Introducing Toby

Thought you might like to see a photo of the new addition to our family. He is 10 weeks old and we have named him Toby. Having lost our two cats recently we bought him as a companion for our Flatcoated Retriever, Busby.
Busby is a bit wary of him at the moment as Toby spits at him when he comes near him, which is natural. Luckily we have our large dog cage which we keep Toby in for most of the time with his little bed, food and litter tray, which keeps them apart for most of the time until they get used to one another. It has been years since have had kittens and dogs together so any advice would be appreciated.

Toby ( photo / image / picture from Gardengirl's Garden )

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Whenever I feel low I head for the garden.

What an adorable little kitten you have there Gardengirl and what a superb photograph of him. Very Happy

Here are a some tips that I used to give to clients who were trying to get dogs and cats used to each other.

Get an old towel or blanket and let Busby play with it, lie on it and generally spread his scent all over it. If he's not interested in it then rub it all over him. Now place it inside Toby's 'room' and let him play, roll, chew and generally get used to it for 24 hours. Now give the blanket back to Busby for the next 24 hours. This should ensure that they are well used to each others scents. To make doubly sure repeat this process this time with a soft toy that Busby favours.

Now it's time to let them meet for the first time.

Firstly, remember that cats can't be controlled, especially as kittens, so it's the dog that must be under your constant supervision when introducing them to each other. Hold Toby in your hands and ask Busby to come towards you. Make sure you have some doggy treats on hand should any trouble start as they will distract Busby away from the situation. Labradors/Retreivers are more interested in food, as a general rule, than they are in new members of their family.
Don't let the first meeting last for more than a few minutes and if all goes well then praise both pets profusely. Each day let their meeting be slightly longer and when you feel confident enough allow Toby to walk free of you and be approached by Busby or vice versa.
It could still take many weeks, if not months, before both animals are relaxed enough to tolerate each others company so endless patience is needed. Hopefully though, because Toby is so young, it won't take too long for them to become friends. Thankfully Busby has been used to cats in the past which should make the whole process easier for all concerned.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

GOOD LUCK!!! Very Happy

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