How to Introduce a Maltese to a Cat

The Maltese belongs to the group of toy breeds and is a loyal and affectionate pet. The friendly personality of the Maltese makes him suitable in a household with other pets, and he gets along well with other animals, including felines. The way your cat receives the Maltese depends on factors such as the cat's age, its personality, the age of the dog and how well-socialized the cat is. Train your Maltese prior to introducing it to the cat. Introduce the dog to your cat gradually, because they won't become friends overnight.

Things You'll Need

  • Treats
  • Cat-free zone
  • Dog-free zone
  • Baby gates (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your Maltese in a cat-free zone during the first few weeks and let the dog and the cat stay in the same room for small amounts of time daily (e.g., 1 hour). Allow them to sniff each-other, but be close to intervene if they become aggressive. It's recommended to have another person helping you during the first introduction.

    • 2

      Keep the dog on a leash during the first encounters. Dogs instinctively chase other animals, so expect your Maltese to chase the cat if it is not on a leash. Give commands to your dog, such as "Sit" or "Lay down" and reward it with treats when it performs according to your commands.

    • 3

      Designate areas that are dog-free, so the cat has a territory of its own and doesn't feel evicted by the Maltese. Adult felines may feel threatened when a new pet is adopted and may mark its territory.

    • 4

      Increase the time the pets spend together (to two or several hours per day) after a few weeks and reward both your dog and your cat with treats when showing appropriate behavior. After the pets get used to the presence of one-another, you may keep them in the same room.

    • 5

      Groom and bathe your pets separately, without allowing the other pet to assist.