When it comes to socializing cats and dogs, a little extra planning can help your pets develop the calm and confident temperament they'll need to adjust to a new animal. Learn more about safe pet care and socialization in the guide below.

The Introduction Process

When bringing a new pet home, keep them separated at first, making a private and comfortable space for them to acclimate to their new environment. For the next two days, allow them to adjust to each other’s scents by taking turns rotating which animal has the freedom to roam about the house and which is confined. After your pets have been introduced by scent, allow them to interact in the same room together, keeping the dog securely on a leash.

Let them sniff and approach one another as long as they're both calm. If either animal displays fear or aggression, separate them and repeat the process gradually each day until both animals are relaxed. Keep them safely separated when no one is home until they’ve been supervised around each other for at least one month without showing any signs of aggression.

Warning Signs

Both dogs and cats can show clear signs of aggression such as barking, hissing, lunging, and scratching. But be aware of aggression indicators in dogs that may be less obvious, including intensely focusing on the cat while in the same room, or obsessive whining, scratching, and barking at the door while separated. Clear indicators your cat might be stressed and anxious are if they stop eating or drinking or begin soiling the carpets and furniture.

In some cases, cats and dogs simply won't get along on their own and may require professional pet care through an obedience trainer. When looking to adopt a new pet, check with the rescue or shelter to see if they can indicate which adoptable pets have shown previous tolerance of the opposite breed.

Before bringing a new pet into your home, contact the pet care experts at Pearson Animal Clinic in Russellville, AR. With over 50 years of experience, their professional team takes pride in providing high-quality pet care services such as routine exams, blood testing, x-rays, and surgical procedures at reasonable rates. Contact them at (479) 968-3535 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.