Dear Miss Behavin’:
My family recently adopted a new cat, and I’m worried that she will never get along with our dog. It’s been a week and she still hisses and runs away from him. How long will it take them to get along?
Bringing a new pet home is wonderfully exciting, but it’s important to remember that your new cat will take time to adjust. Even if your dog is just trying to be friendly, the cat might perceive him as an overenthusiastic drool-machine. The most important thing you can do right now is to make sure your kitty has a safe room where she can have undisturbed access to her food, litterbox and resting area.
When your cat and dog are together, constrain your dog but allow your cat the freedom to approach on her own terms. Never attempt to restrain her in your dog’s presence as that can result in a defensive scratch or bite. Baby gates, a high cat tree, or empty shelves are easy ways to make sure your cat has an escape route in the event your dog does chase her. If your dog is overly eager, you can try putting him on leash and distracting him with toys or treats. Try to limit their interactions to a few minutes and end on a high note if possible.
I wish I could give you a timetable for how long it will take your cat to trust her doggy sibling, but it really depends on her personality. Some cats warm up in a matter of days; other cats could take several weeks. Don’t be alarmed if your cat puffs herself up, growls or hisses. These are normal ways for her to communicate her personal bubble. A well-timed, minor swat can also help an overzealous pooch know what the limits are.
If things seem to be worsening between them, or you feel your cat is extremely stressed, it might be time to contact a professional (www.phs-spca.org). However, in most cases, if your cat has places to observe your dog at a safe distance, she will gradually learn to trust him. The most important ingredient for success is patience.