Questions & Answers

We have a dog and are adopting two new cats. What is the best way to introduce them?

We have a dog and are adopting two new cats. What is the best way to introduce them? piccs 157Many dogs and cats get along very well, especially if they’ve grown up with each other or have prior experience living with the other species. But dogs who have never lived with cats are more likely to treat cats like other dogs and try to play with them—or like prey animals and try to chase and possibly kill them. Similarly, cats who have never lived with dogs will likely view them as predators and will run away or become defensively aggressive. Keep in mind that a dog can kill a cat very easily, even in play. But if your dog is gentle and friendly, and he’s not a squirrel-chasing predatory type, he may be a good candidate for successfully living with a cat. And in general, kittens and laid-back cats are good candidates for successfully living with a dog.

It’s up to you to protect your new cat and set up introductions carefully so that she feels safe and has a pleasant experience getting acquainted with your dog. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your cat-and-dog introductions:

  • First impressions are important to a cat, so you want the initial meetings to be as stress-free as possible for her. Accordingly, prepare for the arrival of your new cat by working with your dog to refresh his obedience skills. Two exercises that are important for him to do well when asked are a recall (coming when called) and a “leave it” exercise. These skills will help you control your dog if he gets overexcited around your cat. If you’re not sure how to teach your dog these skills, we have a certified animal behaviorist on staff. Don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.
  • At first, confine your new cat in a room with her food, water and litter box. You can start to introduce your cat and your dog by the doorway to that room. Fill your pockets with treats that your dog loves, like bite-sized pieces of chicken or cheese, and treats that your cat will love as well, such as bits of meat or tuna. Keep the door open but block it with a baby gate. Walk your dog slowly by the doorway several times each day for a couple of days. Praise and treat him for calm behavior, and then toss the cat a treat as well. This way, your cat will associate your dog with delicious treats. If your dog overreacts to the cat, distract him and get his attention focused on you. Avoid accomplishing this by using leash corrections. Instead, get your dog’s attention by asking him to do basic obedience skills, like Sit and Down. Use delicious treats to reward him for his obedience in the presence of something as tempting and distracting as your new cat! Your cat should be free to approach the baby gate to get closer to the dog or to retreat if she wants to. Reward her any time she approaches the baby gate by tossing her treats.
  • Let your new cat set the pace. If she chooses to run and hide under the furniture when you and your dog walk by, let her. It simply means your introductions will take longer—maybe weeks longer. Taking things slow will help to avoid a bad first impression. Keep in mind that cats can take months to form relationships with other animals. Never attempt to force any interactions by holding your cat, putting her into a crate or carrier or restricting her movement in any way.
  • If your cat doesn’t seem afraid of your dog as you pass by the doorway of her room, or if she even tries to jump over the gate, you can introduce them in your living room or other large room. Make sure your cat can get away from your dog during the introduction. She should have the freedom and room to retreat, run and hide, slip beneath a piece of furniture where the dog can’t follow or jump up on something higher than the dog.
  • Keep your dog with you on-leash during these introductions in the living room and for the first couple of weeks. Allow the leash to be loose, but hold onto it in case your dog decides to try to chase your cat. Use your recall and “leave it” exercises if your dog starts nosing or following your cat and she seems perturbed. When you ask your dog to come to you or leave your cat alone and he responds, be sure to give him a very special treat.
  • When you’re not present or can’t directly supervise, keep your cat and dog confined in separate areas of the house.
  • If your dog seems friendly or cautious, not much intervention on your part is required except to praise and reward your dog for his good manners.
  • Interrupt any chasing, barking or agitated behavior from your dog by using a leash to move him away from your cat. Redirect his attention to another activity or ask him to do some easy obedience skills for food rewards. Avoid scolding, yelling or jerking on your dog’s leash. A positive approach is crucial because you want your dog and cat to learn a pleasant association with each other’s presence. You don’t want them to learn that everyone gets tense and angry and bad things happen when the cat or dog is around. Dogs are more likely to engage in chase or prey behavior when they’re tense or aroused.
  • Most cats will accept a young dog and correct him when necessary. Be sure your cat’s nails are trimmed before bringing her home so that she doesn’t hurt your dog if she corrects him.
  • Your dog shouldn’t have access to your cat’s litter box. If he does, it will be highly stressful to your cat, and your dog may eat the feces and litter.
  • To prevent your dog from eating your cat’s food, consider feeding your cat on a high surface, like a window sill, dresser, shelf or cat tree furniture.
Some info courtesy of ASPCA
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You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 3 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 3 indicates that your cat is thin.

What to do next: While thin cats are generally at lower risk for serious health issues compared to overweight cats, being underweight can lead to decreased muscle mass, malnutrition, and a weakened immune system. Unless there is an underlying reason for your cat’s thinness, the situation can often be improved with simple lifestyle adjustments, such as:

  • Offering a palatable diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding small, frequent meals
  • Stimulating the appetite by warming the food or introducing toppers
  • Minimizing stress
  • Weighing your cat monthly
  • Re-checking your cat's BCS at home
  • Staying alert to other health changes (especially continued weight loss and appetite loss)

Your cat's BCS provides valuable insights into their overall health and helps us spot potential issues early. While a BCS of 3 isn’t an immediate cause for concern, it’s a sign that small adjustments to their feeding and care routine could have a positive impact on their health.

Questions? We can help. Let’s work together to score a win for your cat's health.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 6 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 6 indicates that your cat is borderline overweight.

What to do next: Simple daily actions can help prevent your cat from becoming overweight. Even a few extra ounces or pounds can significantly impact their health, increasing the risk of serious conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and kidney disease.

Restore your cat's future health by:

  • Feeding portioned meals (Your veterinarian can assist you with how much to feed)
  • Reducing stress by minimizing household changes and maintaining a routine
  • Decreasing boredom with interactive toys, social interaction, and cat furniture
  • Separating pets during meal time (Consider a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households)
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking your cat's BCS at home

Your cat's BCS is like a warning light for their future health. Taking proactive steps to address your cat’s weight can minimize future complications and help ensure they stay fit, agile, and healthy.

Curious about other ways to improve your cat’s BCS and overall well-being? Get in touch. Let’s work together to score a win for their health.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 4-5 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. On a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being very thin and 9 being obese, your dog's score means they are at their ideal weight for optimal health and well-being!

What to do next: First, give your dog a scratch behind the ears to celebrate your success! Your commitment to their preventive health—regular vet visits, balanced nutrition, and consistent exercise—is truly paying off. But don’t relax just yet—maintaining a healthy BCS takes ongoing effort throughout your dog's life, including:

  • Feeding portioned meals
  • Avoiding high-calorie treats, diets, and people food
  • Staying active with regular exercise
  • Re-checking your pet’s BCS monthly at home
  • Staying on top of routine care (exams, screening tests) to ensure early detection of health changes

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health. Right now, we like what we see—and feel! But remember, supporting your dog's lifelong health is a team effort. By continuing the great work you’re doing and partnering with us, we can help ensure they stay healthy for years to come.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 7-8 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 7-8 indicates that your cat is overweight.

What to do next: Weight issues are a common cause of many feline health problems, some of which can shorten a cat's life. Fortunately, with your dedication and our support, your cat can achieve better health, mobility, and an ideal body weight.

Rather than asking your cat to participate in daily exercise, feline weight loss emphasizes targeted nutrition and stress reduction to help them shed those unwanted pounds. This entails:

  • Offering a palatable weight-management diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding portioned meals (Your veterinarian can assist you with how much to feed)
  • Using a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households to ensure each cat consumes their veterinarian-recommended portion
  • Minimizing stress by maintaining a stable routine
  • Decreasing boredom through positive interactions such as interactive toys, food puzzles, cat-friendly furniture, and social bonding
  • Promoting movement with motion-activated food toys and puzzles
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home

Overweight cats not only face long-term health risks but can also suffer from discomfort and emotional stress. Intentional, veterinary-supervised changes can help ensure your cat’s fitness, comfort, and overall well-being for years to come. Let’s work together to score a win for your cat's health.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 3 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 3 indicates that your dog is thin.

What to do next: Although a lean body condition is healthier than being overweight, thinness can indicate muscle loss, health changes, or a lack of appropriate nutrition. Here are a few ways to help your dog reach their optimal weight and health:

  • Follow any recommendations given by your vet (these are personalized for your dog's unique needs)
  • Gradually transition your dog to a calorie-dense diet
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home
  • Provide regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle
  • Monitor them for other health changes (appetite loss, vomiting, unusual stools, fatigue, etc.)

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and can help identify potential issues early. While a BCS of 3 isn't a serious concern, it suggests that your dog may benefit from adjustments to their diet and exercise routine. Please continue to monitor your dog for any other health changes—including difficulty gaining weight—as these could indicate the need for further evaluation. Let’s work together to help your dog achieve better health, so you can make the most of every moment together.

Now that’s a perfect score.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 9 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 9 indicates that your dog is obese (weighing 20% or more above their ideal weight).

What to do next: Dogs with obesity are in significant danger of many life-altering health conditions, including arthritis, cardiovascular problems, kidney disease, and cancer. Reducing your dog's weight and improving their body condition is critical to restoring their comfort, mobility, health, and longevity.

Take action today to protect your dog's  health by:

  • Following any veterinarian’s recommendations (these are personalized to your dog's unique needs)
  • Using a measuring cup to portion meals
  • Removing uneaten food after 20 minutes
  • Limiting treats to low-calorie fruits or vegetables
  • Exercising daily for at least 30 minutes (leash walks are a great way to start)
  • Weigh them  monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health. In your dog's case, it’s a signal for immediate action.

By following the steps above and your veterinarian’s recommendations, getting your dog back to a healthy weight is possible, but it will take time and effort. That’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Let’s work together to score a WIN for Sydney’s health.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be 1–2 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 1 to 2 indicates that your cat is very thin, at least 20% below their ideal weight. This may be caused by poor nutrition or an underlying illness.

What to do next: Since a BCS of 1 to 2 can indicate potential health concerns, your cat's veterinarian may suggest blood work or other tests.

In addition to following any plan outlined by your cat's veterinarian, the following steps may help them achieve their ideal weight and BCS:

  • Offering a palatable diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding small, frequent meals
  • Warming the food or introducing toppers
  • Feeding pets separately
  • Minimizing stress
  • Weighing them  monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home
  • Watching for other concerning signs, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, or changes in litter box habits, as these may require prompt veterinary care.

Just like your cat's vital signs, their BCS offers important insight into their overall health. While a BCS of 1 to 2 can be concerning, we’ll work together to help your cat safely achieve their optimal weight and vitality.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 6 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 6 indicates that your dog is borderline overweight.

What to do next: With just a few pounds separating your dog from being overweight, a BCS of 6 is a clear call to action! Excess weight can increase their risk for serious health problems, such as arthritis, heart disease, and even cancer, and studies have shown that it can shorten their lifespan.

Here are a few ways to help Gigi reach their ideal weight:

  • Follow any recommendations given by your veterinarian (these are personalized for your dog's unique needs!)
  • Use a measuring cup to portion meals
  • Don’t leave food out all day
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home
  • Provide regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and and can help identify potential issues early. While a BCS of 6 isn't dangerous, it does raise their risk for many life-altering conditions and signals a need for change.

Let’s work together to help your dog achieve a better BCS and overall wellness, so you can make the most of every moment together.

Now that’s a perfect score!

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be to be 7-8 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 7 to 8 indicates that your dog is overweight.

What to do next: Your dog's weight is putting them at an increased risk for many serious conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. Overweight dogs are also clinically shown to have a shorter lifespan and a reduced quality of life.

Thankfully, it’s not too late to get back on track! Here are some simple steps to help your dog achieve a better BCS and a healthier life:

Here are a few ways to help them reach their ideal weight:

  • Reduce meal portions by 10% to 20%
  • Use a measuring cup for accuracy
  • Switch to a weight management diet
  • Swap treats for low-calorie fruits and veggies
  • Increase daily walks and playtime
  • Use a food-dispensing toy instead of a bowl to encourage movement
  • Weigh them monthly
  • Re-check their BCS at home

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS gives valuable insight into their overall health and quality of life. The actions you take in the days, weeks, and months ahead can help them slim down, restore their well-being, and allow you both to make the most of every moment together.

Let’s work together to score a WIN for your dog's health and happiness.

Now that’s a perfect score!

You assessed their body condition score (BCS) to be to be 9 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, a BCS of 9 indicates that your cat is obese (20% or more over their ideal body weight).

What to do next: Cats with obesity are in a health crisis. Excess weight strains their joints, leading to painful and decreased mobility. In addition, abundant fat tissue increases their risk for life-altering diseases like diabetes, arthritis, kidney disease, heart disease, and cancer.

Let their BCS be a turning point in their health.

With simple lifestyle changes and guided support from our team, we can restore your cat's quality of life and help them lose those unnecessary pounds.

We’ll focus on nutrition and stress reduction to create positive results. This includes:

  • Offering a palatable weight-management diet recommended by your veterinarian
  • Feeding portioned meals (Your veterinarian can assist you with how much to feed)
  • Using a microchip-linked feeder for multi-cat households to ensure each cat consumes their veterinarian-recommended portion
  • Minimizing stress in your cat’s environment
  • Decreasing boredom through positive interactions (interactive toys, food puzzles, cat-friendly furniture, and social bonding)
  • Encouraging healthy movement and exploration (motion-activated toys, food puzzles, ramps to perches, scratching posts, cat tunnels)
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home

Your cat’s body condition is a key factor in their health and longevity. Together, we can score a victory by helping them lose weight and reclaim their health, happiness, and mobility.

You assessed your cat's body condition score (BCS) to be 4-5 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of your cat’s general body composition, including muscle and fat. On a scale of 1–9, with 1 being very thin and 9 being obese, this score means they are at their ideal weight for optimal health and well-being!

What to do next: First, give your cat a head bump or a scratch to celebrate your success! Your dedication to their overall health—through regular vet visits, balanced and portion-controlled nutrition, a low-stress environment, and plenty of physical and mental activity—is truly paying off.

But don’t relax just yet—maintaining your cat’s healthy BCS will take ongoing effort throughout their lifetime. Keep up the good work by:

  • Minimizing stress
  • Creating a mentally and physically stimulating environment
  • Satisfying your cat’s social needs with one-on-one time
  • Encouraging movement with interactive toys, perches, and furniture
  • Feeding measured portions of a veterinarian-recommended, high quality, palatable diet
  • Checking your cat’s BCS monthly at home
  • Staying on top of routine veterinary care

Just like your cat's vital signs, their BCS gives us valuable insight into their overall health. Right now, we like what we see—and feel! But remember, supporting your cat's lifelong health is a team effort. By continuing the great work you’re doing and partnering with us, we can help ensure they stay healthy for years to come.

You assessed your dog's body condition score (BCS) to be 1–2 out of 9.

What does this mean? The BCS is an assessment of general body composition, including muscle and fat. While a score of 4 to 5 is ideal, BCS of 1 to 2 indicates that your dog is very thin, at least 20% below their ideal weight. This may be caused by poor nutrition or an underlying illness.

What to do next: Since a BCS of 1 to 2 can indicate potential health concerns, your dog's veterinarian may suggest  blood work or other tests.

If no issues are found, the following steps may help your dog achieve their ideal weight and BCS:

  • Gradually transitioning them to a calorie-dense diet
  • Feeding more frequent meals
  • Weighing them monthly
  • Re-checking their BCS at home
  • Providing regular moderate exercise to build healthy muscle
  • Monitoring them for other health changes (appetite loss, vomiting, unusual stools, fatigue, etc.)

Just like your dog's vital signs, their BCS offers important insight into their overall health and can serve as an early warning that something may be wrong. While a BCS of 1 to 2 can be concerning, please know that your pet's well-being is our top priority. Let’s work together to help your pet pal achieve better health, so you can make the most of every moment together.