Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Tonks in a Tree on Tuesday

Hello and happy Tuesday, friends! Specifically, it's Tonks Tuesday, and so the calico is here to grace you with yet more of her adorableness.


Like most cats, Tonks loves her a good cat tree. She loves to play on them, to snooze on them, and of course to pose on them.


Tonks hopes you all get to enjoy a cat tree today!



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Flashback Doodle of the Day




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Tip of the Day

Yesterday we gave some tips on how to introduce a new cat to a resident cat. Today, we'll give a bit of an idea on what you can do to get a new cat used to a resident dog, or vice versa. Getting a cat and a dog acquainted with each other can, in some ways, mimic the methods used to introduce two cats to each other. For example, just as with two cats, you can start introducing a cat and dog to each other by getting them used to each other's scent. This can include blocking their view of and access to each other, while allowing them to smell each other through a door. You can also swap pieces of their bedding, so that they become used to each other's scent this way.

Once the new cat is used to their surroundings and to the scent of the resident dog, or vice versa, you can begin introducing the cat and dog to the sight of each other. This can be done through a baby gate, through a screen, or safely from across the room. As needed, you can keep the dog on a leash to ensure a safe introduction. Also try to ensure that the cat is able to be safely restrained, should signs of aggression arise. These first meet-and-greets are likely best done from a distance, with each furbaby being distracted and rewarded for good behavior with treats or toys. This exercise can be repeated for however many days it takes for the cat and dog to act non-aggressive or calm in each other's presence. As progress is made, you can slowly start to decrease the distance between the cat and dog.

Over time, a cat and dog can learn to become friends, to tolerate each other, or simply to ignore each other. Allow for the proper patience and time to get the furbabies safely acquainted. Until they are used to and safe around each other, ensure that their time together is supervised. Even if the cat and dog grow well acquainted and tolerant of each, though, still ensure that each furbaby has their own space to be alone as needed. For example, have cat trees or other similar areas to which the cat can retreat, and a bed or crate for the dog to go should they wish.

3 comments:

messymimi said...

Trees are the best, aren't they, Tonks!

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

Look at that beautiful face!

pilch92 said...

Tonks is such a cutie. I like the drawing and your tips are great too. XO