Connect with us

General

Opposites Attract: 4 Ways To Help Your New Puppy and Adult Cat Bond

Your home is just an extension of your kitty’s kingdom… at least, that’s how your feline friend sees it. Your adult cat is used to being the star of the show, whether he or she loves lounging on the arm of the sofa, climbing up their cat tree or jumping out of boxes and bags to “scare” everyone else in the family.

But now, you’re ready to add a puppy into the mix. And even though you’ve seen dozens of Instagram accounts of dogs and cats cuddling adorably, you know that this arrangement will take some acclimation.

Here are four ways to help your new puppy and adult cat bond when you’re ready to test the “opposites attract” theory in your own home.

Start with Scents

Before you allow your new puppy and your resident cat to see each other face to face, get them used to one another’s scents. Start by bringing your new canine companion into a designated room with a closing door while giving your adult cat control over the rest of the house. Keeping a door between them for safety, allow these two pets to smell and hear the other. You can even place an article of clothing containing the puppy’s scent outside the room and something smelling like your cat in the puppy’s playroom.

Make Slow, Careful Introductions

Now it’s time to bring sight into the equation. Using a barrier (like a baby gate) and a leash for your puppy, introduce your animals into communal space to see how they react. You’ll want to have a handful of treats on hand to reward your puppy for engaging in curious, calm and restrained behaviors around the cat. This way, he or she will create positive associations with your other animal.

This process may take several days, with each face-to-face session extending slightly longer until your animals are accustomed to acting comfortable around each other.

Give Each Pet Their Own Space

One huge potential for conflict is your animals fighting over space. Remember, your cat is used to its environment; a new interloper (no matter how cute or enthusiastic) may be cause for anxiety and stress. Make sure that both your pets have distinct eating, sleeping and recreation areas so they have fewer reasons to clash.

Before you bring home your new bundle of fur, you’ll want to pick up the essentials: dog beds on sale (to create a few sleeping areas throughout the house), food and water bowls and chew toys. Likewise, you’ll want to make sure your cat has its own food and beverage bowls out of your dog’s reach, plus a few places to perch up high for security. Your kitty will also need a place to sharpen her claws—one that isn’t your poor puppy’s muzzle!

All in all, it’s important to create distinct dining, sleeping and relaxing areas for each pet. This way, they both have a claim on their part of your home and nobody feels left out. It will also discourage meandering, whether it’s your puppy getting a little too curious about the litter box or your cat deciding to sample your dog’s food.

Reward the Right Behaviors

Positive reinforcement is key when it comes to introducing cats and dogs. Your actions will teach your dog how to interact with your other pets, which is why you should reward obedience like sitting, lying down and coming when called during introductions. It’s tempting to punish bad behavior, but this builds negative associations in your pooch’s mind about being around your cat, which may spike anxiety or frustration. Positive reinforcement, on the other hand, helps guide your dog toward learning a highly desirable set of behaviors that will make the introductions much easier!

These four ways to help your new puppy and adult cat bond should start introductions off on the right foot. The key is giving each animal the space and equipment it needs to thrive and taking things slowly so no mishaps occur. Before long, your pets will tolerate one another (and maybe grow to become best friends).

Continue Reading

Recent Posts

Business2 months ago

Business Tips For Protecting Your Finances During A Recession

In 2023, taking the necessary steps to protect your finances for your business is now more important than ever. The...

Lifestyle3 months ago

Tips For Cleaning Your Trainers

If you’re into your trainers and streetwear, you’re likely to be very conscious of keeping them looking their best! So,...

Marketing3 months ago

Branding Trends For Start-Ups in 2023

Branding is incredibly important as it impacts how your business reaches and connects with its target market. If you’re branding...

Business3 months ago

Avoiding the Wrong Kind of Growth

Growth is vital for any business – some models, like tech start-ups, are built around periods of dramatic, explosive growth...

Business3 months ago

How To Become A Property Developer

There are several reasons why an individual will want to become a property developer. One of the main reasons for...

Tech6 months ago

What Is The Difference Between Cyber Attacks and Cyber Threats?

If you own a business that uses the cloud to manage workloads, you have probably heard of the terms cyberattack...

Marketing6 months ago

3 Types of Marketing Every Small Construction Business Should Do

Construction is a very saturated sector, whether you’re a large or small construction company, so marketing should be at the...

Business7 months ago

How Relevant Life Insurance Plans Can Future-Proof Your Business

Last year, UK inflation reached the highest level that it had been for decades. The markets became unsteady and nervous...

Autos7 months ago

In a Car Accident? Here’s How to Find a Great Lawyer

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, you know that it can be an overwhelming experience. Not only do...

Education7 months ago

Considering Therapy? Here’s a Few Common Therapy Techniques Explained

If you’re considering therapy as a means to improve your mental health, you may be curious about the type of...

home repairs home repairs
Home Improvement7 months ago

Top 5 Home Repairs You Should Never DIY

DIY home repairs are all the rage these days. But before you jump on the bandwagon, there are some things...

Health7 months ago

The Power of CBD Oil for Relaxation: How to Use it for Sleep and Stress Relief

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep or feeling stressed, try CBD oil. CBD oil has a moment...

General7 months ago

Benefits of Getting your Mobile Phone Repair

Mobile phone repair is a task that needs high skills and experience. That is why we always recommend users trust...

Home Improvement7 months ago

Great Ways To Clean To Get Your Security Deposit Back In Full

Moving is almost always stressful as there are tons of things to plan and do. Getting your security deposit back...

Home Improvement7 months ago

DIY Garage Door Repair: Tips and Tricks for Fixing Common Problems and Maintaining Your System

If your garage door needs to be fixed, wait to call a repairer. Many common problems can be fixed quickly...

Categories

Archives

Trending