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Bringing a dog and a a cat together, either planned or out of the blue, needs special considerations. Preferably, you should bring a kitten to your puppy or dog instead of an older cat who already may have been raised to hate dogs. German Shepherds will adapt very well to other animals. We are very proud of how Cocoa is towards Mocha, and vice versa. Other concerns may be: Can you really handle a new animal? and how will your animal or animals react to the newcomer? Depending on what type of animal household you have, and what type of pet you are bringing in, will determine how you can best handle things. One good way to evaluate how your existing pet might react, is to look at the interactions they have had with other animals. Is your dog socialized? Is he gentle to animals he/she meets? For example, we try and expose Cocoa to different types of animals. He has been with a bunny, hamsters, baby ducks, and even a great big Python from a college friend. Do other animals come over to visit your dog at your house? The more positive interactions your animals have the more likely they will react positively to a new addition to the home and a lasting relationship wil follow.

Typical reactions for a dog when seeing a cat is to chase, bark, paw or drool! For instance, Cocoa used to start barking and prancing around as soon as one of us said, "kitty cat". If he was outside, he would go to the nearest tree and try to climb the tree. He remembered several times chasing a kitty up a tree, he he! Therefore, make sure you are careful and have a leash on the first time your dog meets the cat.

The cat in response will either run off to hide or be on the attack. He/she will want to ambush, stalk or tease your dog, and make horrible noises and contortions to communicate displeasure. It's kinda funny in a way! Although you may think they are feeling more comfortable with each other, keep an eye on both of them for the first couple of weeks. If at first you're not sure how they're gonna do alone, leave the cat in the bathroom or bedroom until you are back. Cats should have their own food bowls that are kept up high out of reach or in a separate room or closet with a cat door or limited access. This is usually a beneficial idea since dogs will often gorge on accessible cat food. Yummmm! Since many dogs like to indulge in "Almond Roca" it is a good idea to have the litter box isolated. Believe me, there were a few times when Cocoa dumped the whole kitty box over. We learned after the third or fourth time. Use a laundry room or a bathroom cabinet or spare closet for a kitty room. Also, cat doors or special rigging can create a safe haven for them.

Pets should also have their regular routine for feeding and walking or playing when a new animal arrives. It is best to let animals have their individual attention always! Until things are more firmly integrated this is especially important. It's funny because before, Cocoa used to only eat twice. Now, since Mocha is still a kitten, I feed her at least four times a day, so whenever I call her, Cocoa goes and sits by his dish wanting to be fed too, he he he. He gets plenty of execersise so the extra food is good for him.

Sleeping arrangements need to be clearly defined, even though they'll eventually end up on your bed! It is actually better that each pet have their own bed to avoid conflict and create harmony. If you'd like, crates or individual rooms can be used to separate animals while they are first being introduced. Now, Cocoa and Mocha sleep together in bed!

Just remember that it isn't hard to have a happy multi-animal household. It just takes understanding, patience, persistence, and planning! Cocoa and Mocha have a wonderful relationship and your cat and dog will too. It's funny, but somehow I think this will help prepare us for kids! If you have any questions, please contact me. I'd be happy to answer any questions.

bigpaw@cyberstreet.com

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