With an estimated 3.2 million cats entering the shelter system across the U.S. every year, there are clearly many deserving cats and kittens who would love nothing more than to curl up on a warm pillow next to you. The only problem? There’s currently a resident dog curled up in that exact spot — and they have no intention of just scooting over.
Before you bring home a new feline roommate without asking them, there are a few things to consider to ensure a calm meet and greet. In some ways, introducing a cat to a dog is similar to bringing a second dog into your home. But there are particular and important differences that are key to being successful. And for the record, simply hoping for the best because your dog “loves all animals” or is “indifferent to your Aunt’s cat” is not the answer.
What you might not know (and your Golden Retriever at home certainly doesn’t), is that dogs and cats are actually much more alike than they are different. Cats and dogs actually share the same ancestry. That’s because they both belong to the Carnivora order, which actually includes a bunch of other mammal species such as bears, weasels, mongooses, and hyaenas.
While you might not be able to use this fact to help your dog adjust to their new cat sibling, it can help shed light on both pets’ behaviors, which is actually one of the best tools at your disposal when introducing a dog…
How to Introduce a New Cat to Your Dog. Retrieved May 27, 2021 from https://embarkvet.com/resources/blog/how-to-introduce-a-new-cat-to-your-dog/
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