DOGS AND CATS

 

Adopted a dog but already have a resident cat?

Did the album say your new dog is "good with cats"? Let’s break it down a little...👇

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🏡 How We Test Dogs with Cats at Scooby’s Shelter

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Our dogs and cats are housed in separate areas, but we can test a dog’s behaviour around cats on request. ✅

Here is how our cat testing process works:

• The dog is brought on lead into our cat room.

• We observe their initial reaction to the cats, body language, energy level, focus.

• If the dog remains calm and shows respectful behaviour, we may let them off lead while carefully monitoring.

• We record a video of the interaction, so you can see how they behave around cats in real time. ​

 

Most of our dogs do well in the cat room, but there is an important catch.

⚠️ Our Cats Are Dog Savvy and Confident and used to dogs - They don’t run away, they stand their ground, and if needed, will tell a dog off with a hiss or a paw swipe. 

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🐾 Your Cat at Home Might React Differently

Even a "cat friendly" dog might chase if your cat:

• Darts away in fear

• Hides or freezes

• Hisses or claws without warning

Dogs are often triggered by movement, chasing a running cat doesn’t always mean aggression.

It’s often play drive, not prey drive, but it can still scare your cat and create tension.

💡 The key difference?

Our shelter cats set boundaries. A fearful cat might not, and could end up hiding or stressed for days.

 

Introduce Your New Dog to Your Cat?

Here are some practical steps to help both pets adjust safely and peacefully:

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• Set Up a Safe Space for the Cat - Create a dog free zone with food, water, litter box, and hiding spots, use baby gates or close doors.

• Let Them Get Used to Each Other’s Scent - Swap bedding or use a cloth to rub each animal and share their scent

• First Meetings - Controlled and Calm, keep your dog on a lead when they see the cat for the first time. Start with a visual barrier and reward calmness.

• Read Body Language - Watch for signs of stress or fixation and let the cat set the pace.

• Dog: staring, whining, lunging, high energy

• Cat: ears back, tail twitching, growling, hiding

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Never force interactions. The cat should feel in control of how close they get.

Some Pets Bond in Days, Others Take Months

Be patient. A peaceful home is built on gradual trust, not rushing the process.

Some duos will nap together within a week.

Others may live side by side without ever cuddling, and that is OK! 💕

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