Sometimes merging two households becomes a great deal more complicated when one of the parties has a dog and the other has a cat. This is just one of many challenges and adjustments that people make when they move in together, and their beloved pets have to make adjustments as well.
Sometimes two dogs will not like each when introduced to the concept of sharing their living quarters and sometimes two cats will never seem to get along. In the best circumstances, the pets will quickly adapt and learn to like each other, playing together and not displaying any jealousy or aggressiveness when food is presented. Sometimes two pets will tolerate each other, they negotiate a truce over some issues and establish boundaries over the first few weeks that they are together. And, sadly, sometimes pets have such strong personalities or quirks that they never accept another pet in the home and the pet parents are faced with finding a different home for one of them.
It can be more complicated when introducing a new pet of a different species to a home that has been dominated by another, especially if both pets are mature and have developed their own expectations of what is “normal” to them. We wrote about tips for bringing home a new kitten in our post, “What to Expect When You Bring a New Kitten Home,” with good information for bringing home a kitten and helping them adapt to their new surroundings. It also has tips for helping two cats get acquainted. But that post assumes you are a cat person and that there is no dog present.
If you are bringing a cat or new kitten to a home that has been dominated by a dog, or introducing a new dog to a home that has been ruled by one or more cats, there are other adjustments and methods that may help. Steps to introduce a dog to a cat that worked for us:
Create a safe room for the cat, with litter box, water and food bowl easily accessible and keep the cat in the room at least one night.
Take bedding from the cat and place it next to the dog’s sleeping area, and take bedding from the dog and place it next to the cat’s sleeping area.
While the dog is safely inside a crate, allow the cat to enter the room and walk about freely for about an hour.
Take the door for a long walk and place the cat in a crate so when the dog returns it can investigate safely.
With the dog on the leash, have him sit in the same room as the cat in the crate and open the crate door to allow the cat to walk about. Praise the dog for remaining calm.
In my personal experience, we had a cat that ruled the home and was “imposed upon” by introducing a small dog when I took in a roommate. My cat was not very friendly toward the dog and it took about two months for them to build a truce and accept each other. They began to play together and became friends. But the first couple of days were stressful for everyone and I was not sure that co-habitation was going to work – thankfully no one was attacked or hurt, just wary of each other. What we discovered is that the dog needed to have a safe place for retreat, so we installed a dog door to allow the dog outside in our backyard. We turned to the internet to find the best dog door, and now that the dog can come and go as he needs, each pet can enjoy some privacy during the day.
Kirby is a handsome, loving, 3 year old Lilac Point Mink Ragdoll and he needs a furrever family! He is a purebred ragdoll and comes with TICA(International Cat Association) certified pedigree and registration. Right now he lives with us in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. His future family must be willing to drive here to pick him up, we will not put him through the trauma of being on an airplane.
KIRBY’S STORY
About six months ago we rescued this wonderful guy to get him out of a bad situation. We are heartbroken that we are unable to keep him. Our older cat just refuses to get along with him which makes them both unhappy. We’ve done plenty of research and tried everything under the sun. We had hoped that with patience and taking it slowly things would get better but they have not. We love him to pieces but know that he could be happier elsewhere.
Kirby had a rough start to life but has come a long way! He is still shy with strangers but once he gets to know you he is a non stop purring machine and lives for snuggles. It only took him about a week to warm up to us. He really will make the perfect pet for the right family.
GET TO KNOW KIRBY
We would like to be 100% upfront and honest about him. He is a wonderful boy with many adorable qualities but also some quirks! Here they are:
The quirks:
1. He’s got plenty of cattitude and is very vocal around supper time!
2. He can tend to play pretty rough with other pets so he wouldn’t be a good fit for a home with a timid dog or cat or small children.
3. He does occasionally “love bite”, but its not very hard and never breaks skin. We also have some good tips for deterring him from doing this!
4. He’s also very particular with his litter box, he requires two, one for #1 and one for #2. His litter requires daily emptying otherwise he will let you know how displeased he is with his dirty litter by going to the bathroom on your furniture. If you are unwilling to work on this with him please don’t inquire about him.
5. He LOVES food, human food, dog food, garbage, it’s all good to him, so please be mindful of dishes left out or eating at his level.
6. He’ll steal food right off your plate if he gets the chance!
7. He also likes to gnaw on plastic so it’s important for his future home to not leave small objects lying around that he could choke on.
The adorable:
1. He is super affectionate and loves to sit on laps
2. Once he gets to know you he loves giving kisses
3. He is extremely handsome and has the softest fluffy coat!
4. If you are busy doing something he will happily sit and purr while watching you.
5. He is your typical ragdoll, he often flops to the ground and rolls on his back purring.
6. He also goes limp like a ragdoll when you pick him up.
7. He is very docile and will let you do pretty much whatever you’d like to him(roll him around, brush him, clip his nails, give him a waterless bath). As long as you’re touching him he’s happy!
8. He’s extremely smart, sometimes too smart!
9. He can be very playful and when he’s in that mode he behaves just like a kitten, it’s really cute!
10. He has this extremely cute habit: If his water dish is half full he’ll use his paw to drink it! Here is a video of him doing that on youtube:
WHAT WE WILL BE SENDING KIRBY HOME WITH
We will provide his furrever family with his:
1. Vaccination records (All of his vaccinations are up to date)
2. Blood work records(we had pre-anesthetic blood work run before he was neutered)
3. 2 Litter Boxes
4. 2 Food bowls
5. Toys
6. Treats
7. His Christmas Stocking
8. He is currently being fed Go! Natural Chicken/Turkey/Duck dry food and we would like him to stay on this or a food of equal quality. We will provide you with a weeks worth to get you started.
INTERESTED IN ADOPTING KIRBY?
Please visit the website we created for him if you are interested! There is an adoption form for him on the contact page.
Here is his website: http://kirbytheragdoll.wordpress.com/
We are in no rush to rehome him and will keep him until the perfect family comes along for him. We care deeply about him and will provide his future home with as much support and tips as possible. Also, we would like to do a two month trial period. If at any point during the two months you feel he isn’t the right fit for your family you can bring him back to us and we’ll provide you with a refund. His happiness is what matters most to us. We’d like to stay in contact with his future family, maybe hear how he’s doing once or twice a year. In addition, his future family MUST agree to keep him as an indoor cat only, he is not built for the outdoors!
It can be a very interesting and nerve-wracking experience for a kitten to come to your home. Imagine being removed from the settings you were used to and plopped into a new home by a stranger. I'd imagine you'd be rather scared too! The best way to deal with this is to isolate the cat to a rather small, enclosed room. Make sure there are cat food bowls for both water and food in this area. There will also need to be a litter box. Aim to get a box most similar to the one the cat had been using and fill it with litter products he or she is used to. This helps to make your new kitten feel like they're back at home.
A little bit of familiarity in a strange place can really help out. The litter box needs to be as far away as possible from the food and water within this room. Cats do not like to eat near where they bury their waste (understandably). Don't be worried if your cat doesn't eat the first night. It's very likely that they are shaken up and need time to adjust. All you can do is make sure their needs are met and speak calmly and soothingly to them. It doesn't hurt to provide a few cat toys but don't feel dismayed if the kitten doesn't immediately take to them. They're under a lot of stress but the more comfortable they become in the new settings, the more you'll see their true personality come out. If you're planning on bringing a new kitten home, check out "A Ragdoll Kitten Care Guide". While this book talks about the ragdoll breed in the title, it also further discusses tips for all kinds of cats, like how to bring home a kitten into a house that already has cats. This is extremely important for cat owners to know and understand because otherwise, you're going to be dealing with a bunch of angry cats, and that can get messy real quick.
The best way for two cats to become acquainted is through the door, where they can paw at each other underneath. If you simply bring home a new kitten and set it down next to your three-year old tabby, there's a serious chance of fur flying. You don't want your new kitten to get hurt, and you don't want your long-time friend to be upset. Allowing them to play under the door brings the curiosity element into it. We all know how curious cats can be, so getting that side of them up and going can distract them from territorial issues. "A Ragdoll Kitten Care Guide" deals with all of these potential problems so you can prepare yourself beforehand. Without reading up on possible issues, you doom yourself to further problems later on. For example, if your two cats aren't properly introduced, you can be sure that issue isn't just going to resolve itself magically one day. Whether you're bringing home a Ragdoll cat or not, this guide is incredibly helpful, recommending quick fixes and alerting you what to watch out for.
The PetSafe Drinkwell Ceramic Pagoda Pet Fountain 70 oz. - PWW00-13907 is a great addition to any modern pet lover's home. This design is vastly superior to typical ceramic cat bowls because it continuously circulates water to keep it fresh so that your cat will actually look forward to drinking from it. Many cat owners are aware of the dangers of dehydration for a cat and how easy it is for them to get to this point. Cats are very picky about their water, much like humans. They want it fresh or they will often refuse to drink any of it.
It can be a pain to change your cat's water bowl constantly throughout the day especially when you're busy. Investing in a cat water fountain eliminates this need. This Ceramic Pagoda Cat Fountain can hold up to 70 ounces of water at a time. Instead of keeping that water sitting there and building up nasty tastes and odors, the fountain keeps circulating the water and purifying it using a replaceable charcoal filter.
Being able to offer the cat you love so much these hygienic and sanity conditions is truly great. Because this design comes with both an upper and lower dish, it proves to be a worthwhile purchase for pet owners with multiple cats. The best thing about the PetSafe Drinkwell Ceramic Pagoda Pet Fountain is that it is extremely useful for your cat, but also that it looks very chic. It is designed in such a way that it can look good in any home and be cleaned very easily so that it doesn't begin to look trashy after a week or so. It is truly a shame that there aren't cat food bowls out there providing the same thing yet. Well, some day soon hopefully!
Are you tired of the same plain, boring ol' ceramic cat bowls found in most pet stores around the country? Well, Pioneer Pet has the 6022 Ceramic Drinking Fountain, Raindrop Design available for you. This design is sleek and black and will easily match any modern home, avoiding the possibility of it looking like an eyesore to new guests or friends. This Ceramic Drinking Fountain also does not weigh over five pounds and is extremely durable due to the heavy duty ceramic material used to manufacture it. Even better is the fact that it's dishwasher safe! The product comes with a 6' long power cord so it can be plugged in just about anywhere, and the fountain itself is rather compact so it doesn't stick out unncessarily.
This product is simply a premium cat water fountain and comes complete with a charcoal filter that can be replaced when used up. The device holds up to 60 ounces of water and allows the water to circulate through it continuously so that it remains fresh. Cats are just like humans in that they don't like to drink stagnant water so it's important that we make water as appealing as possible to them. Using the 6022 model keeps this from being a problem since its charcoal filter removes impurities and bad tastes. For cats who don't drink enough water, this is one of the cat products that can help out quite a bit, as well as adding more wet food to their diet.
Cats can be just as picky as humans, and this is one reason it's important to make sure their drinking water is fresh and hasn't become stagnant. You wouldn't settle for anything less than fresh water, so why should your beloved furry friend do so? A great way to solve this problem is with a cat water fountain. The Drinkwell Avalon Ceramic Fountain is one remedy for a cat who doesn't drink as much water as is necessary or healthy.
This design is able to hold up to 70 ounces of water and keep them streaming down like an actual fountain. This allows the water to be aerated to maintain its freshness, which will make the water far more appealing to your cat. This design is also nice because cats love to watch streaming water. They don't necessarily want to jump into it, but they sure do love to stick their paws or mouths near it to get a taste. Something about the sound of flowing water really appeals to them. This is a better investment than most automatic cat feeders. Why? Because most cats don't have an issue eating the food they need, but many of them do have a problem with not getting enough water in their systems. Dehydration is definitely a concern for cat owners.
Because this Drinkwell Avalon fountain is ceramic, it's very easy to clean. It's even easier to clean than most ceramic cat bowls because there is less build-up. Since the water is always flowing, there is less of a problem of minerals sticking to the side. The fountain also features a purifier so that these minerals don't get into the actual water your cat is drinking. This purifier is able to remove the bad tastes and odors that would normally turn off a cat from getting enough hydration. Both you and your cat will love this particular fountain.
The Stimulo Cat Feeding Station and Activity Center is an absolutely brilliant idea. This brand goes above and beyond your typical cat food bowls and enhances your cat's eating experience by giving them the chance to hunt and play at the same time. This provides a more realistic scenario where your indoor cat can make believe he is out in the wild. This is one piece of unique cat furniture that not only brings a different feel to your home, but will also please your furry friend immensely.
The Stimulo features multiple tubes where you can place your cat's food. Utilize all of these tubes to allow your cat to feel like he is outdoors, foraging for his next meal. It is common for modern indoor cats to gain quite a bit of weight due to their sedentary lifestyle. This is one of the best cat products out there, and it's sure to help them shed some of those pounds in a fun and more natural way. The placement of the food in the tubes is also sure to get your cat thinking.
This toy is rather easy to clean as well, which is great for both you and your cat. It's made of plastic and can be taken apart in order to run through a dishwasher cycle. The Stimulo Center is completely dishwasher safe, so have no worries. If it ever seems like your cat is getting too used to the device, do not fear. Stimulo has different sized tubes available, some even longer to truly challenge your pet.
A personalized ceramic cat bowl is a perfect addition to your collection of unique cat furniture and household items. They are a neat option for welcoming a new addition to the family or recognizing the kitty that’s been a special member for years. They make your feeding area look cute, make it easier for kids or a person popping in to look after kitty for a bit, to see which food goes where. Also, they would make wonderful gifts for friends welcoming their own additions.
Just about everything about this bowl is custom. You choose the size, the color and the personalization. This can be a really great outlet for your own or your kitty’s style or a really well thought out gift for a friend.
Is it time to replace your cat food bowls? Well, you’ll certainly want to take a look at the Moda Pet Bowl. It is probably the most luxurious feeding bowl you’ve ever seen, but doesn’t your Ragdoll deserve the best?
They are easy to clean because they are dishwasher safe. The bowls are not your ordinary cat bowls either, they are made with no harsh chemicals like BPA.
In fact, these are the perfect bowls to serve up those gourmet cat treats you’ve been meaning to buy.
There is no denying that cat food bowls can become a mess – not to mention that you have to remember to feed the cat before you walk out the door to work or school. Sometimes you return home to discover the bowl has been knocked over and you have a mess to clean up. To end this problem, think about getting an automatic cat feeder –which will ensure your cat is fed at all times.
One of the best cat products on the market that addresses this issue is, The Ergo Auto Pet Feeder. This feeder features a digital timer and battery backup for timed feedings –and is therefore recommended for cats that are overweight. Overeating is a key reason that many cats develop Reflux. A clean environment is a healthy way to protect your cat, and avoid nasty messes in your home. The Ergo Auto Pet Feeder is one of the best cat products available, and will hold a five pound bag of dry cat food – which is a great and healthy choice for all your cats at feeding time. You can enjoy peace of mind – when you know that your cat is getting the right amount of food day or night.
One of the best cat products that is educational for your cat – is the Catit Design Senses Treat Maze. This is an excellent product that offers a challenge for your cat. Your cat will have to work for their food – which is pleasing to their natural senses.
Included food trays – will allow your cat to move their food through the maze – by using their paws. This offers exercise and activity to your cat’s eating habits. Promote a healthy lifestyle for your cat with this well designed treat maze. You will not only have a way to feed your cat, but also can provide them one of the best cat toys available.
Cat food bowls can be a mess when they are knocked over. When you use a regular bowl for feeding your cat – then your cat may eat when they really aren't hungry. You can help improve your cat's eating habits – and encourage exercise for them – with this feeder that combines activity to nourishment. This maze is a fun way to have your cat eat their meals. Cats will have fun when they eat, and stimulate their mind at the same time.
The Catit Design Senses Treat Maze would be a great gift for any cat owner. Give the gift that keeps giving all year long to a cat lover.
For cats of all sizes, you need to have cat food bowls. Having a designated area for your cat's food and water is recommended for your cat. Your pet will know exactly where they are to go when they need to eat or get a drink of water. You want bowls that offer a healthy digestive promotion, and a meal area that is comfortable for your cat. The Elevated Pet Bowl Holder is perfect for your cat’s eating needs. The two stainless bowls that come with this holder are made of stainless steel – so you can keep your cat's bowls clean and free of any bacteria. This bowl holder also offers slide proof feet, and brings the food at a level that is easy for your cat.
Don't purchase automatic cat feeders as this will continue to feed your cat food even when your cat isn't hungry. You want to have your cat eat a healthy diet and the amount of food will be given to your cat when it is time for them to eat. There are excellent bowls and cat products you can purchase that makes life easier for you and easier for your cat.
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop with regards to your Ragdoll cat then the Aristopaws Cat Boutique is definitely worth a look. Here you’ll find handcrafted cat beds and other types of cozy cat furniture, designer food and water bowls, scratching posts and trees galore, feathery toys, sisal rope toys, and more Swarovski crystals than you can ever imagine.
The boutique stocks items from a range of designers and so prices do vary quite considerably, but there is something to suit most budgets.
One of best the cat products at The Aristopaws Boutique has got to be the Puppy Angel Cherry Berry Spa Robe for cats. These cute little robes come in blue, pink and white and each has a cherry berry glittery appliqué on the back. The robes are made from absorbent cotton towelling with a contrasting gingham binding. Easy and fun to wear, there is a single button at the neck and a matching belt for extra security.
This is just one example of what Aristopaws has to offer, and if you really want to push the boat out why not visit their diamond, Swarovski and gold section.
Are you a cat lover? Or what about someone that has a cat friend that is looking for a great gift for your cat lover friend?
The Unusual Basket offers an exceptional cat gift basket featuring cat toys, cat food lids, litter bags, cat food bowls and many other little treasures.
This basket would be perfect as a welcome gift for a new kitten or a new cat adoption, a nice Christmas or birthday present, or just because you would like the value of having a starter kit for yourself.
If you would like to give it as a gift, it comes decked out in a nice bag and a bow. If your recipient also happens to have a dog, there is a basket that has items for special furry friends of both the feline and canine variety.
The basket it priced very reasonably and the company only charges shipping at cost, saving you money on extra shipping or handling charges you might pay else ware. Overall a great value on cat products.
What are some your favorite things that you would include in a cat gift basket? What sorts of things would you want to receive for your kitty that a friend could give you?
Hepper is a pet products company that specializes in manufacturing innovative, cool and functional cat items.
The entire Hepper line was created by award-winning industrial designer Jed Crystal.
Hepper products include: the Pod Bed; NomNom Dish; Satellite Lounge; and the Itch Cat Scratcher.
The Hepper Pod Bed is a bed that offers the security of a cave at the same time a place to reign supreme with its mountain top position. The bed is available in green and grey. Ideal for cats and dogs of 10-12 pounds.
The Hepper Satellite Lounge is a perfect place for cats to relax, lounge, and take a nap. It embodies a microfiber liner that is stuffed with poly fill for your bicolor ragdoll cat's maximum comfort feeling. The lounge is available in burgundy, white, and blue.
The Hepper NomNom Dish is a food bowl that offers a new way of healthy eating. The dishes are made from food safe stainless steel while the wide lip tray is made from PP Plastic. Dishwasher safe and is offered in colors of orange, blue, and grey.
Last but not the least is the Hepper Itch Cat Scratcher. The scratcher is built with a Baltic Birch Plywood frame that embraces a recycled 2 1/2" thick corrugated cardboard. Hepper's Itch is designed in a perfect arc shape position to offer better scratching. Scratch area is 12" wide; overall size is 13"W x 15"D x 21"H.
Check out Hepper to know more about their cat products. You may also get connected with them through their Facebook page and blog.
Taking home a new cat? Find out the easy steps on how to introduce cats to each other.
Food bowls are a necessity in order to keep your cats hydrated and fed at all times.
Hepper's NomNom Dish is basically a cat food bowl that is purrfect for any of your cat's food (be it a wet one or a dry one).
The orange wide lip tray is designed to catch food crumbs and water spills that'll keep your floor as clean as always.
The dish is elevated from the floor to allow comfortable, level eating. This cat food bowl may be the one for your bicolor ragdoll and is ideal for cats of all sizes. Dimensions are 16"W x 9"D x 2"H.
Each NomNom pack includes two dishes that are made from durable PP plastic, food-safe stainless steel and are recyclable too! The dishes are easy to clean and dishwasher safe (the plastic base is top rack safe, while the stainless steel dish are top or bottom dishwasher safe).
We would love to know what you think about this NomNom Dish from Hepper and other cat products. Leave us a comment below or start a discussion in our Ragdoll Cat forum.
Taking home a new Ragdoll cat? Find out and learn the ways on how to introduce cats to each other.
Hepper NomNom Dish is a 2 in 1 cat food bowl. It has a dish with two bowls in it - one for the food and the other for water. Or, heck, use them both for food.
The bowl is designed in an elevated, raised form to provide a comfortable position and level eating for your Seal Ragdoll.
Hepper NomNom Dish has a wide lip tray on the outer side to protect your floors from messy cat snacks and water spills.
This item includes two dishes which are made from food safe stainless steel, while the tray is made from durable PP plastic.
The dishes are dishwasher safe. Product dimensions: 16" W x 9" D x 2" H.
Hepper's NomNom Dish is a cat food dish that has two bowls in it. It can hold any kind of cat food, whatever your bicolor Ragdoll prefers - be it a dry or wet one.
The dishes are made from food safe stainless steel while the tray is made from Polypropylene plastic and is recyclable.
Both the dishes and the tray are dishwasher safe (top rack only). Be sure to wash all parts with warm soapy water before cat's use. The wide lip of the tray was intentionally designed to catch food crumbs and water drips or spills.
What other cat food bowls does your cat have? Do you prefer buying metal or ceramic bowls over the plastic ones?
We would love to know your opinions and share them with other cat owners in our Ragdoll cat forum or you may leave us a comment below. Check out our Ragdoll Cat Guide and know more on cat care.
Modern Cat Designs Cat Bowl Tray is a cat feeder tray made from ABS plastic that is very durable and safe for your cat's use.
This cat bowl feeder incorporates two round shaped removable stainless steel bowls which features an outer rim that can catch any spilled food or water.
If you're a meticulous cat parent, you will definitely benefit from this product. Its outer rim will protect your floor from getting wet and dirty, especially if your bicolor ragdoll, for an instance, is a very messy eater.
What other cat food bowls have you purchased for your cat? Which one of those have satisfied both you and your cat? We'd love to hear your answers in our forum or you may leave us a comment below.
When owning and parenting a seal mitted Ragdoll or any breed of cat, one of the priorities a cat owner should take is to look for the best cat food bowls - afterall, you want something you and your cat are going to like for their lifetime which is 15 years or more.
The Double Elevated Cat Bowl Feeder is perfect for your finicky Ragdoll cat. This cat bowl feeder is another sleek, modern-designed cat product from Modern Cat Designs. It is executed with a steel plated stand that is 4 1/2" high from the ground which brings an easy connection between your cat and the food.
With its double elevated design, your cat can surely eat and drink comfortably without any interruptions. Its base has non-skid silicones to prevent the bowl from slipping at the same time protect your floor from scratches.