Take things slowly when introducing dogs and cats

Dear Cathy: I have three female rescue dogs: two sisters who are 2½ years old and one who is 8. My husband has two cats at his work, 4-year-old siblings.

We are soon to retire and have no idea how to incorporate the animals into one house. They are all used to having the run of their respective places.

Please help us figure out what to do! — Claire, Tubac, Arizona

Dear Claire: Your pets will not have run of the house during the introduction period, but they will adjust to their new normal given your patience and time.

First, plug in canine and feline pheromones where the pets will spend most of their time initially, so that everyone has equal chance to feel at ease. You might even consider pheromone collars for each pet for the first two months.

Second, establish a room in the home where the cats can have their litter box, food, bed and toys. Wipe down your cats with a towel and leave it where the dogs hang out. Do the same thing with the dogs, leaving their scented towel in the cat room. Scent swapping is an important part of the introduction process.

After a few days, put the dogs in the cat room and let the cats roam the house. The cats might not venture far, but they need time to map out the house. After a few hours, swap them back, so they can get used to each other’s scents around the home. Do this for a few days.

Next, put a baby gate on the door opening and let your dogs, one at a time, sit and watch the cats.

The idea is to create a safe space where they can smell and see each other, but not hurt or overwhelm each other.

Once there is a sense of calm, introduce the dogs one at a time to the cats. Start by leashing your calmest dog and letting them on the other side of the gate. Be sure your cats have places to hide, or tall cat trees where they can watch the dogs from the safety of a perch.

After single introductions, introduce two dogs at a time, and then all three. Never let the dogs chase the cats. Keep them leashed during introductions, if needed.

Your cats will hiss to let the dogs know to stay away. This is normal. Everyone will adjust in time.