Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We just introduced a new addition to our family. She's a little princess about 3 mos. old. As a new yorkie owner (actually she owns us already) I have many questions. Although I have done my reasearch, I am still wondering about the best way to introduce our cat to her.... well they have met already... and it didn't go too well I might add. It seems that our cat is pretty ticked off at the idea of having a little puppy in "HER" house. Any suggestions as to how to encourage them to play nice... or at least to get our cat to tolerate her would help. I know it may take a little time, but I really would like to do this with as little emotional trauma to our cat... and physical trauma to our yorkie.
Thanks for reading,
Matt

>>We just introduced a new addition to our family. She's a little princess about 3 mos. old. As a new yorkie owner (actually she owns us already) I have many questions. Although I have done my reasearch, I am still wondering about the best way to introduce our cat to her.... well they have met already... and it didn't go too well I might add. It seems that our cat is pretty ticked off at the idea of having a little puppy in "HER" house. Any suggestions as to how to encourage them to play nice... or at least to get our cat to tolerate her would help. I know it may take a little time, but I really would like to do this with as little emotional trauma to our cat... and physical trauma to our yorkie.
>>Thanks for reading,
>>Matt

>>>>>>>>>>>>

One way to do it is keep them apart but let them start getting used to each other's scent through a closed door. Then you add letting them see each other but not get to each other. As they get calm, you progress to whatever point works. Not all terriers and cats can get along to be fully together. A behavior specialist could help you with it. Main thing is not to rush it, and not to allow any aggressive or wild behavior toward each other.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

Thanks Kathy. I apperciate it. We'll try that and keep our fingers crossed. We are noticing that the cat (Tudder) is slowly starting to come back into rooms that we allow our yorkie (Maggie) to play in.... she has even once entered the room at the same time Maggie was in there playing.... although it didn't last very long, we were happy to see it happen. NO FUR FLYING YET!!!!
Thanks again,
Matt