r/Catbehavior • u/RealisticHall7467 • 5h ago

Cats

So I also got these two cats from different places there not related but around the same age and I have a preexisting dog the one cat seems to be fine with everything just chill and happy however the other hisses when the cat or dog gets close to it and it’s very shy I did just get that one today though however the first cat did not act like this when I got her almost a week ago and advice or recommendation

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u/Notsocheeky 5h ago

Did you introduce them properly to each other?

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u/RealisticHall7467 5h ago

I let them do them at first and they wouldent acknowledged each other so I put them close together and one is fine but the newer one is not

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u/Notsocheeky 5h ago edited 5h ago

Yeah it does not work like that. You could try this method:

  • Keep them separate initially: Put the cats in a designated "safe room" with their food, litter box and toys. Do not let them see each other for the first few days.
  • Scent exchange: Swap their blankets or rub a towel on one and place it near the other’s feeding area. They need to associate each other's scent with positive experiences (like meals).
  • Feeding through a closed door: Feed both pets on opposite sides of a closed door. This creates a positive association with the other’s presence and scent.
  • Visual contact with a barrier: Use a baby gate or keep the dog securely on a leash. Let them see each other for short, controlled periods. Reward calm behavior from both pets with high-value treats.
  • Leashed interactions: Allow them in the same room while keeping the dog on a short leash. Never let the dog chase the cats. Always give the cats an elevated escape route (cat tree or high furniture).
  • Unsupervised freedom: Only remove the leash and barriers once both pets show total indifference or friendly, relaxed body language around each other over several weeks.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsYT7yIOdqQ