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If the dog and cat are to be introduced in an environment that is unfamiliar to the cat, the cat should be introduced to the environment and allowed to fully settle in before the first introduction. For example, the cat should be initially confined to a room of its own, with food, water, latrine and resting sites. Once the cat is familiar with this room, it can be allowed access to more of the home, with barriers such as baby gates installed to prevent accidental encounters between dog and cat. The cat and dog should then be introduced in a room within the house where the cat is entirely comfortable and has already learned to use hiding and climbing places, and exits.
 
If the dog and cat are to be introduced in an environment that is unfamiliar to the cat, the cat should be introduced to the environment and allowed to fully settle in before the first introduction. For example, the cat should be initially confined to a room of its own, with food, water, latrine and resting sites. Once the cat is familiar with this room, it can be allowed access to more of the home, with barriers such as baby gates installed to prevent accidental encounters between dog and cat. The cat and dog should then be introduced in a room within the house where the cat is entirely comfortable and has already learned to use hiding and climbing places, and exits.
A synthetic analogue of the F3 fraction of facial and flank marking [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|pheromones]] (Feliway) may be used to reduce underlying anxiety and stress.
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A synthetic analogue of the F3 fraction of facial marking [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|pheromones]] diffuser (Feliway), plugged-in the room the cat spends most of its time, may be used to reduce underlying anxiety and stress.
 
The distance a cat must move in order to escape is important. If a cat has to run a long distance it may panic, especially if the floor is slippery. Escape opportunities must therefore be very easily accessible within a few paces.
 
The distance a cat must move in order to escape is important. If a cat has to run a long distance it may panic, especially if the floor is slippery. Escape opportunities must therefore be very easily accessible within a few paces.
  
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