1st May 2006

I will very soon be moving home with my two cats (age 7 years, who

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Question:

I will very soon be moving home with my two cats (age 7 years, who ave only lived in a flat on their own with no other animals), into a home ith a 7-year-old Black Labrador who is not used to cats. Any advice on ow the animals can be introduced/live together as painlessly as possible?

Answer:

Moving to a new territory is quite a stressful experience for cats as they place high value on the place they call home. When you first arrive, keep the cats in just one quiet room for a few days, providing comfy beds up high and litter trays at floor level. Keep the Labrador out, but exchange the scent of the animals by wiping soft cloths on both cats and the dog, and then placing them in their beds. Begin to let them explore the rest of the house when the dog has gone out for walks. After a week or so, arrange for gradual introductions, ensuring that the dog is restrained by a lead at all times to prevent the cats from getting scared. If you have one, place the dog inside an indoor kennel. Give short, planned meetings in this way over several days and, gradually, you will begin to see both animals beginning to relax. Only then can you begin to let the dog move around a bit more, but always prevent a chase or you will set back the whole process.