I already have a pet (cat or dog) and I want to find him a friend, is the British Shorthair breed suitable for us?
Yes, if:
- a well-mannered, non-aggressive cat/dog, the dog is not prone to attacking small animals
- your cat is not of advanced age (more than 10 years old) without health problems, otherwise she may experience depression/sadness from the new family member
- a friendly dog respects the cat’s personal boundaries and is properly socialized
British cats get along well with other pets and are friendly and peaceful. Playing together between cats and cats/dogs helps keep animals in good shape and entertains them in sad moments when their owners are away from home.
How to introduce a British cat to a dog/cat?
Do not allow animals at the first meeting:
- In the first week of arrival, your home.
We separate you into separate rooms so that the new guy gets your scent, and then we introduce you.
- nose to nose” without control.
At the first meeting, your dog/cat may not understand what is happening. Isolate animals in separate rooms if any of them show aggression.
What you need to do to make friends with animals:
- Introduce animals gradually, from a distance, starting with short visits
- praise for friendly behavior, but do not scold for an inappropriate reaction
- strengthen trust - offer a treat if the meeting went smoothly
- play next to them
- turn on Feliway in the room. The product helps calm animals.
Make sure animals have safe places in case of conflict. The main thing is to avoid stress in the first hours of dating.
Friends in games and communication increase activity, improve health and emotional mood. The British cat can support the dog when you leave the house. They won't be bored together. Having a cat friend helps the dog calm down when the owner is away. The patient and sociable British cat is ideal for this role. Of course, before you leave your dog and cat alone, make sure they have a really good relationship and that the cat has a safe place to hide from the dog. Even if your British cat is not in physical danger from a dog, she will enjoy having a quiet place to curl up and take a break from playing.