Introducing a cat into a house with dogs

[ginahunt3]

I started feeding a cat the neighbors got rid of, but as cold hit, I brought him in. I own 2 dogs who don't like cats. They have 2 be kept separate. I want 2 be able 2 have them get along. How?

[**Sapphire**]

I would try to introduce them slowly to each other. Try 1 dog & then the other. Then try them both with the cat.

It will take some time, but it can be done.

My cousin had a cat & when she got married her husband had a dog. It took some time, but the both of them are just fine now. Sure they do have their spats, but who doesn't? :)

[ginahunt3]

I thought about doing exactly that, only with a muzzle. My dogs r pitbulls. My female was a rescue who was mistreated & malnourished, she was outside & had 2 defend herself. She can get aggressive.

[**Sapphire**]

Yeah I think a muzzle for a little bit would be a good idea. A pitbull just may be a bit too aggressive at first to introduce to a cat.

Keep us posted on how things are going.

[ginahunt3]

Well, Sneakers sleeps in my room & he likes sticking his paws under the door 2 tease my female dog. I think they're getting used 2 him. I haven't tried a face 2 face encounter yet. I hope 2 soon.

[**Sapphire**]

Sounds pretty good hun.

Hopefully things will go ok when you try the face to face.

Keep us updated.

[ginahunt3]

My nephew accidentally let the cat into the room my female dog was in. We didn't see him at first, but once we did we noticed they just looked at eachother. That's promising. I really want them to be able to live together without having to worry. I guess it's gonna take some time, but the way its looking, it might go well. I haven't had my male dog close to him yet. I don't know how that's gonna go, or how it's going to go with both dogs at the same time, but she was the one I was worried about the most.

[**Sapphire**]

I think it might be time to start introducing your cat & dogs to each other face to face. Maybe not all at 1 time, but 1 at a time & see how that goes.

I'm sure they all know they are living there as they can smell each other & determine who is who, so maybe some face to face interaction now will be a good idea.

[ginahunt3]

I know u're right, but I'm terrified it won't go well. My dogs r really sweet. people actually visit them, but they r dogs & have never been around cats. I think I have 2 get a friend 2 help.

[**Sapphire**]

That might not be a bad idea to get a friend to help. 2 sets of eyes are better than 1 when you do introduce them all face to face.

Maybe a friend or family member who has done that before & it is going well now.

[ginahunt3]

I'm gonna get a friend. My hubby is useless 4 things like that. Maybe after the weather clears up I can get her over. I let u know. Let me know if u think of anything that might help.

[Amy]

Hello. Im new here but I think I can post on this thread.

I also have an American Pit Bull Terrier (Pit Bull)….I also have 2 cats. They get along fine.

I do want to tell you this- APBT or “Pit Bulls” are a high prey drive breed of dog. A Pit Bull is a breed that can NEVER be left unsupervised with ANY other animal (Cat OR Dog-especially 2 Pit Bulls). Once you get your Pit Bulls and the cat acquainted I recommend you crate train your dogs so when you are gone or busy you do not have to worry about the cat becoming a toy (And trust me, you do not want the cat becoming a Pit Bulls toy ;) ) Or worry about the dogs getting into a fight.

Some will tell you that you CAN NOT have a cat in a home with a Pit Bull and that is rubbish!!! My “vicious” Pit Bull sleeps with my youngest cat and is scared to death of my older cat! LOL! My older cat Simon chases him around trying to swat at him. I have to protect my Pit Bull from my cat!!! Hows that for a stereotype?! ;)

[ginahunt3]

I wouldn't leave with them all 2gether. My dogs aren't usually aggressive, but they can b @ times. I haven't tried 2 introduce them yet, but even after that, I still won't let them b 2gether alone.