According to the post on Reddit, the cat parent’s mom brought her new pup over, and the two pets became instant best buddies. I guess that technically makes the pooch an aunt or uncle to the feline, too! Share the video with someone who could use a smile today.
This adorable video may have you wondering if your own cat would like a doggy friend to play with. That’s great! But before you rush to the shelter to adopt a new pup, make sure you give your fur babies the best chance at a good first meeting. Here’s how!
Introducing A New Dog To Your Cat
(Picture Credit: martinedoucet/Getty Images)If you’re bringing home a new furry family member, you’ll want to make sure they have the best first impression possible with your other pets, especially if they’re of a different species.
The best thing to do is start off with a cat and dog when they’re both young. If they grow up together, they’ll have a far easier time getting along.
But maybe you’ve already got an adult kitty. How should you go about bringing a new dog home to meet them? Here are some tips:
- Consider adopting an adult or senior dog. Puppies may have too much energy for your cat.
- Pick a dog with a low prey drive. You don’t want them chasing kitty around all the time!
- Make sure your cat has a place to retreat. Some perches or kitty condos will keep them out of pup’s reach.
- Give your kitty their own space. Make sure their bed, litter, food, and water are well away from the doggo.
- Get them used to each other’s scent. Rub a cloth on each pet and place it in the other’s sleeping area or near their food bowl.
- Let them investigate each other’s hangout spots once they start to feel comfortable.
- Make the introduction through a baby gate or door. If they seem interested and sniff each other, let them meet without the baby gate, but restrain the dog just in case.
- Let them warm up to each other. These things take time!
For a more full, complete list of instructions, check out our article about making dog-cat introductions here!
Does your cat have a doggy playmate like the kitty in the video? Do you have any tips for helping cats and dogs get along? Let us know in the comments below!
