The biggest thing you can do to be successful is to PRE-PLAN how you will do things and what the approach will be if some type of overt aggression begins. Pre-planning means to take enough time in the introductions to insure success. You should never force the animals to do something they are not ready for. It will take as long as it will take. Sometimes this will be a few days, sometimes weeks, sometimes months! By forcing things or by not planning how you will do the introductions, you can ruin the chances of a good working relationship between your animals. BE PATIENT! Handling aggression should be done BEFORE it escalates into action. If you watch your animals' ears, eyes, tails, body posture and body tension, you will be able to tell serious threats from display. If you have any doubts, then separate them and take no risks.

Behavior on Introduction

DOGS: Typical reactions are to chase, bark, paw or drool! Make sure you are careful and have a leash or some other form of restraint when introducing a new cat. Basic control learned in training classes, such as a "down, stay" can be an asset here.

CATS: Typical responses will be to attack, stalk, ambush, glare and make lots of horrible noises and contortions to communicate their displeasure. Some will just run off and hide.

Areas of Caution

Dogs who are solitary, or who have not been trained about food bowl etiquette, can be possessive or aggressive to other animals or their owners over food. If you suspect this may be the case you will want to make sure the food and water bowls for the dog are kept in a place where a wondering kitten or cat will not stumble into danger. Cats should have their own food bowls that are kept up high out of reach or in a separate room or closet with a cat door or limited access. This is usually a beneficial idea since dogs will often gorge on accessible cat food. Yummmm!

Dogs or cats will sometimes mark with urine but this is more of a situation found when introducing other new animals of the same species. There is an encroachment on their territory with new animals and you may see different types of activity in toileting habits, sleeping areas, or attention grabbing.

Dogs should have a clearly defined toileting area that is kept clean. Most house dogs will not have problems with this. If you don't regularly walk your dog, this is a good strategy to create a positive link to the new pet! Cats will usually want their own litterbox. Since many dogs like to indulge in "Almond Roca" it is a good idea to have the box isolated. Many households will use a laundry room or a bathroom cabinet or spare closet for a kitty room. Cat doors or special rigging can create a safe haven for them.

Pets should also have their regular routine for feeding and walking or playing when a new animal arrives. It is best to let animals have their individual attention always! Until things are more firmly integrated this is especially important.

Sleeping arrangements need to be clearly defined, it is actually better that each pet have their own bed to avoid conflict and create harmony. Crates or individual rooms can be used to separate animals while they are first being introduced.

Initially more scratch posts or cardboard scratchboxes would be a good idea since most cats will claw to mark territory. Place these near where the new animal is being kept, fed, and favorite areas of your feline friends. Toys and toy boxes may also need to be in a couple of places while integration takes place. If dogs or cats get possessive, keep the items they get possessive over stored away and monitor their use closely.

This is where everyone is fighting for your attention, or pushing in while you are interacting with another pet. This behavior is not acceptable and should not be rewarded with attention or play. Group behavior and interactions will be much better if you give each pet their own time and do not allow the others to interfere. Group interactions are okay if you instigate them and they don't get out of hand.

Remember not to leave the animals alone unattended until they are fully integrated. It is always better to be more cautious than not.