Although cats and dogs can live amicably, inter-species conflict can result in poor welfare. Species introduction can impact the development of the cat-dog relationship.
This study aimed to identify factors associated with owner reported ‘only desirable’ puppy behaviour (defined as the puppy being uninterested, ignored the cat and/or interacted in a calm way) following introduction to existing household cats, and to explore perceptions of the emerging cat-dog relationship.
Owner-reported data collected as part of a longitudinal study of canine health and behaviour were used. Of 4678 puppies, 26.7 per cent lived with at least one cat. Of the 1211 puppies who had been introduced to the household cat at the time of survey completion, playing (58.9 per cent), being overexuberant or over-excited (56.6 per cent), and chasing (48.6 per cent) were the most common behaviours displayed towards cats.
‘Only desirable’ behaviours were shown by 7.3 per cent of puppies.
Multivariable logistic regression showed early (puppies aged <12 weeks), gradual introductions and living in a multi-dog household increased the odds of ‘only desirable’ behaviours.
Qualitative analysis revealed two styles of introductions-owner-led and pet-led. Owners who led introductions anticipated amicable relationships between pets, whilst owners who let pets introduce themselves did not. Early, gradual, owner-led introductions of puppies to household cats should be encouraged.
Rachel H Kinsman 1, Sara C Owczarczak-Garstecka 1, Rachel A Casey 1, Rosa E P Da Costa 1, Séverine Tasker2 3, Jane K Murray 1
Animals (Basel). 2022 Sep 13;12(18):2389.doi: 10.3390/ani12182389.
1Dogs Trust, London EC1V 7RQ, UK.
2Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BA6 8DD, UK.
3Linnaeus Veterinary Limited, Solihull B90 4BN, UK.
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