Puppy and Cat.

[sprisk]

We recently got a 9 week old puppy( he is 12 now) and are trying to get him socialized wit our cat of 4 years. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have heard to let the cat show him who is boss now, so when he is older he will respect him and not hurt him, but I am stressing on how they get along. Kitty is not aggressive towards Bear (the puppy) but he does hiss and swat at him if he get to close. Bear has been getting bolder but for the most part kind of ignores kitty or runs away. Any suggestions. I want them to get along or at least tolerate each other. Has anybody else had this problem? I love them both so it is important that the work it out.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by sprisk

We recently got a 9 week old puppy( he is 12 now) and are trying to get him socialized wit our cat of 4 years. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have heard to let the cat show him who is boss now, so when he is older he will respect him and not hurt him, but I am stressing on how they get along. Kitty is not aggressive towards Bear (the puppy) but he does hiss and swat at him if he get to close. Bear has been getting bolder but for the most part kind of ignores kitty or runs away. Any suggestions. I want them to get along or at least tolerate each other. Has anybody else had this problem? I love them both so it is important that the work it out.

Now is the time to teach your pup a "no cat", or "leave it" command. This is done very easily at this age.... If your pup looks like he's about to chase the cat, call his name, get his attention, and redirect him from the cat to you with a treat, or a toy.

I've had a VERY high drive pup that learned this command in a couple of days. So, a little consistancy goes a LONG way.

It's easier to redirect the pup when the pup is 'thinking' about the chase, rather than when in mid-chase, because of the excitement level.

The idea is to be more fun than the object the pup wishes to pounce on, and the pup is rewarded for bringing his attention to you - not only are you teaching the pup how to control himself, you are teaching him you are the end all, be all.

That being said, yes, let the cat have a few KO punches at the pup - a little claw goes a long way in teaching respect to a pup.

Until you've established that the pup has gained respect for the cat (it'll be a while, likely), do not leave them unattended together.

[miccmill]

We did it the way Poohbearsmom described including letting the cat take a whack or two a couple times.

It does take some time and much consistency with a young puppy. You'll have to watch the puppy for your opportunities to teach but jump in when he's just thinking about pestering the cat and he'll pick this up quickly.

Our dog is 3 now and they coexist peacefully. Kitty comes around and rubs on the Hannah and gets her ears licked occaisionally.

[KarenK]

I have two cats that keep our rot pup in line--well, as much in line as my rampaging, hyperactive pup comes. I think it's OK to let the cats show pup who's boss. After a few swipes, Millie (rot) learned "not to go there" anymore and has since ceased and desisted from irritating the furbabies. ;)