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!

Resources

Outward Hound Tail Teaser

Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole