PSI A KOČKY

 

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 the 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?

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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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