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how to introduce new puppy to a

6 years ago

My daughter will be bringing home her new 8 week old puppy next week. She has a cat that is about 12 years old. and is quite set in his ways as you can imagine. Is there a good way to bring the dog into the home so that they will be friends.Should she keep them seperated at first or not.

Featured Answer

maddielee

6 years ago

Crate the puppy! Let the cat get used to to him, it doesn't take long.

litter boxes need to be put where puppy can not get to them. Trust me.

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Comments (10)

sushipup1
6 years ago
She should have a crate or x-pen for the puppy, and the cat should have a safe escape place. If the puppy is contained most of the time (when not being actively engaged by family in training, play), the cat will be curious and come around. It may take a little while, but things will be just fine.
Lyban zone 4 thanked sushipup1
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DLM2000-GW
6 years ago
When we introduced our dog to our son's cat we set up a gate in a bedroom doorway - they could see each other but the dog couldn't get in and the cat always had a safe escape.
Lyban zone 4 thanked DLM2000-GW
Rory (Zone 6b)
6 years ago
We just brought a new puppy home on Friday and we have 2 cats. This dog is very calm so we just let them check each other out. If he had chased the cats I would have put him in the crate. The older cat did take a swipe at him when he got too close but it really only scared the dog. The cats are practicing active avoidance for now but they will warm up to him.
Lyban zone 4 thanked Rory (Zone 6b)
cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
6 years ago
Don't worry. The cat will let that pup know if he/she gets too rambunctious. Sooner or later they will be fine. Do set the litter box where the puppy can't get at it, though.
Lyban zone 4 thanked cyn427 (z. 7, N. VA)
Lyban zone 4
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for all the suggestions. I will share this with my daughter.
localeater
6 years ago
It is unlikely they will be friends. The goal is peaceful cohabitation. Cats are very good about educating puppies about their boundaries.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
6 years ago
My dogs and cats were absolutely in love with each other. They curled up together and were just about inseparable. I never had any introduction problems. They checked each other out, sniffed and went on with their business.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
6 years ago

Let's play kissy face.
Olychick
6 years ago
I think 12 years as an only furbaby might be a problem. I've seen success with keeping the puppy crated in a common place, letting the cat approach as it wants, then taking turns with the run of the house for a while. Let the puppy have some time to roam free while the cat is tucked away someplace safe, then do the same with the cat. After a few days of this, then try uncrated contact. They will have become used to at least seeing each other and both their scents will be throughout the house.

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