The rivalry between cats and dogs stretches back thousands of years and obviously still continues to this day. People often feel the need to choose between these furry companions, but why not both? More people are considering having both dogs and cats because both cat and dog ownership is on the rise in 2023. These domesticated animals share a lot of similarities with each other, like begging for their dinner well before dinner time, not contributing to household income but acting like they own the place, and being the best snugglers.
That all being said, dogs and cats are different species and they do need coaching on how to coexist peacefully (or at least tolerate each other). Dogs’ brains are wired to consider cats as prey (or in some cases, another dog to roughhouse with). Depending on your dog’s past, they might not have even seen a cat before. You can’t expect them to throw aside instinct overnight. Your pup is going to need some help, training, and a lot of patience as they get to know the new furry member of your family.
We interviewed Hannah Richter, NYC CPDT-KA-certificated dog trainer and author of Clicker Training for Dogs and Teach Your Dog New Tricks, about how to best introduce a dog to a cat. She helps demystify the process and provides some essential tips below.
How can I help my dog get along with my cat?
The first meeting between a dog and a cat is always crucial and should be taken at a slow pace to ensure the comfort levels for both animals. The worst thing you can do when introducing a dog and a cat is to just let both be leashless in a room with no safe exits for either pet. It’ll be a recipe for disaster and take a long time to repair the damage done to both animals’ nerves.
- Prepare your home. Invest in baby gates, cat trees, and other obstacles to make escape routes and rooms for both your dog and cat. They should be purchased before the new animal is brought into the home.
- Get training treats. You’ll also want to stock up on plenty of training treats for your dog, because they will key in enforcing that good, calm behavior in front of the cat.
- Give your pup enough attention. Just like the eldest child with a new baby in the house, your dog might feel that they are no longer the center of your world. Make sure to spend some one-on-one play and cuddle time with them after the cat arrives to ensure that they know the cat does not affect your love for them. You should also endeavor to keep your dog’s routine the same.
- Know the body language. If you notice your dog has a hyper-focused stare, a stiff body, or persistent whining, then your dog should not be allowed to meet the cat. It’ll take longer to desensitize your dog to your cat. Ideally, you want your dog to look relaxed and calm around the cat before moving on to an off-leash step.
How to Introduce Dogs to Cats
The first meeting between a dog and a cat is like a first impression during a job interview. It’s very important. If it’s bungled, it might take your pets a long time to warm up to each other. Here are a few steps to introduce your dog to a new cat:
1. Keep them separated.
First, keep the newest family pet confined to one room. If your dog has had free reign of the house, you don’t want them to feel like they’re being punished by confining them (and your new cat likely would feel overwhelmed in a big space anyway). Make sure the litter box, the cat’s food, and water bowl are all in the room with the cat, so the cat doesn’t feel like their necessities are threatened.
Initially, you’ll feed your dog on one side of the closed door and the cat on the other. This will allow the dog to get used to the cat’s scent and associate it with a positive experience.
2. Introduce them through a barrier.
Once your pup is comfortable and relaxed during feedings, the next step is visual introductions. Show your dog the cat through a glass door or other barrier to see how they both react. “Always use management, such as a gate or a leash when first introducing,” says Richter. “This will provide safety for both animals.”
If your dog is overly excited to meet the cat and is lunging or barking, the cat is likely terrified and you probably would be too. You aren’t going to be able to get your dog to bond with your cat if the cat doesn’t feel safe and that’s going to involve working on your pup’s behavior.
“Work on settling on and off a spot,” Richter says. “Once you have built a solid foundation without distraction, you will practice with the cat in sight.” This might be more of a process than you originally thought, but it’s so important that your pup makes the kitty comfortable.
3. Begin controlled face-to-face meetings.
Once they’re both calm through the barrier, then you’re ready for their face-to-face meeting. When they first meet in person, your dog should be on a leash so you can control the dog and there should be an exit for your dog and cat if the meeting doesn’t go as planned.
It might seem a little more obvious to give your new cat a safety area or room, but your dog needs one, too. Cats can get away a little bit more easily than a dog — they can jump up on a cat tree or a tall perch out of the dog’s reach, but your pup will also be within easy reach for a cat. Your dog’s safe space could be their crate or if they don’t sleep in a crate, make the room that they usually sleep in their safe space and keep the kitty out with a high gate or door so your pup can relax in peace.
If you see any signs of aggression, separate the dog and cat immediately. Keep your dog in one area of the house and the cat in another (though it is important to let the cat have free reign of the house at night, because they are nocturnal). You shouldn’t leave these animals unsupervised, ever.
4. Be patient and don’t force interactions.
The cute videos of dogs adopting baby kittens might tempt you to try to speed up the process of introducing your dog and cat, but it really isn’t something you can rush. Your dog might take a while to warm up to your new cat (or cool down, depending how your dog reacts to seeing the cat).
You should not take your frustrations out on either pet or punish them for not behaving how you want them to. You just want to gently correct them and focus on the good, well-behaved moments. “Anytime the dog notices the cat, but does not get up, reward with a small piece of food,” Richter says. “This will reinforce leaving the cat alone and will encourage the dog to relax in the same room as the cat.” Remember, they are trying their best with what tools nature gave them. It could take days, weeks, or even months for a cat to get used to a dog.
Can I train my dog to get along with cats?
Yes, you can train your dog to get along with cats, though patience is key. To your pup, it might seem like a fun game to chase the cat around the house or attempt to play with the newcomer, but your cat probably doesn’t feel the same way. These interactions might stress out the cat and interrupt the introduction process, causing it to take longer for your cat to become more comfortable with your dog.
Use gradual introductions and positive reinforcement methods to train your dog to get along with a cat. “By introducing slowly, using management, and setting boundaries, cats and dogs can live happily and safely together,” Richter says. Train your dog daily to help them learn to settle. “Practice the relaxation exercises mentioned above,” Richter says. “I also recommend working on ‘Stay’ with the cat in sight.” The more comfortable the cat feels around the dog, the more likely they will develop a closer bond over time.
Although, it might be unrealistic to expect that they will be best friends. “It is important to consider each animal’s personality and temperament,” Richter says. Sometimes the best you can hope for is tolerance and indifference, which is an acceptable outcome.
Commonly Asked Questions
How to get a dog to stop chasing a cat?
To get your dog to stop chasing a cat, you’ll need to train them to settle down. The easiest way to do this is to teach them how to go to a comfortable place. “Never reinforce the chasing behavior. If this issue continues, contact a dog trainer to help you create a training plan,” says Richter.
How can I prevent aggression between dogs and cats?
You can prevent aggression between dogs and cats through consistent positive reinforcement training, making use of barriers, and watching for shifts in body language. “If you have lasting issues with aggression, you should begin to work on a daily training plan. Through training, you can build more confidence and communication between the two animals,” says Richter.
When should I consult a professional if the problems persist?
You should consult a professional if your dog’s behavior is not improving after multiple attempts at introduction, especially if they seem to be too aggressive toward the cat. “A dog trainer can help you create a plan to best suit you and your animal’s needs,” Richter says.
What if my dog still refuses to accept the cat?
Rehoming your cat to a family that can better address these needs may be a very kind and responsible choice. Rehome is a peer-to-peer adoption service that allows pet parents to post their pets on Adopt a Pet to be seen by millions of potential adopters. If you’re in the difficult position of considering whether to rehome your pet, it’s imperative to take an honest look at the situation and do your homework. Rehome can help make the process easy and as safe as possible. When you’ve done all you can, it’s important to remember that pets are individuals, and sometimes your home might not be the right fit.
Alicia Kort is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn. She’s currently the senior commerce editor at Apartment Therapy. She’s been published in StyleCaster, Electric Literature, Newsweek, Interview, Brooklyn magazine and more. In her free time, she runs, reads, and spends time with her dog-nieces, Maya and Lady, and her cat-niece, Pepper.