Hi-
Our family welcomed a 7-year old Alaskan Malamute a few weeks ago. We also have a cat. The cat and dog currently "reside" in separate quarters...the cat has the front yard and the upstairs, the dog has the back yard and basement. The first time these critters crossed paths (though I am sure they were aware of each other well before seeing each other), the dog was leashed and she was on the front lawn. The dog started to lunge , but was easily stopped. The cat arched her back, had her hair standing straight up and froze. We moved on with the dog and there was no further hub bub about it.
Since then, we have had the dog on the back deck while opening the door to the house so that the dog and cat could view each other. They both just did that...looked at each other. The cat this time did not arch its back, but was frozen.
I would love to know how to get these two critters together. I think they could be good company for each other. This cat is actually quite dog-like. I call and whistle for her to come in at night, and she comes. She is also quite friendly.....a celebrity of sorts in the neighborhood.
So, do any of you have any ideas about getting these two together? I was thinking I might want to handle the cat a lot before I go pet the dog and vice-versa so they know I am connected to both of them. Other than that, I don't have a clue as to how to move this along, or if I CAN move this along.
Thanks,
Mary