Expert: Brandy - 2/28/2007

Question
Hi Brandy
I hope you can help me with info about ways to introduce my two cats to a dog and another cat.  The two cats are indoor cats and have been together several years, the dog is a maltase and the other member of this household is a small young cat that has been an indoor/outdoor cat.  We are moving into a new house and want to try the best way for all the amimals to live together.  Do you have any suggestions about the best way to do this.  Also the two cats have been declawed but the young cat still has her claws, should she be declawed to protect the others? Any suggestions would be helpful, thanks Judy

Answer
First, with all the steps, be patient. Cats, and older cats in particular, are very routine, and can be territorial especially if they don't get moved around a a lot. The fact that the indoor pair has been together for years will help them, as they will see a familiar face and companion. If you will have the space, keep them limited to a room with food and litterboxes, and monitor them as they slowly recon the rest of the house. Starting out with a smallish room will help them not to get too frantic about being in a new space.

The easiest to acclimate should be the Maltese, especially if the Maltese has been acclimated to cats. If s/he is used to being crated, continue this as the dog will at times seem overwhelmed with other animals the same size, and will often go back to the safety of the 'den'. If the Maltese has not been cat-proofed, s/he can be slowly introduced to them via a closed door (they can all sniff under the door). Some people suggest keeping the dog on a leash for starters, and it's a good way to control the dog when the cats eventually bolt, and the dog instinctively chases.

The third cat should also be treated like the first pair in that you should start her out in her own space until she also calms down in her new home. A way to get the three cats used to each other could be done by rubbing cloths on each of them, then placing the fabric where the others can smell the new cat. Some people suggest feeding them on opposite sides of a closed door, so they can smell the other cat, perhaps meow/hiss/caterwaul until they get used to the smell and sound of each other. This could take anywhere from one day to three weeks. It depends on the cats. Usually, two cats meeting, in my experience, is easier than three, since at least one pair has bonded and suddenly the dynamics have shifted. Then the three could either remain tolerant of each other, or BFFs. The thing is to not rush it. Praise all the cats and Maltese when they 'play nice' and even playing with a kitty wand when all three cats are around may help break the ice (who knows, even the Maltese may join in!).

You do not need to declaw the third cat. Especially if she is to remain an indoor/outdoor cat. Just trim the claws. There is bound to be moments where the cats may scuffle, but in  my opinion, more damage can be done by teeth than claws, anyway. She may swat at the older pair, but I'm sure the older cats can still hold their own, claws or no claws.

This will take patience, but since everyone is going to new (and neutral) territory regarding the new house, it should not be as awful as expected.

Good luck; and let me know how things go.