Preparing For The Outside World

Once your cat has been introduced to your family and pets and seems settled and content in your home, only then can you allow them to explore outdoors. We usually advise between three and four weeks, as this will ensure they have spread their scent around and will be likely to know their way home. Has your cat been neutered? If they haven’t, don’t let them out until the operation has been carried out by your vet. You’ll also need to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations and have been microchipped.

Cats and dogs – making the introduction

After going through the scent-swapping process mentioned above, you should be ready to make the first face-to-face introduction:

• keep your dog on the lead and keep them calm – it may help to take your dog for a vigorous walk first
• train your dog to show relaxed, non-threatening behaviour around the cat, such as ‘down’ and ‘stay’ and ensure you are in control at all times. For more information on positive, reward-based dog training, contact the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
• ensure your cat doesn’t feel cornered. Your cat should have a safe escape route or a high ledge where the dog can’t reach them. Close external doors and windows to avoid the cat bolting
• ignore the cat. Your dog will feel that the cat is more important if you focus on it. Do some training tasks with your dog to keep their attention, using treats and praise to reward their good behaviour
• never restrain your cat or force them to approach the dog. Let the cat leave the room whenever they wish
• don’t allow your dog to chase your cat. Praise and treat your dog if they remain calm and then return the cat back to their own room
• repeat short introductions until the dog shows little or no interest and the cat is not fearful of the dog. Progress to the dog being on a long line which can be picked up if necessary
• give your cat treats so they associate the dog with something positive
• Once your cat and dog are unconcerned by each other’s presence you can take your dog off the lead, but make sure your cat can still escape to a high ledge or furniture. Never leave the dog and cat unattended until you are absolutely sure that they are happy and secure in each other’s company.
• Remember that cat food and litter trays can be appealing for dogs, so make sure they are out of reach to allow your cat to eat and toilet in peace.

Compiled sources include:

http://www.cats.org.uk

http://www.petfinder.com

http://www.wikihow.pet

http://www.petcube.com

Cats Protection in the U.K.

Please note this was an informational research project to educate a friend & a new parent for proper senior cat care & adoption. I did not write most of this material, only gathered & now sharing it to help other cat parents.