Introducing new adult dog into a cat household

Question
Hi Alan,

I currently live with my boyfriend and about 3 years ago I took in a stray adult cat that was living in my backyard.  He is very shy and unsure to new people that come into the house and is quick to run and hide.  My boyfriend would like to get a dog and I am all for it, however, I don't want to put unnecessary stress on my cat as he is just starting to come out of his shell after 3 years.  Today my boyfriend went to the pound to see a dog that we found on a local shelters website.  He is a black lab german shepherd mix and is 6 months old.  I was told he is very scared being in the shelter and in the cage.  He has only been there for 3 days so the shelter employees could not tell us if the dog is good with cats or not.  My questions to you are:
Is this going to add stress to my cat that my be harmful to him?  How do I introduce them to each other?  Would it be wise to pick him up on the weekend since both my boyfriend and I work during the week?  My cat is a male and was de-clawed (not by me).  Is it a problem brining a male dog into a home with a male cat?

Any insight you can provide is greatly appreciated.  I don't want to jump the gun and get this dog before I do the research and I don't want to put him on hold and maybe his perfect family pass him by (if that family is not us).

Thank you,
Hannah

Answer
Hello Hannah,
Someone sent your question to the question pool, so I thought I would write to try to help you.  

Introducing a New Dog to a Resident Cat



The following includes information adapted from "Creating a Peaceable Kingdom: How to Live with More Than One Pet" by Cynthia D. Miller and from various PAW volunteers.

* Understand differences in social order. To cats, physical place is all important. To dogs, social place is all important. As long as the dog accepts the cat's dominance over territory, they typically work out a relationship.

* As with introducing pets, think positively. Act with authority and confidence. What you feel and think translates to your actions, and your animals sense your emotions.

* Dogs and cats do not communicate the same way and have trouble understanding one another. For example, a dog will lift his paw gesturing that he wants to play, but a raised paw to a cat is a threat.

* A good-natured, well-trained resident dog often accepts a young cat as a member of the family rather easily. In contrast, introducing an adult cat to a puppy can be hard on the cat. Puppies are rambunctious and full of energy.

* Keep the dog on leash during introductions. Use a halter for very young dogs. Try to keep the leash loose.

* Take dogs to puppy obedience and regular obedience school and teach desired behavior using positive reinforcement. Your dog needs to always remember you are the leader.

* Confining a puppy or dog is necessary at times. It gives the cat time to roam about the house, surveying his territory. If you keep the dog separated with a gate or in an exercise pen, your cat can safely investigate the newcomer.

* When you leave the house, separate the animals in physically, securely separated areas. Give each access to water, a bed or other suitable resting place, and some toys. Be sure the cat has access to a litter box. Make sure everyone in your family and any caretakers understand the need to separate the animals.

* For the cat's safety, make sure the cat has escape routes to get away from the dog. For example, a cat door leading to another room in the house and ledges on which he can easily jump. Always provide places where each animal can retreat for safety and privacy, a spot that is his or hers alone. A cat can use the top of the refrigerator; a dog can use a crate.

* Use a baby gate so they can get to know each other without coming into full contact. Or confine the new pet to a room and allow the animals to sniff each other under the door. A tip from PAW volunteer Lynne Keffer: put up a baby gate at the top of a stairway or in a doorway. (Stack gates one atop another if the dog's a jumper.) Cut a small hole in the gate, just big enough for the cat to fit through. Things typically improve once the cat learns he has an escape hatch.

* Other escape hatches include floor-to-ceiling climbers and installing extra-long hooks and eyes in doors to prop a door open just wide enough for a cat.

* Teach the dog the "leave it" command, and use this command when you want the dog to leave the cat alone. Also teach the dog the "down" and "stay" commands so that you can place her in a down-stay in the presence of the cat.

* Praise the dog when she doesn't bark or want to chase resident cats, advises PAW volunteer Ginnie Maurer. Praise and reward the dog for any calm behavior around the cat. Do this consistently, not just once in awhile.

* Praise a cat when he's gentle around the dog. Keep the cat claws clipped short so if they do connect with the dog, the damage will be minimized.

* Observe your pets so that you can catch them in the act of being good. Give them ample opportunities to earn praise so that they learn what is acceptable behavior. Reinforcing good behavior is the key to encouraging animals to repeat that behavior instead of engaging in undesired behavior.

* Food can be a powerful motivator. You can use food treats to reward a dog for choosing to look at and listen to you in the presence of the cat, instead of chasing the cat.

* Keep dog toys nearby. Direct the dog to a toy and away from the cat when the dog gets rambunctious. Make sure cats have access to their own toys too, so they're less likely to target a dog's tail as a plaything.

* Make sure to give the dog plenty of exercise so that he has less energy to channel into chasing and otherwise bothering the dog.

* Let animals sniff each other -- that's how they get acquainted.

* Avoid overreacting to hissing, barking or growling. These are common ways for animals to communicate. However, be ready to intervene if hostility mounts.

* Do not expect the pets to become buddies right away. Let the animals establish the relationship at their own pace. Realize that some dogs and cats will not become buddies.

* A puppy's innocent behavior can trigger a serious scratching from a wary cat, so as always, it's important to keep watch.

* Prevent the dog from having access to the kitty litter box. Keep the box in a room that's physically off-limits to the dog. Dogs like to eat cat droppings, which are very unhealthy for them.

* To keep a dog from chasing or stalking cats when you are home but otherwise occupied, use a crate or tether the dog to a heavy piece of furniture, suggests Ginnie. Or use a long leash that's tied at your waist.

* Keep in mind that predatory behavior comes naturally to both dogs and cats. They like to chasing moving objects, including other animals.

* If you have more than one dog, do not let them gang up on a cat.

* Be sure to pay attention to the resident pets. Take care not to give all your attention to the newcomer.

* During mealtimes, each animal needs to feel safe and relaxed while eating. An animal who feels the need to defend his food is under much stress (this will also affect digestion). At least initially, feed in separate areas and give the animals their own food bowls. It helps to give the cat an elevated place to eat that cannot be reached by the dog. The height gives the cat a sense of security.

* Introduce new pets when things are going well at home. Do not bring a new pet home during a stressful time in the household.