Best way to introduce my anxious cat to a dog in a new home?

Question

I'm moving in with my best friend and her boyfriend into a new space for all of us. it's an 890 sq ft aptmnt but we have pets. she has a friendly 3lb chihuahua and i have a friendly 14lb cat with a HUGE personality. they've never met. he loves the big old dog where i live now but bullies the smaller cat because she is defensive and scared. how should we transition my cat and her dog together? which should move in first? my cat has extreme travel anxiety and will be on edge for a few days. thanks. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 3 years and 2 months old | 14 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Great questions! Given that Benny has severe travel anxiety, it would be best for you and him to move in first so that he can get used to his new place. Then your best friend and boyfriend should move it with their dog. I can give you a method for introducing them to each other: Introducing them should be done slowly. When they first bring their dog home, I would keep them in rooms separated by a door. This way, they can get used to the smells and sounds of each other without contact. Make sure Benny has a litter box, food, and water in his room. You can also place a blanket with the dog's smell in the cat's room, and a blanket with the cat's smell in the dog's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your cat and a DAP for the dog. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once both pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing Benny in the dog's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are both comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face. I would introduce the dog on a leash to Benny while he is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward the dog for being calm and quiet near the cat. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure Benny has a cat tree where he can escape from the dog as needed, and don't allow the dog to chase Benny. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Best way to introduce my anxious cat to a dog in a new home?

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