Episode 36
When Hyper Dog Meets Scaredy Cat - Dog and Cat Chat with Michelle and Cal
In this Dog and Cat Chat, Naomi talks with Michelle and Cal about preemptive management to make the upcoming introduction of an extremely active pitbull to a household with one attention-hungry cat and one anxious cat go as smoothly as possible.
Key Moments
[00:31] Introduction
[00:46] Merry the anxious cat
[01:22] Health concerns with feline anxiety
[02:25] Preemptive assistance before introducing anxious cat to new dog (to medicate or not)
[03:31] Sandy the attention hungry cat
[04:18] The relationship between Merry and Sandy
[04:52] Pike the very active pitbull who loves to chase
[06:51] The need for two different approaches for each cat’s integration with Pike
[07:08] Management suggestions for Merry
[08:48] Preparing for the possibilities of regression in the cat’s relationship
[09:22] Using double layers of management
[10:02] Calming exercise and enrichment activities for Pike
[10:05] Flirt pole
[12:37] How to set up management with cats who have access to outdoors
[13:37] Using the environmental management to stop chases quickly
[13:42] Training to turn away from distractions on cue
[14:18] Recap of all the suggestions
[15:13] Setting things up ahead of Pike moving in
[15:24] Gate recommendations
[16:38] Relaxation and training protocols
[17:02] Training the cats
[17:59] Creating a safe space for Pike
[18:58] Creating individual safe spaces for each cat
If you want to do a Dog and Cat Chat with me on the podcast, make sure to follow me on Instagram @praiseworthypets and head to my link in bio to schedule!
