Getting Cats and Dogs Not to Fight Like . . .

Dear Dr. Fox:

I have two little Boston terriers. One has fur as smooth as silk, but the other had fur like barbed wire, and she also had itchy skin. I tried many remedies but was not aware of your advice on this problem until recently. I started giving the second one fish oil capsules and, sure enough, her fur smoothed out and the itches went away quickly. Thank you so much.

Here's our latest problem.

We have adopted our neighbor's cat, Shadow, and she is set up comfortably on the back porch. However, it is clear that she craves companionship and would love to stay indoors. The problem: getting my two Boston terriers to accept her, and vice versa. I don't want the dogs to chase or frighten her or think she's a squirrel, and I don't want their eyes to get scratched.

The first time they met, Shadow hissed and the pups chased her. The situation has improved slightly, but it's a slow process, and I know the pups would chase her if I weren't around. Am I going about this wrong? How can I make this a quicker, smoother transition?

S.D.

Fresno, Calif.

When introducing a cat into a home with dogs or other cats, it's best to put the new cat in a wire cage in the center of a room and let the resident animals investigate. The cage blocks the chase and flight responses.

After 10 to 15 minutes' exposure, set the new cat free in a separate room with a bed, food, water and a litter box. Repeat the cage exposure/getting-to-know-each-other process several times a day until you feel comfortable holding the cat (perhaps with protective gloves, at first) in your arms and having the dogs sit quietly beside you. You can also try leashing both dogs and allow the cat to come out of the cage on its own.