Many homes have more than one pet. Some have both cats and dogs even though it's a well-known fact that dogs and cats don't get along so well. However, when they share a home they can learn to get along just fine, if they are properly introduced. A lot will depend on the age of both animals and how they have been raised prior to you becoming the owner. However, most dogs and cats can live together without any major problems. Once they accept each other, they tend to mind their own business and go their separate ways, for the most part.
When you first bring your Goldendoodle home (or your new cat, depending on who is there first) there are a few things that you can do to make the introduction go much smoother. First of all, you should know that puppies and kittens get along the best. For one thing, a puppy is not usually as aggressive as an adult dog. Still, you can introduce dogs and cats together at most any age with positive results.
Tips for introducing your Goldendoodle to your cat:
• All introductions should be supervised so you can see how both pets will react to the other. Never just through the pets together and let them fight it out, this could have deadly consequences especially for the cat and the dog can get injured as well.
• Allow the pets to see each other and learn that this is both of their homes. Then, they will need time to accept each other. Sometimes it's a good idea to keep the pets separated for a couple of days so they can become acquainted with each others smell before actually meeting.
• The better trained your Goldendoodle is, the better this introduction can go. If they mind and stay when they're told, they will be less likely to take off after the cat. Still, it's recommended that you have the dog on a lease for this event, just in case. You want the cat to feel safe in the presence of the dog and this can't happen if he takes off after him.
• Allow the cat to hide and only come out when he feels it's safe to do so. This way, neither animal will become as stressed out.
• Start out by only allowing them to be in the same room for a limited amount of time and then begin to slowly increase the time frame.
• Remember to reward each pet with a treat for good behavior and this will help to encourage them to get along.
There is no set time limit on how long it will take for your Goldendoodle and cat to get along. The important thing is, if they are introduced properly and allowed to accept each other at their own pace, eventually they should get along. There are exceptions when one or both of the pets are excessively aggressive but in normal circumstances, they usually reside well together. In some cases, they even become good friends.
