The Cat Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Introducing Dogs to Cats
I have two cats, both under two years old. One is male, the other female. The female’s very skittish. She runs and hides with any loud noise or lots of people. The male is very dominating and brave.
We would like to get a dog (a Golden Retriever, probably), but we’re afraid the female cat will never come out in the open again. Please advise whether a dog is a good idea, and if so, how to introduce. I’m worried that we’ll get a dog and the cats won’t adjust. Then what?
Love your show.
From: Jan, in Woodbridge, Virginia
Dear Jan,
Are you familiar with my book, THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know? It contains lots of good advice on introducing cats and dogs. Please pick it up, and move slowly. Follow the suggestions quite specifically.
Your new dog should definitely be a puppy, so the cats can teach him how to behave! To help the fearful cat generally:
The scaredy cat needs lots of interactive play with a lure-type toy to bring her out of her shell. She needs vertical spaces to feel brave enough out in the open -- a very generous cat tree, perhaps, with nooks and crannies up high, and a “safe” way to access and leave it without feeling too vulnerable.
Her brave housemate cat can also lead by example. Cats learn from each other.
From what you’ve told me, I’d say yes, absolutely, get a dog. A rescue would be a good idea. And please, let me know how it goes. Kind regards.
Tracie Hotchner
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You To Know, and from CAT CHAT™ The Radio Show, broadcasting live on Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112 on Sirius Satellite Radio, every Wednesday from 8-9 p.m. EST.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
