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Here at Zigzag,<\/a> we are always up for a challenge, we\u2019re here to help you learn how to introduce a puppy to a cat. We\u2019ll explain why it\u2019s important to introduce puppies and cats, the best ways to introduce puppies and cats, and some top tips on how to maintain a good relationship between your new puppy and your cat. If you haven\u2019t decided what breed or cross breed of puppy to get we\u2019ve also compiled a list of the most cat friendly dog breeds further below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you looking for an in depth puppy training program, that\u2019s developed specifically for your breed or crossbreed of puppy? Look no further than the Zigzag puppy training app<\/a>, we\u2019ll support you on your puppy training journey, and have our very own team of expert Zigzag puppy coaches<\/a>, ready to back you up along the way on WhatsApp, Email or over the phone. All at the click of a button in your app. Download a free trial today<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, is it worth introducing your puppy to a cat? What exactly is the point of it? Well, it\u2019s actually important to get your puppy used to a cat for quite a few reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To make sure that your puppy and cat introduction goes smoothly it’s a good idea to do some preparation on what you need<\/a> before bringing your puppy home, if you can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just follow our step by step guide on how to introduce a puppy to a cat, to make sure your home life is harmonious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Scent swapping might be something the breeder has asked you to do by giving them a t-shirt or jumper that they can give to the puppy that smells of you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Well, the same thing can be done for your cat and the puppy\u2019s smell. If possible, give the breeder a blanket<\/a> that they can rub all over the puppy, so that it takes on your puppy\u2019s scent. Then take the blanket home and just allow your cat to sniff it. By doing this, your cat can smell the puppy way in advance of them getting home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Introducing a cat to puppy scents works surprisingly well and gives the cat some fair warning of what\u2019s coming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your cat will need some time and space away from the puppy. An easy way to do this is by investing in a couple of baby gates, to give your cat some puppy-free rooms. It means that the cat can always go away to a place of safety. You can also put up some cat trees or shelves, or let them climb up on furniture so that they can also stay in the same room as the\u00a0puppy, but be able to have some space if needs be.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the first few days that you bring your new puppy home<\/a>, we suggest that your puppy and cat don\u2019t meet nose to nose. This is because your cat needs to get used to the idea of having a new lodger in the house, and your puppy needs to get used to their new environment, and the cat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give them both time to explore and sniff when the other isn\u2019t around. So pop your puppy in a room away from the main living space if you can while your cat goes round and checks out where the puppy has been. (A puppy playpen<\/a> is also useful at this time if your puppy isn\u2019t great at being away from you, don\u2019t worry this is common) This also gives you time to get to know your puppy a little better, and to do some training so that they\u2019ll listen to you when the cat is around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those first few interactions introducing your cat to puppy, will have a long-term impact on how they see one another. Give your cat lots of treats to keep them in the same room with your puppy, but don’t force interaction. Allow the cat to leave if they so wish. If cats choose to be on a higher surface because it seems to be safer, but they are still in the same room, reward your cat for remaining there. Always provide your cat with plenty of high up hiding places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Allowing your puppy to chase the cat during the introduction process will not go well. Your cat must feel comfortable in the puppy’s presence, and while the puppy may be curious about your cat, chasing them will not end well. Your cat may be afraid and flee, or they may lash out and harm your puppy instead. Reward your puppy for simply ignoring your cat and allowing them to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t rush when introducing your puppy to your cat! They must be lifelong friends (or at the very least not enemies!) It takes time to develop a friendship and gain trust in one another. When one of them is nearby, play games with them and offer them treats, praise, and affection so you can form positive associations with the ‘monster’ being there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a checklist of what you\u2019ll need to make introductions between your cat and new puppy as smooth as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blanket Smelling of Dog<\/strong> Baby Gates<\/strong> Puppy Playpen<\/strong> Treats<\/strong> High Places for Cats<\/strong> With these essentials in hand, you’ll be better prepared to manage the initial introduction and help your pets adjust to their new family dynamic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Decoding puppy body language can take a little bit of time, but it’s truly important to look at when you introduce your puppy to your cat. Their body language can say more than a thousand barks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if your puppy\u2019s tail is wagging like it\u2019s trying to take off, they\u2019re excited, not launching an attack. But if that tail is tucked tight, your puppy might be feeling tense. Keep an eye on those floppy ears too; perked ears mean they\u2019re curious, while flattened ears can indicate they\u2019re ready to bolt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, when you\u2019re introducing your puppy to your cat, remember to read their body language to be able to know what you should do next to help the interaction go smoother. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Say you see that your puppy has put their tail between their legs when they see your cat – it’s a good indication that things should be taken slower because they might be feeling a little scared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, you essentially need to know if your puppy is feeling relaxed or tense. A relaxed puppy usually means a smoother introduction, while a tense one might need a bit more time and patience. And remember, patience and a good sense of humor are key\u2014because with dogs and cats, you never know what\u2019s going to happen next!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to be more sure that your puppy and cat are going to get on, it can be worth doing your homework and seeking out a breed that is more likely to see your cat as a friend rather than \u2018a thing to chase\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, dogs who herd are going to be more likely to want to chase your cat and herd them somewhere, which can cause problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, your terriers are bred to find and kill small vermin, not saying your cat is vermin, of course. Cats don\u2019t take too kindly to that either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, this is a generalisation, and there will be Belgian Shepherds, Greyhounds, and Rat Terriers who curl up at night with their meowing companion and never chase them, but you get the idea!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most breeds who have had the ‘stalk – chase – grab – bite’ part of their motor pattern removed by selective breeding will be more cat friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a list of breeds and crossbreeds you should take a look at if you\u2019re looking for a dog that is less inclined to chase after your cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re thinking about a particular breed or crossbreed, speak to your prospective breeder and let them know you have a cat. If they\u2019re a good breeder, they\u2019ll be happy to help you make the right choice. Choosing a breed is a big decision!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We hope you\u2019ve found this article on how to introduce a puppy to a cat helpful. We also suggest you check out our article on puppy-proofing the house,<\/a> as that will come in handy for you, whether you\u2019re introducing your cat to a puppy or not! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget, you\u2019ll find a lot more information on everything you need to do before and after you get your puppy home, as well as a bespoke puppy training program all inside the Zigzag puppy training app<\/a>. We have a team of expert puppy coaches<\/a> on hand to answer all of your questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n See what leading dog training and behavior organizations have to say about Zigzag <\/a>too!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Why it\u2019s important to introduce puppies and cats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6 step guide on how to introduce a puppy to a cat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Before your puppy comes home – scent swap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Set up puppy free areas for time out of puppy and cat introductions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Keep doing scent swaps so your puppy and cat get used to one another<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Keep your cat and puppy introductions positive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Never let your puppy chase the cat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6. Keep meetings between your cat and puppy short and sweet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What You’ll Need to Introduce a Puppy to a Cat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s start by giving a blanket that smells like your dog to your cat. Think of it as the canine version of a calling card. This will help your cat get used to this new scent before they meet face-to-face; helping them understand what the situation will look like in the near future. It\u2019s like pre-screening a movie\u2014better to know what’s coming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your cat will need some time and space away from the puppy when they arrive, and baby gates are perfect for creating those puppy-free zones. They\u2019re like the VIP sections of your home where your cat can lounge without a bouncy pup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A puppy playpen is a great way to prevent your new puppy and cat from meeting nose-to-nose right away. It could otherwise be a little too intense. Playpens help create separate, safe spaces for them to get to know each other from a comfortable distance. Think of it as a protective barrier for their budding relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treats are your secret weapon. Use them to encourage your cat to stay in the same room with your puppy, but don\u2019t overdo it so that the interaction feels forced. We\u2019re looking for gradual friendship here, not a forced hostage situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cats love their high places like we love our cozy corners. Make sure your cat has plenty of high perches to escape to. These high spots will help them feel safe and more in control around the new puppy, kind of like their own personal treehouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTop tips to maintain a good relationship between your new puppy and cat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Puppy Body Language When Introducing Them to a Cat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dog breeds that get along well with cats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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