New cat

[Joanne]

Anyone have experience acclimating their doodle to a cat? My goldendoodle, Baylee, is almost 3 years old. We just adopted an 18 month old cat. So far Baylee is extremely freaked out. We are keeping the cat in our bathroom for now. The first night Baylee barked non-stop the ENTIRE night at the bathroom door. My husband went in another room with her and she continued to bark. Each night/day since, she barks less, but is still very interested in where the cat is and barks if she hears her meowing or scratching her litter box.

So far, the cat is not too freaked out and seems very friendly. I'm afraid to let them be together and freak the cat out and start litter box or other problems with the cat. 

I would be so grateful for any tips or tricks! I'm hoping we can make this work and have a peaceful home sometime soon!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Acclimating 2 animals to be another is all about scent. Start my rubbing down each animal and switch the towels. In other words, put the dog towel on with the cat and vice-a-versa. It takes time, but I've done it a bazillion times. It will depend on the tolearn easy of each animal. Enzo shares her house with 5 cats. 2 she stays clear of, as she knows they will kick her butt. The other 3 cuddle with her. One, Enzo literally picks up and carrys around. The cat loves her and continually goes back back for more.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Visual is best, In this situation, I would put the cat in a crate :)  Let them see and smell each other.   We also installed a babygate.  The dog could not pass but the small opening at the floor level  ( about 6 inches) let the cat get away if necessary. 

I used to put the dog in a down and reassure them both. It takes some time but it will work out.  

Again, let them see each other but keep both safe and out of trouble with crates and gates and take it slow

[Diane and Alma]

I kept Alma on a leash when we introduced her to our cat, Rose.  That way the cat could wander around while Alma was in the same room.  We also had a gate so that the cat could walk through a small door at the bottom but the dog couldn't get passed.  This gave Rose a place to go if needed.  We also kept the cat litter on that side of the gate. 

Rose was very tolerant of Alma.  And luckily Alma didn't have a big chase response.  Rose has since passed away - she was 13 when we got Alma.  Now, when we go to our vet, Alma loves checking out the cat adoption area.  It's like she's looking for her good pal Rosie.