New Puppy, Older Cat

Q: I am thinking of adopting a new puppy, but am concerned about how my 3-year old cat will respond. Could you give me some suggestions on how I can make it easier for my cat?

A: Julie Bolden, of Faithful Friends Positive Pet Training, responds:



I have the good fortune of living with a dog and two cats and, while I wouldn't say they are all best friends, they do live together harmoniously. When you are adding a new pet to the mix, it is important to take the introductions slowly. Ideally, make the initial introduction through a closed door, so that the cats can smell the dog, the dog can smell the cats, but neither can see each other. Use high value treats to reward your pets for calmly approaching the door. This will help each to develop a positive association with the other. If the closed door approach isn't feasible in your home (it wasn't in mine), use an exercise pen or baby gates to separate the puppy from the cats. Allow your cats to approach the pen and reward both the cats and your puppy for calm behavior. Remember: behavior that gets rewarded, gets repeated. When it is time to introduce your puppy to your cats without the exercise pen, do it with your puppy on leash. Never progress from one step to another until you have had several days of success at the previous stage. Depending on the animals involved, the whole process may take several weeks or longer. Don't leave your pets with full access to each other when you cannot pay 100% attention to them.



Feed your puppy and your cats in different locations and don't allow your puppy access to your cats' food – consider feeding the cats on a table or counter. Keep puppy away from your cats' litter boxes. Start to work on your puppy's basic manners (sits, downs, leave it) as soon as he comes home. Be sure to spend time with your existing cats, and not just with the puppy. Puppies require a lot of your time, but they do need lots of sleep, so take advantage of that time to play games with your cats. Be sure to provide your cats with escape routes, places where they can go away from puppy.



Think positive, but try to keep your expectations realistic. Your puppy and your cats may not be best friends right away, but with a slow, considered approach it just might happen!

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