Shih Tzus are on the rise in recognition, and it’s no shock as a result of these little lion canine are lovable, hypoallergenic, and have royal ancestry. However how will they slot in along with your treasured feline pal? Are Shih Tzus and cats a superb match?
It’s considerably of a fact universally acknowledged that dogs hate cats, though it’s not all the time the case. A few of these seemingly incompatible four-legged associates fare simply fantastic, whereas others can have grievances they merely can’t overcome.
Are Shih Tzus considered one of these suitable breeds? Let’s have a look!
The temperament of Shih Tzus
Shih Tzus are typically perky, glad canine which might be pleasant to a fault. They’re considerably of a lapdog, in spite of everything. However they nonetheless have loads of power to expend and can follow you loyally from room to room simply to indulge in your presence.
They have a tendency to get alongside properly with cats, because of their candy nature. There may be the odd exception the place you’ll discover a snippy Shih Tzu — however it’s usually from unhealthy socialization after they had been younger and never a genetic fault. In any other case, Shih Tzus and cats generally is a purrfect match.
Is A Pet Higher Than An Grownup Shih Tzu?
An grownup canine is totally totally different in temper and power than a pup. They’re additionally much less malleable, which means they’re much less adaptable to vary and are fairly set of their methods. Should you begin out with a pet, you might have a pristine little soul to mould into the right furry pal, however it will take time.
A lot of time, endurance, and treats. So that you’ll must ensure you have room in your life to dedicate to their coaching and socializing. In any other case, even probably the most doubtlessly candy pup may turn out to be an anxious or aggressive adult dog.
Don’t let this put you off from getting a pet, although! It’s the very best age to introduce them to your cat, in spite of everything. It’s after they’ll most simply be taught the pet hierarchy of their new family and respect your cat’s boundaries. If in case you have a senior cat, nevertheless, a pet’s power may be an excessive amount of for it, and so they’ll discover the little pupper’s enthusiasm and curiosity annoying.
This may end in a number of swipes at Fido’s nose and the start of a grudge which will final into maturity. Older canine launched to your family might need a more durable time adjusting to a feline presence, however that’s to not say it’s inconceivable — it simply takes extra time. So it very a lot is dependent upon your life-style and your cat as as to whether a youthful or older Shih Tzu will be just right for you.
How To Introduce A Shih Tzu To Your Cat – 5 Steps
The introduction will have an effect on your cat’s relationship along with your new Shih Tzu probably the most. Take your time and do it the best approach — slowly. It’s essential to not depart them alone throughout this assembly section so you’ll be able to monitor for indicators of stress or aggression and cease one thing earlier than it begins.
1. Create Protected Areas For Your Cat
Part off a room or portion of the room with gates or fencing in your cuddly kitty and transfer their belongings there. Their mattress, their meals and water bowls, their scratching put up, and litter tray — all of it.
At this level, they’ll want their very own protected house to be whereas the pup explores the brand new smells, sounds, and areas your home has to supply them. Not solely will your cat really feel relieved, however it’ll additionally stop the pup from entering into its meals and litter. Ideally, each room in the home ought to have at the very least one protected house in your kitty to retreat. Whether or not it’s a cat tree or a bookshelf, in case they wish to get away from the brand new canine.
In case your cat is especially nervous to start with, one thing like a cat pheromone diffuser will assist calm its nerves whereas adjusting to the brand new addition to its furry household.
2. First Introduction
This may sound counterintuitive, however preserve your new Shih Tzu and your cat separate at first. Ideally prohibit your pupper to at least one room within the very starting, in order that they have time to acclimate to their new environment, smells, and objects.
It additionally helps you keep watch over them and assist calm them. This serves the secondary goal of permitting your pets to odor and listen to one another in the home with out truly assembly. Should you can, put a few of your cat’s bedding within the pup’s room and a blanket from the pup in with the cat.
Picture by Jaclou DL from Pixabay
This helps them get used to the thought of the opposite pet and getting snug with them. The following step is to place your cat in a room and let your new Shih Tzu discover the remainder of the home. They’ll odor your cat’s scent strongly, additional aiding their acceptance of this mysterious animal of their new lives.
Then do a swap and let your cat go about the home to odor your new canine’s scent. This transitory interval ought to take a couple of days at the very least, however it’ll assist guarantee a superb first assembly.
3. First Interplay
It’s time for the primary official assembly. That is finest completed when your cat is in a protected house, with a barrier between them and the brand new pup. It provides you extra management over all the pieces whereas permitting them to see one another for the primary time.
Don’t drive closeness between the animals at this level, as this may make them panic. Supply some tasty treats to bolster that this new addition is an effective factor that they need to like. If the Shih Tzu will get too excited and begins to bark, take them away for just a little after which attempt once more. The thought is for each pet to be calm and comfy.
Reward each animals for desired habits. Don’t stretch this interplay out too long – intervals of 5 – 10 minutes are lengthy sufficient at first.
4. Shut Encounters
As soon as your cat reveals confidence and the novelty has worn off in your pupper, it’s time to deliver them to a impartial house the place they’ll meet and not using a barrier. Preserve your Shih Tzu on a leash, although, simply in case. Preserve this very quick and watch each pets fastidiously for indicators of stress or concern such as purring.
If both appears more likely to pounce, separate them and return to barrier conferences for some time till they’re extra prepared. Throughout this time, concentrate on coaching your Shih Tzu, reinforcing good habits with treats and reward and redirecting them after they show undesirable habits.
Proceed with this, and it’s best to begin to see extra optimistic indicators of them accepting one another and starting to work together. You possibly can then improve their time collectively and provides them extra freedom.
5. Peaceable Co-Dwelling
When you’re fully assured your cat and Shih Tzu are on good phrases, you’ll be able to depart them alone collectively for durations of time. It’s essential to take care of your cat’s personal house with out the pup, in order that they’ve a spot to go in the event that they really feel harassed by playful pet power. Should you discover your new canine changing into aggressive, although, name in a behaviorist instantly to nip it within the bud.
Remaining Ideas On Shih Tzus and Cats
All animals are totally different, and they’re going to take their very own unique time to get to know each other. There’s no motive on the earth why your cat shouldn’t get on along with your Shih Tzu so long as you place within the arduous work to ease them into friendship. However don’t ever be shy to ask for assist if you end up floundering.
Canines and cats each appear to like sleeping on the mattress, so it may be robust getting them to share. Listed below are some fascinating explanation why cats love to sleep on your head.
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