Introducing 1 Year Old Cat To Blind Dog

[daves1024]

Hello I am new to the site and looking for some information. We have a 9 year old basset terrier mix named Bailey who was diagnosed with SARDS in the beginning of the year. My girlfriend's mother recently moved and is unable to take their 1 year old cat named Jack with them. They also have a maltese who had been living with the Jack and they got along great. Jack is already comfortable around dogs, but my only concern is how Bailey will get along with Jack. I was wondering if anyone has any advice about how to introduce the two and get them acclimated. Thanks!

.Dave

[Bobbie]

I don't think blindness will change how you introduce them.. if the dog wants to chase the cat, he will, but he will have more trouble catching her! I don't have good advice on the introductions, my dogs always end up chasing the cat, but I do know a blind dog is just like any other around a cat.

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

I have 2 blind dogs (used to be 3) 2 of whom deaf as well. 2 of them were cat haters, one as gentle as a lamb. The cat learned early which white dog to steer clear of. I would introduce through a door first, and hold the cat in your arms, get cat hair on you. Let puppers sniff you shirt and do this several times. Then once Bailey is used to the scent, and has sniffed under the door in curiosity, and you are sure of the cat's reaction, bring Baily back into another room and open the door. Sit with Bailey as the cat explores, and as he gets closer hold onto Bailey's collar to ensure a smooth and gentle greeting. My cat curls up with all my dogs except the one remaining blindpup who likes to chase her. That dog can flat tear around the house at 200 mph chasing and NEVER hit a thing! Amazing.
I would anticipate following a nice peaceful meeting that they will get along wonderfully. You must keep Bailey from being startled at the greetin though. The startle response is never a good one. BELL the cat so he can't sneak up on her.

[Bobbie]

Belling the cat works if the dog isn't a cat-chaser! If he is, then it just helps your blind dog find the cat. (My friend had a blind dog that loved chasing the cat until the bell stopped working.)

[daves1024]

Thanks for all your replies! I think the main concern that we have is that Bailey has been the only animal here and we don't want to be invading her space or changing how things have been with her. I don't want to think that bringing in a cat will disrupt the way that she is and make her feel uncomfortable. But I guess on a positive note it could give her company and she wouldn't just be by herself

[GabrielDeafBlindPupFamily]

GabrielDeafBlindPup used to play with the cat before a little cat hating foster came to stay, now he has to learn after 17 months that she is back in the house and ready to rock and roll. And she will rub up against him. I think with a happy introduction, Bailey will get a LOT of joy out of another critter (sorry critters)
The cat LOVES AmbrrNanaDog & Gabriel. Jude tolerates her.

Gabriel gonna get nailed and he doesn't even know it!