Bringing home a puppy? How to introduce it to your older cat.

Question

Hello, my name's Ollie and I have a burmese cat who's just turned 13. She is quite healthy and a good mix of docile and active during short bursts, she's also very affectionate. My girlfriend wants to buy a puppy. I'm cool with it but want to know which are the best breeds for living with cats? Obviously my cat is quite old and I don't want her health/happiness to be brought down in any way for her old years. Advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Hi Ollie! There isn't really one specific breed that's best with cats, although I'm very partial to Golden Retrievers. It's more how you introduce them, allow them to get to know each other slowly, and not let the puppy chase the cat. I can give you a method for introducing to cause the least stress to your cat. Best of luck. Introducing them should be done slowly. When you first bring your puppy 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 your cat has a litter box, food, and water in their room. You can also place a blanket with the puppy's smell in the cat's room, and a blanket with the cat's smell in the puppy's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your cat and a DAP for your puppy. 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 the cat in the puppy'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 puppy on a leash to the cat while she is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward the puppy for being calm and quiet near the cat. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure your cat has a cat tree where he can escape from the puppy as needed, and don't allow the puppy to chase the cat.

Bringing home a puppy? How to introduce it to your older cat.

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