Acquaintance of a puppy with a Sphynx cat
When a puppy is introduced into the home, everyone reacts with great enthusiasm, which is understandable, but it can be a little unsettling for the cat present.
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Always assume that your Sphynx cat will likely have a difficult time with her new neighbor and will view the dog's arrival as an intrusion into her world. Sometimes it takes a while before they accept each other, and sometimes it happens very quickly. It is important to introduce the puppy smoothly so that your pets can become friends in the future.
Leave the cat in a quiet, enclosed area of the house and allow the puppy to settle in and become familiar with the house and family, other than where the cat is. Make sure your cat has food/drinks and a litter box.
Introduction
When peace is restored in the family after the first meeting, you can introduce the cat to the puppy under supervision. Before your first meeting, try to create a general scent by first petting your Sphynx cat and then your puppy so that the scents mingle. It is often helpful to give both animals some food during the first meeting and give it so far apart that they can see each other but are still a safe distance away from each other.
Don't reward fear and aggression
If the cat hisses and growls, which almost always happens, do not intervene immediately. A new puppy is an intrusion into the cat's existing territory and, of course, must react to this. If an attack occurs, it is important to separate the animals, but pay attention to your own safety, especially with a cat.
If the first acquaintance was successful, reward both animals for this with a treat or voice, make sure that in case of aggression you do not comfort anyone or talk quietly, because this will have a positive effect on fear and reinforce it.
Together longer and longer
When you cannot keep an eye on them, do not let the animals together, but let them get to know each other longer under supervision. The speed of this process will depend on several factors. If the puppy has already been introduced to cats or the cat has already met a dog during the socialization period, all of this will affect this process.
Own pace
Make sure that your Sphynx cat always has a safe place where the puppy cannot get to it, and never remove the cat from there while she is lying there. Give the animals time to get used to each other at their own pace. If necessary, use a crate to place the dog in during introductions so that the dog does not pose a threat to the cat.
Let's remember the most important things:
- In the beginning, keep animals separated from each other if they are unattended.
- Introduce gradually and use treats as rewards if results are good.
- If necessary, put your puppy on a leash so you can easily pull him back.
- Make sure the house is quiet during the first meeting.
- Make sure your cat has a safe place to retreat.
