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grannie September
2008 ago

I am trying to get my 10 year old declawed cat to

I am trying to get my 10 year old declawed cat to co habit with my daughter's 5 year old collie mix. This cat lived with an older lab and got along just fine. But, my daughter's dog hates cats and goes crazy whenever he sees one. I am now keeping my cat in the downstairs portion of the house and the dog is upstairs. I miss my cat but just don't trust the dog at all. My daughter is away at college and he minds me most of the time.- - -Any suggestions?

Thanks.
JL

Basically I just need advise regarding the best approach to take to get my cat and dog to be able to be around each other and tolerate one another.

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ssweetman October
2008 ago Report Abuse

The first step is you need to teach your dog obedience to your commands. This is necessary especially for the dog which is usually the aggressor in this kind of situation. You have to train your dog to obey when you say “no” or 'leave it'.

I would suggest that you let both the cat and dog wander the house while the other is locked in one room so they get used to one another's scents without touching one another. I would even go so far to when your dog is smelling where the cat has been reward it (chicken bits are very effective).

Once you’ve done this for about a week, it’s time for them to see each other physically. This part requires that you have someone to help you. Have someone who can hold your cat and pet it while being at a safe distance so the dog can not get to it and the cat does not feel threatened. Make the dog sit and then tell the dog 'good boy' in a calm manner (he will feed off you if you are nervous). Feed him treats (chicken) while he calmly sits. If he lunges or barks, take the cat further away (the cat may be too close), say 'no' in a low voice, and resit the dog. Do this for a few mins and then take the cat away. Tell the dog 'good boy'. repeat this process increasing the time the cat and dog are in the same room with no aggressive behaviour. As your dog starts to realise 'cat equals treat' he will look forward to seeing the cat and you can bring the cat a little closer.

Once they are close enough that you are comfortable that the dog will not be aggressive, you can let them be in the same room but be present. you may need to remind the dog to 'leave it'/no' and need some treats for leaving it alone. Let the dog sniff the cat (as they would meeting any other animal/dog). Once your dog starts to decide not to bark at your cat you know that you’ve done the introduction part successfully.

The final step is making sure that both pets have the time to coexist. This part is usually the cat’s fault. Cats have the tendency to be aloof and stay away from the dog and other people. It’s not because they are afraid of the dog but more because it’s their nature to be alone. Be sure that your dog sees your cat as often as possible. You can allot some time nightly where you can do some activities with both your cat and dog. This will allow them to play with each other and you’ll have the confidence that they won’t start fighting when they’re unsupervised.

Just remember to say 'no' in a low stern voice for naughty bahaviour (no hitting) and if you need to turn the dog around to regroup and then start again and a high and happy 'good boy' for behaviour you like.

That is my advice. It will be a process but I hope it helps.

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