throughout the introducing stage it is vital that the dog does not frighten the cat. The easiest way to do this is by keeping the dog on a lead and under control. The cat needs the freedom to be able to escape away or approach the dog when they are ready to do so.

It is likely that the cat will need time to assess the dog before approaching for a closer greeting. Close contact between the pair indicates that they are becoming increasingly familiar and a friendship bond may be forming.

The friendship bond may well take several weeks. For this reason do not leave the dog and cat alone until it is clear that they are comfortable with one another. Throughout the process of introduction ensure the dog does not chase the cat. If this is allowed to happen the trust between the pair will vanish and the friendship-building phase will need to start again.

Finally, try and reduce the levels of jealousy by instructing family members to give the pair time and space to weigh one another up. If the cat is receiving alot of attention, this may increase negative feelings the dog has for the cat as he will feel left out.