We often tell people, it's true, it takes 31 days to make or break a habit. This isn't any different for a cat and a dog to adjust to each other. During this transitional time, there are tips to help you:
1. Never force interaction.
You don't want to be trapped in an elevator with someone you don't know, and your animals feel the same way about getting to know a new resident in their space. Allow them to come, and go, sniff, hide, or snuggle as they please. Cramming them in the same room to "make" them like each other will not work. It just makes them stressed and panicked, just like you would be if you were forced into a room until you came out best friends with a stranger. That's not realistic and can lead to horrible outcomes.
2. Maintain separate areas. Sometimes canines and felines are best friends, like Milo and Otis in the movie. That can happen. It's fun to see them snuggled up with each other, happy as can be. However, they need their own safe zones.
What is that? I'm glad you asked. That's a place they can go if they want some alone time. For your cat, it might be the top of his or her cat tree, where a nap away from the dog is desired. For your Maltese, it might be their favorite bed in their open-air crate. Whatever it is, it's important to have these. Everyone needs a little "me" time, even your pets. Like all good roommates, should one of them get on the other one's nerves when you're not home, this gives them a place to go be until they are feeling more social again.
In regard to food:
There are important differences in dog food and cat food. Cats need taurine more so than dogs, and cat food is higher in protein and fat. It's why dogs go nuts for it. However, it can upset your dog's stomach and long-term, for your cat's health, they would need additional supplements. So how do you handle that?
Cats are usually happy to by-pass the canine's lesser fat and protein food. By placing your cat’s food up high, and your Maltese’s food at floor level, you can keep their foods separate more easily.