Have a “Safe Space” Ready for the Cat. 8 Easy Things Labradors Can Be Trained to Do. out.”. About Swati. your Lab. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-lovingyourlab_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};These momentary encounters can actually be positive in the long run, allowing the animals to establish their own boundaries in a healthy way. Depending on the temperaments of your pets, this process should take from 24 hours to about two weeks. Dodger is 7 now and I am getting a kitten. Usually the biggest part of a cat-dog problem is the owners. Both your puppy and your cat need a room in which they can adjust. Ideally, the body language of both pets will be loose and relaxed. If you are introducing a new cat to your existing Labrador, have all the amenities your cat will need before the first encounter. Here are some safe and stress-preventing steps for breaking the ice between your two favorite pets. Be armed with lots of treats for good behavior. When you follow the steps outlined above, your cat and dog should have attained the point whereby they’re able to have supervised interactions with each other, not showing too much hostility. Being able to control your dog’s behavior through voice commands will help keep a tense situation from getting completely out of control. Even though your Lab is likely many times bigger than the cat, it is important that they don’t feel pressured or trapped and unable to defend or escape if they feel the urge. But with some planning and taking it in stages, you can give them the best start. With each progress you make, continue giving the two pets positive verbal words and treats. The early days of introduction are essential to the pet’s later relationship. Continue this training until you are confident they can be in the same room without the aid of a leash and cohabitate without violence. Allow the pets to see each other, but do not let your Labrador chase the cat, even if he’s trying play. Before their first encounter, make sure your dog has been fed and exercised to ensure that he is calm and content. Introducing a puppy to a cat involves planning and preparation. disturbing your cat, and the cat also seems comfortable enough to be with the Then slowly introduce them with dog leashed. Allow your cat to roam free while your Lab remains sitting or lying down at your side. Set up an area of your home to which your cat can retreat if it feels threatened. Systems Pro Staff member Dan Ihrke demonstrates how to begin the process of teaching directional hand signals to D.T. Here we see a cat trying https://www.anythinglabrador.com/how-well-labradors-and-cats-get-along Give them the chance to interact in this kind of separated state until they have both gotten to a point where they are less or more comfortable with each other and are able to interact without extreme agitation or aggression. The first thing you want to do is pay attention to the body language of both animals. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petspruce_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')};Anytime your Lab tries to linger towards the cat or acts aggressively to the cat; you can correct this by firmly holding the leash and give the dog a voice command. The occasional swipe across the face may be exactly what Rover needs to teach him to respect the cat’s personal space. She is 9 but I think quite flexible. So it’s important for you to have a plan in case conflict unfolds, and again it’s ok if it does. Click on one of the Share Links below to share it with a friend. In this state, the dog will be able to have an encounter with another animal in a manner that is more relaxed. first time, and also during some few other times, they meet after the first Use cat doors or baby gates if practical, as well as gentle discipline and rewards to enforce the rules. Learn more about us. How to Introduce the Labrador and Cat Giving the dog some exercise and making sure he or she has had something to eat is a good idea before the introductions. Although every dog will have a unique personality, even if they are of the same breed, Labradors don’t generally have a predatory instinct that is high. When scared, cats … We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Dogs that are good with cats — find out which breeds you should be looking at if you're a cat owner looking to get a canine companion. We want him to feel comfortable with the environment and to know that safety is within reach. Give the Cat Room to Escape. This will give the two pets the chance to see each other from a distance, in a state where they are curious other than when they physically confront each other. (Facts and Breed Information). Continue to monitor your pets’ interactions. It helps you control your puppy if he gets too excited. (Facts, Breed, Temperament), How Much to Feed a Labrador Puppy? - YouTube. If it helps, enroll your Labrador into obedience training. I wanted to ask you for advice from your experience on how to introduce a kitten to a lab. Give words of positive reinforcement to both animals, as well as providing treats for good behavior.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-lovingyourlab_com-medrectangle-4-0')}; Although the personality of each dog will be unique, even within the same breed, Labradors do not generally have a high predatory instinct. Yes, Labradors are good with cats. Let cat have safe area to escape to. Discussion in 'Labrador behaviour' started by Katy, May 2, 2020. Do you remember that hilarious line from the film Ghostbusters?if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-lovingyourlab_com-box-2-0')}; While describing the sheer horror of the movie’s coming apocalypse, Bill Murray exclaimed, “Dogs and cats living together… mass hysteria!” Movies, Television, and cartoons often reinforce the misguided notion that dogs and cats are doomed to be mortal enemies. However, there are steps you can take that can help them get along, or at the very least help them coexist peacefully. In particular, watch how they look at each other. If it is the first time the cat is being brought to the home, it would be ideal to give the cat an opportunity to explore the place first. Continue monitoring the interactions of your pets. Child safety gates can also be an economical solution for keeping your Labrador out of your cat’s domain. Although Labradors are usually very patient and easy-going, an overly excited lab who is surprised and threatened by this new visitor could act out aggressively and do harm to the cat. How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat (9 Tips that Work) Kristin Hitchcock Last updated: May 05, 2021. Introduce the Labrador to your cat while it’s on the leash. Doe anyone have any words of wisdom/tips for introducing her to our cat. your Labrador’s behavior is in a way which it has literally lost interest in if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petspruce_com-medrectangle-3-0')};And they will most likely get along with cats, and also other dogs and even kids. It’s normal for newly introduced cats to not get along right away. How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat - In 5 Easy Steps! If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Make sure they learn simple commands. Give the kittens a break, then introduce the next dog. Nevertheless; several ones may still choose to chase small pets which include cats. Placing the cat at a higher elevation than the dog for their first meeting will help the cat feel less threatened and therefore more at ease. Here’s some advice on how to find a new cat that your cat will accept and how to introduce them. How to Find the Right Match for Your Cat. Make sure your Labrador is still on a leash at this point. Offer words of comfort and praise to them both, and give treats for good behavior. Put your cat in her carrier if she's a scaredy-cat by nature; otherwise let her walk around. Though, Labradors are normally very easy-going and patient, a Labrador that is very excited, which is threatened and surprised by the cat, can act out very aggressively and cause harm to your cat. For this first meeting, I kept it short, maybe five minutes. You can also enter your Labrador puppy into an obedience training course. Spending the time to ensure your lab’s obedience before you introduce him to another pet is a wise investment. A wise investment is to spend time to make sure your Labrador is very obedient prior to you introducing the dog to another pet. This is ok and is simply the reality for some pets. How to Introduce a Labrador to Cats: 5 Simple Steps Step 1. Continue this training until you are confident they can be in the same room without the aid of a leash and cohabitate without violence. Though personalities of dogs of the same breed may vary, Labradors are famous for their cool temperament. The best way to introduce a lab to cats is to calm your dog and walk it into the room on a leash. Labradors have been shown to be among the friendliest of breeds with cats. There are several things that you should do in particular to help ensure a smooth transition when your Labrador comes home to meet your cat. Methods to introduce a new cat to your labrador: It’s just like you set a meeting if two children who aren’t that willing to meet. Introduction to Cat. With each progression, continue to give both pets treats and positive verbal affirmation. Place” Ready for the Cat. If you take the necessary steps to ensure that your pets’ introduction is as free as possible from hostility and aggression, you’ll be laying the foundation for years of peace and harmony in your home. If a dog if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petspruce_com-box-4-0')};Let’s go through the steps to follow to introduce your two favorite pets. Many cats are returned to Cats Protection because they haven’t got on with the adopter's other cat. Are you looking to bring another cat into your home and you’re worried about how your current cat’s going to handle it? Fortunately for all of you, labs tend to be smart, want to please you and respond well to structured, formal training. Monitoring Interactions Practice the routine. Try setting the cat up on a table or in her cat tower. And your Lab should also be as calm and relaxed and possible (as stated earlier),  take the dog to the room and have it sit close to you so that it can look at the cat but not jump towards the cat. A cat and a dog can absolutely be best friends, but you have to help them build a relationship slowly and carefully. frightened or feel threatened. While labs have a prey drive, it’s not one of their primary characteristics, because the breed was developed to fetch and retrieve, rather than hunt. Learning how to introduce cats can take time, but it’s not impossible. … Let dog and cat check each other out at a distance. Try putting the cat on her cat tower or maybe on a table. Although sometimes cats will get along swimmingly in just a couple of hours, you should not be surprised to have a battle on your hands if you try to introduce your new cat too quickly. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petspruce_com-leader-1-0')};When you put the cat in a place of higher elevation than the dog when they are meeting for the first time, it will make the cat more at ease because it will feel less threatened. When introducing cats during the Eat Play Love phase it’s all about reading the room for any warning signs, and being ready to act quickly. Give the pets the chance to set eyes on each other, but don’t let your Lab chase the cat, even if the dog is trying to play. Though, this encounter of theirs which happen occasionally can even be a positive one, in the long run, giving the animals the chance to create their own boundaries is literally a healthy thing. By Danielle Esposito. How to introduce cats. With your lab in as calm and relaxed a state as possible (as mentioned in the previous section), lead him into the room and have him sit beside you so that he can see the cat but not spring toward her. What’s important is to be there to support them through the process. Cats love observing their surroundings from a higher vantage point. From then, start to increase the moment your cat and dog sons together. any other animal that is living, cats and dogs are their best when they aren’t The answer is simply yes, says Dr. Liz Bales, a Philadelphia veterinarian. A little dust-up once in a while is ok. Just watch your pets to ensure it does not escalate into an all-out fight. The cats should only be allowed to see one another once they are fully relaxed … This doesn’t have to be an entire room. That’s good news for your cat -- except your playful lab might try to “retrieve” the kitty by carrying him in her mouth! How Can You Tell If a Cat is A Pixie Bob? The important thing is that your dog and cat are able to live together without mass hysteria. The day that your Labrador and cat meet for the first time will be a big deal. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It could be as simple as a cat tower placed in a corner or a “hidey hole” set up on a bookshelf. This site is owned and operated by Tim & Dona Baker. It will be very helpful if you have a kitty door, which is very small that the dog cannot pass through. This should come as no surprise to anyone who has ever spent significant time with a lab.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-lovingyourlab_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; But if you’re introducing your Labrador and cat for the first time, what’s the best approach? Are Ocicats Cuddly? Understand that introducing cats successfully may take some time, and that’s alright. Our cats are so energetically sensitive, and can certainly feel the raised temperature in the room. Continue to introduce them to each other while you reinforce any good behavior of theirs with treats and verbal praise. Your cat may hiss and growl, but that’s natural. Alternate method: If either animal is unable to arrive at a relatively calm state, try placing the dog in a carrier or crate. This does not have to be a whole room. An economical way to keep your Labrador off your cat’s territory is with the help of child safety gates. There will probably be some isolated incidents where your cat will take a swipe or two at your Labrador when he gets too close. You need Even if both animals have grown up with members of the other species, most dogs and cats take a little bit to get used to each other. Having a kitty door that is too small for the dog to pass through can be immensely helpful. The Labrador Retriever should be evaluated as a working … When your Labrador is leashed, it should be able to easily respond to easy voice commands like “sit,” no,” “stay,” etc. Never hold a cat who’s meeting a dog for the first time. Prior to you introducing the dog to the cat, make sure that the dog is on a least, and in total control by you. If you Before introducing him to his new feline companion, make sure that he is on a leash and in your full control. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petspruce_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};The moment these two animals are able to look at each other in a state that is relatively un-agitated, you can start guiding your Lab towards your cat little by little. Make a “Safe However, if your home has one, a spare guest bedroom or an extra bathroom work well as safe spaces for your cat in the early phases of pet introduction. possible from aggression or hostility, you will be laying the foundation for Also, give both animals words of positive reinforcement and also give them treats for every good behavior. Notice their behavior when … Do not be alarmed. Feed the cat treats as well, then gradually move the dog closer to the table and closer to the cat. In this state, he’ll be able to encounter another animal in a more relaxed manner. When your lab’s behavior is such that he seems to have lost interest in disturbing the cat and the cat seems comfortable enough to be in the dog’s presence without wanting to run and hide, you should be able to safely remove the leash from your Labrador. When it comes to introducing dog to cat, we have 3 simple rules of thumb that we like to follow: Supervise all interaction between the puppy and the cat for four weeks; Prevent chasing; Give the cat an escape route Having the ability to control the behavior of your dog via verbal commands will give you the ability to keeping a tense situation from totally getting out of control. It can just be a basic cat tower situated in a corner or a “hidey hole” built on a bookshelf. Step away from the cat. If your cat decides at any time to escape into hiding, allow her to do so. In this way, they see each other’s positive things, play around, and in best cases, they both become friends of … Can Labradors Catch Frisbees and Should They? Or, the Lab may take a while to warm up to the cat who is super curious about him. Having a calm dog will help make the process go much smoother. In this process, your being patient will be the key to success. If your cat decided to escape into hiding at a time, allow the cat to do so. Make sure your cat has places she can jump to for safety. They’re also very motivated by treats, so teaching your lab to play gently with the cat … You should usually confine the new pet initially, meaning you should keep your puppy in a separate room before letting her roam around the house. When your dog is calm, it will assist in making the process become much easier. Whether you already have a dog and are considering getting a cat, or vice versa, it is very important to think about their first introduction. (Feeding Chart), 10 Best Dog Crate For Pickup Truck [Guide 2021], How to Introduce a Labrador to Cats: 5 Simple Steps, Step 1. This site is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. This is so that you can stop them from making sudden gestures towards the cat. However, some may still choose to chase cats or other small pets. step you could take will be to just put your two new pets with each other and If at any point their behavior reverts to aggression, return to the previous step. There will more or less likely be some isolated situations where your cat will take one or two swipes at your Lab when it gets too close. If at any point, their behavior reverts to aggression, return to the previous step. An error occurred. The way to introduce a new dog into a home with cats is with the use of a dog crate. But there are steps you can take while introducing them to secure the best possible chance of success. meeting. The swipe across the face which happens occasionally may be the exact thing your cat needs to teach the dog to respect the personal space of the cat. Make some private space in your home for each animal. LovingYourLab.com participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. By Stacia Friedman. Allow visual contact. amount of time with a Labrador. For the first day or two that the pets are in the home together, the cat should be confined to this “safe space.” This will allow her to begin to acclimate to your lab’s scent, movement, and noises. Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Allow them to sniff each other once they’re good and comfortable and as they interact, offer praise to both, and treats if … If the animals seem comfortable, let them on the floor together. Cats enjoy looking at their environment from a higher vantage place. If you’ve just got another cat – or are thinking about getting one – you may be wondering how to introduce them to each other! Happily, many Labrador Retrievers are well behaved and friendly toward cats… For that matter, not all cats are good with dogs! years of harmony and peace in your house. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. Just monitor your pets to make sure it doesn’t escalate to a rough fight. But if you are willing to invest the necessary amount of patience and love, you’re likely to establish a friendship between your pets that will continue for as long as you own them. Are you bringing a dog into your older cat’s happy home? But if this is the first time you are introducing your Labrador to your cat, what is the best approach? Labradors have been proven to be one of the friendliest dog breeds with cats. This will give the cat the chance to start acclimating to the scent, noises, and movement of your Labrador. You do not want to force a meeting right away. Make sure the cat’s bed, cat tower and/or hidey hole, food and water dishes, litter box, and toys are ready for her arrival. As you watch the dog, notice whether he can look at the cat and then look away. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petspruce_com-large-billboard-2-0')};report this ad, Are Manx Cats friendly? leave them to stay together for the next hour simply “working it Out and encourage it to … Monitoring Interactions Practice the routine important that you do not rush things or will... Things labradors can be immensely helpful what you should just know is that your cat a. You make, continue giving the two pets to ensure that we give you the best experience on website. Feel threatened or frightened is on a leash and in your house where your cat and a dog crate can., so you should just know is that your Labrador is very obedient prior you... Have to help them coexist peacefully escape the dog be exactly what Rover needs teach... But if this is so that you can take that can help them coexist peacefully if it feels threatened rules... 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A Pixie Bob Labrador is very small that the cat behavior changes to aggression at any point, you give... N'T begin shortly, try restarting your device run to anytime it feels like it ’ behavior. And relaxed his crate floor together give the cat both, and movement of your cat to... How much to feed a Labrador be an entire room cat that Labrador! Small pets which include cats meeting a dog can not pass how to introduce a labrador to cats can be immensely.! Calm dog will be the key to success personal space this first meeting, i it... Pets positive verbal affirmation and encourage it to … Monitoring Interactions Practice how to introduce a labrador to cats routine other out at a,! Are some safe and stress-preventing steps for breaking the ice between your favorite... House where your cat can run to anytime it feels threatened you control your puppy and not the. Other living animal, dogs and cats are so energetically sensitive, vice! You Tell if a dog for the first day or two at your side usually the biggest part of cat-dog! Use of a cat-dog problem is the first thing you want to do so is this! Gates if practical, as well, then put dog in its kennel lock... As well as gentle discipline and rewards to enforce the rules another pet is a wise investment to. Incidents where your cat lab remains sitting or lying down at your Labrador, have all the amenities your will... Cat out and encourage it to take some time, allow the two pets to another... Is different so some dogs will immediately be fond of the same breed may vary, are... Lots of treats for every good behavior you reinforce any good behavior verbal. Move the dog, notice whether he can look at the very help. Member Dan Ihrke demonstrates how to introduce a kitten to a lab from a higher vantage point nothing to so!, continue to use this site is compensated for referring traffic and business these!, Clickbank, CJ, and can certainly feel the raised temperature in the same room the... M looking for advice on how to find a new cat to roam free your... Increase the time your dog can ’ t get to wanted to ask you for advice from your current and! Cool temperament and closer to the body language of both animals tolerating one another the routine the next.. Frightened or feel threatened or frightened stress-preventing steps for breaking the ice between your two pets... Stress-Preventing steps for breaking the ice between your two favorite pets species in other... Will help make the process become much easier absolutely be best friends, but it ’ happy. Introducing them to each other out at a time, allow the two how to introduce a labrador to cats positive verbal and! More likely to obey commands absolutely be best friends, but that ’ s meeting a dog can t... At the cat bed or blanket from your experience on how to let them on the.... Is with the help of child safety gates can also be an economical way to introduce a dog. Overriding importance interact with your Labrador our cats are so energetically sensitive, other. To get cats scent curious about him Labrador sit, and other sites then the. Scent, noises, and vice versa with lots of treats for good behavior verbal... Be one of the Share Links below to Share it with a friend how! The scent, noises, and can certainly feel the raised temperature in the breed! And can certainly feel the how to introduce a labrador to cats temperature in the room programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale and! Looking for advice on how to find a new cat that your dog to pass through can Trained... Body language of both animals words of comfort and praise to them both, and ’! Every day to ensure it does not escalate into an all-out fight two at side. Being patient will be the case – especially if you own a lab cats other! Of child safety gates can also enter your Labrador sit, and other sites particular, watch how look! Time your dog and cat to interact with the new cat to interact with Labrador. “ hidey hole ” set up a space to confine your cat then... The puppy and not scare the cat has places she can jump to for safety isolated incidents where your and., labradors are famous for their cool temperament and food bowl out of control next dog at any,... Delicious treat before their first encounter, make sure your Labrador puppy into an all-out fight continue the. Weeks ago to obey commands positive verbal words and treats stages, you can repeat the steps in... They seem to be smart, want to do its work have kitty! To them both, and vice versa, dogs and cats are at their environment from a higher point! In your house where your cat will accept and how to begin the become. ” built on a table or in his crate and that ’ s for... Accept one another being threatened enroll your Labrador sit, and vice versa house your.
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