Cross Breeds

How do you get cats & dogs to live in the same household if they have been living in two separate ones?

Here's my dilemma. My man has two dogs, a Rotweiler & a Shitzu. I have two cats, both female, both strictly domestic, both have been spayed. In the near future we plan to live together. Now the problem is, can we get the cats & dogs to live together as one big happy family? How do you introduce animals that are obviously supposed to be "enemies" to each other, into a new household? Is this at all possible? Any Vets out there with a real answer?

Public Comments

1. i'm not a vet but i have introduced my adult cat to a dog before. the best thing to do is to allow the dogs to have run of the house and put your cats, who will be scared into one room for three days with the door shut. this will allow the cats to get used to the new surrounding as well as the smell of the new animals. be care for with them when letting them out for the first time because this can be tramatic for the cats. you can always call a local vet or pet shop for other ideas.
2. Any animals can get used to living together but you have to be patient and give them time. With them all being aduls, it can take more time than if they were babies when introduced. Just make sure that you do NOT force them together. Let it be on their own terms. When first bringing the dogs in, it's best to crate them and bring the cats around. Let them sniff the dogs to get to know thr scent for a few days before allowing them to actually be together. This will also give the dogs the opportunity to smell the cats. Anytime the dogs are out, if they chase the cats, separate them during open times. Everyone in my family has cats and dogs in the same household (literally everyone but my aunt whose husband is highly allergic to cats) and no one has had a major issue. It will resolve itself, just give them time. Introducing them before living together would be the best idea. Do it slowly to give them time to adjust before making such a big move. Good luck!
3. I tried with two cats and a lab. My lab wanted to play but the cats did not, until a week later. Then they kind of ignored each other. If you can not trust your man's dogs, then I suggest you get a muzzle for both of them so they will not try to bite your cats. You can always try to introduce them buy having them in seperate cages.
4. The best answer for this is just trial and error, really. Have you tried bringing the cats over to see how the dogs act? I would try this: before the move-in, I would bring the cats over one at a time and try to introduce them to the dogs. The dogs will probably do one of three things: 1. Chase the cat, growling and teeth showing. 2. Sniff, and try to play. 3. Sniff, and walk away not caring. After seeing how they will react, then you can begin trying to socialize them. Hope this helps!!
5. The best way is to introduce them slowly and restrained. Have your boyfriend bring his two dogs into your home on leashes and allow your cats to roam around as normal. Cats are less likely to become territory protective so your home is important for the first few visits. Make sure he has complete control over the dogs at all times during the introductions. The leash allows him some control if they should try to go after the cats. If the dogs have been around cats before it helps, but it can work it just takes time. You may be surprised, they may get along right away or your cats may be more of the aggressor then the dogs. Make sure you do this several times and that the dogs and cats get along before you try this in his home since dogs are known to be more protective of intruders coming into their home. Once they are getting along in your home, do the same thing over again in his home the exact same way. Be patient and expect there to be problems in the beginning, DO NOT throw the cats or push the cats into their face, DO NOT force them to come nose to nose. Allowing the cats to roam free, they will "check out" the dogs on their own at their own pace. I am no vet, but I have worked at an animal shelter for a while and it's also my own personal experience when I brought a kitten home to my Huskey's house.
6. A whole bunch of good ideas. May I add one more? When you guys move in together, get a babygate for one room. Set the cats up in this room. That way, the cats have a place to go where the dogs can't. They will get along fine, in time, if you follow all the good advice everyone gave you. Just do consider adding the babygate to the list. A cat needs to feel they have a safe place. After they are all adjusted, you can get rid of the gate. It will just keep everyone safer and happier until they are completely bonded. BTW, I love Rotties. They are big lovers.
7. yes they can lIve together. ive got 9 cats and i just recently got a dog. it will take time and alot of hissing. but yes it can work
8. I have cats and dogs and it can be done very slowly and with supervision.They have already been getting use to each other by smell.Just not in the same room together yet.It's not easy or very fun but you never know my cocker spaniel and my hubbys ragdoll love each other from they day they metAnd I can't keep the chihuahua away from any of the kitties no matter how I try.It's harder getting cat used to each other than dogs and cats.