Reader\'s Digest Australia - 07.2019

July• 2019 | 19

so when you introduce them

face-to-face they will already

be familiar with each other.

MANAGE THE FIRST

MEETINGWhen introducing

a cat and a dog, people

usually worry that the cat will

be most at risk. However, you

will also need to watch out for

the dog. Cats generally like to

quickly establish they are the

boss, sometimes by swiping

or scratching the dog before

running away. Be sure to

prevent the dog from chasing

the cat right from the start, as

chasing can quickly become a habit.

Keep the dog calm and have treats

on hand to distract and reward.

Take special care when introducing

a kitten to a dog, as kittens are tiny,

playful and can easily excite a dog.

Always provide good separation

until you are confident the kitten is

safe with the dog. If you are worried

about how your dog will react, make

sure you keep them on a lead.

INCREASE INTERACTIONIf the

relationship is progressing well, you

can gradually enable the dog and cat

to interact more freely. Provide the

cat with a place they can ‘escape’ to

and feel safe. Cats like to be elevated,

so somewhere they can perch out of

reach of the dog is ideal. Reward your

dog with praise and treats for calm

behaviour around the cat.

SHARE THE LOVEIt’s sensible to

remember that, in many ways, pets

are like children. Distribute your

affection to both pets and make sure

that the dog and cat both know what

the rules are for getting attention,

for example being calm and sitting

patiently.

The different species can become fast friends

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

1 Introduce when young.

2 Train your dog to always sit

and stay on request.

3 Provide all cats with a safe

haven – a room or place where the

dog can’t enter or reach them.

Dr Katrina’s top three tips for multi-pet harmony