How to Introduce a Puppy to a Cat - Waggel’s Top Tips

Bringing a new bouncy puppy into your home is always a memorable time. It's probably because it's the moment you wonder to yourself, "Oh no, what have I done?".

Puppies bring a whole load of chaos with them as standard. These little bundles of out-of-control fur and teeth can crash into antique vases, pee on expensive rugs and leave little puddles in shoes.

Then there's your bewildered cat, and this is where things can get a little tricky.

Introducing a puppy to a cat is a big deal. Their future relationship could be left hanging in the balance should you get it wrong.

You don't want to cause either of them any unnecessary stress, so it's important to take things nice and slow - which is why we've put together these super simple tips on how to introduce a puppy to a cat.

By following our sage advice, you'll have your puppy and cat becoming the bestest of friends in no time.

Many people think that just because their fluffy new puppy is friendly, they don't have to worry about formal introductions to the family cat. But this is often where things can go a little off-piste.

Following our top tips for introducing a puppy to a cat will stop your home from turning into a full-on battleground and ensure peace and harmony between your beloved cat and dog.

1. Be prepared

When introducing your over-excitable ball of fur to your less than enthusiastic cat, the most important thing you can do is be prepared.

This means planning ahead and having everything you need at hand to make the awkward process as smooth as possible.
Keeping some yummy treats and a few of your pup's favourite toys on standby is a great idea.

This will help your puppy feel comfortable and occupied while they're getting used to their new surroundings. It will also be a great distraction if things start to get a little dicey with your cat.

You should also have some form of physical barrier, such as a baby gate, to keep them apart at first. This will give your suspicious cat a chance to size up the new arrival without feeling overwhelmed or threatened.

Exercise your puppy with a good walk to make them tired before attempting the introduction process. A tired puppy is much more likely to be calm and relaxed when meeting your cat.

It's also a good idea to keep your puppy on a lead for the first few meetings, just in case your pup gets too excited and tries to chase their new feline friend.

If your puppy is sniffing around your cat's litter box, then be sure to move this into an area only the cat can access. This helps with keeping your cat's stress levels lower as their toilet time and litter tray need to remain a positive experience for them.

The toileting and eating areas should be a safe space for cats so be sure to give them plenty of time and keep their cat food bowl separate from their new puppy pals.

2. Scent swaps

Before you even attempt to introduce your puppy to your cat, it's important that they have a chance to get used to each other's scent.

You can easily do this by taking a cloth and gently rubbing it all over your dog, then placing it somewhere near where your cat sleeps. Similarly, take a cloth, rub it on your cat, and place it near your puppy's bed.

Do this a few times over the course of a week so that they can get used to each other's smell. This is crucial to making the actual introduction much easier.

3. Take your time

Rushing headlong into the introductions is a surefire way to cause stress for both your new puppy and your cat. It's essential that you take things nice and slow at first to give them both time to adjust.

Initial introductions are an exciting time for pet owners but for those of us with previous experiences, we know that a successful introduction with boisterous puppies isn't the same for everyone.

However, it's always a good idea to begin by letting them sniff each other through the barrier. This will get them used to each other's scent without having to be too close.

Overall, you want to encourage calm behaviour, especially if you have an adult cat who is so used to their surroundings that they don't like change.

Do all this for a few more days or until they both seem comfortable around each other.

It's now time to formally introduce your puppy to your cat. However, it's really important to do so gradually and under supervision.

Remove the barrier and let them sniff each other, but make sure you are there to intervene if things start to get too heated.

Allow them to approach each other and interact as they see fit. If your puppy begins to get too rough, give them a toy as a distraction.

If everything goes well, you can increase their supervised time together for short periods.

If things go a bit pear-shaped, it's best to take a step back and try again another day.

4. Give your cat space

The thing to remember through this whole process is that this situation will be challenging for your unsuspecting cat.

Cats and dogs have unbelievably different characteristics. Dogs are way too over-the-top for many of our feline friends, especially those who have never lived with a dog before.

So, we have to give them some sympathy and understanding, a safe area...and an escape route.

Dogs can be overbearing and hard to get away from, and sometimes your cat will want some peace and quiet.

It's up to us owners to make sure we provide that quiet, safe area where they can get away from it all, or more specifically, get away from the dog.

5. Reward good behaviour

Perhaps the best way to encourage good behaviour from your puppy is to reward them when they do something right. This means giving them a treat or some fuss whenever they display good behaviour around your cat.

This will teach your puppy that they are rewarded for behaving well when your cat is around. It will also help build a positive association between the two animals.

When introducing a new puppy to a cat, it's essential to be patient and only go at your pets' pace. You should never force them to spend time together if they're clearly not ready, and be prepared for the introduction to take some time.

Introducing a new puppy to your cat doesn't have to be stressful. Just follow our top tips, and with patience and care, your puppy and cat can build a strong bond that will last a lifetime.

Here are a few things that you should avoid when introducing a new puppy to a cat. These include:

• Leaving your puppy and cat alone together - always supervise their interactions.

• Forcing them to spend time together if they're not ready - let them go at their own pace.

• Punishing your puppy or cat - this will only make matters worse.
  Rewarding the wrong behaviour - only give rewards for good behaviour.

Introducing a new puppy to your cat can be a daunting task, but with patience and care, it can be a rewarding experience for both animals.

Our top tips will help you make the introduction as smooth as possible, and by rewarding good behaviour, you can help them build a strong bond together.

Remember to go at their pace and be prepared for things to take a little time, and everything should turn out just fine.

If you have any concerns or struggle to introduce your puppy to your cat, speak to your veterinarian for advice. If you're a Waggel member, you can get free pet behaviour and nutrition consultations by heading over to your online account!