Guides and tips
Cat and dog in the same home
Important steps that will help you to facilitate the introduction, in order to create a suitable and safe environment, for these seemingly incompatible animals.
There are some dogs that enjoy living with cats but this is not always the case. Sometimes, a dog can live only with certain cats, depending on their age, character and energy level. Even if your dog has lived successfully with cats in the past, that does not necessarily mean that it will happen again without proper preparations.
Despite the stereotype that prevails, many dogs and cats can learn to live together in peace. You need to be patient and make the introduction process slowly. Truth is, their personality will determine, if they will get along with each other. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of success.
Guides and tips
Secure the area
Make sure that the cat has access, at any time, to place that the dog cannot enter. That place may be of any size but it must have a secure door and a roof.
It must include a litter tray, water and food bowl, toys and a scratching post. Make sure that you secure the area for cats, by removing any poisonous plants, drugs, fragile and sharp objects. You can also create some hiding places or tunnels to help it feel safer.
Be ready to manage their interactions for the next few weeks, if not more. Ideally, your living space should have multiple high places, such as shelves or furniture, which will allow your cat to escape easily from the dog if necessary.
Guides and tips
Pay attention to body language
When introducing your dog to a cat, pay attention to the body language of both animals. If the cat’s ears are pinned back or its tail is moving rapidly, this is a sign that it is quite displeased or irritated. It’s important to be aware of your pets’ body language, as it may indicate potential warning signs.
If your dog has a strong prey drive (a tendency to seek out, chase, and potentially capture animals that appear as prey, such as cats or rabbits), they may become overly focused on the cat. They might stare intensely and start barking or whining. If you notice these signs, do not allow them to approach the cat.
Ideally, their body language should be relaxed around the cat. It’s fine if they observe the cat, but you don’t want to see them fixated on it.
All animals are unique, don't assume that they will go well together since, it usually depends on their age, character and energy levels.
In many cases, dogs are afraid of cats, despite the usual size difference.
Additionally, a dog’s interaction with a cat can change depending on the environment. If your dog is fine with the cat indoors, it doesn’t mean they will display the same behavior in outdoor settings.
They may focus on the cat and start chasing it when they see it outside. It’s essential to observe their body language in each new situation until you are sure there is no aggression.
There are several ways to introduce a cat to a dog. Even if both animals had previous experiences in the past, proceed carefully during the introduction. It is best to have two people present, one for each animal. If you have more than one dog, introduce each dog separately to the cat.
Guides and tips
Slow and gradual familiarization
First method
If your dog is very fixed on the cat, you can try the desensitizating it. Reducing the reaction of your dog on the cat gradually by increasing its exposure to the cat. Put the cat in a room (e.x. a bedroom, a bathroom, or a spare room) with a tall pet(baby)-gate as a seperator. The room you choose should be a room in which the dog can't access and don't need to access it. For example, if the dog sleeps in the bedroom with you at night, don't choose this room for the cat. The idea is to split them and to allow them to see each other only at specific times.
Equip the chosen cat room, with all the necessary supplies, like, litter box, toys, food, water and a scratching post. Keep in mind that cats are remarkably capable of escaping through narrow passages as well as excellent climbers and jumpers. Therefore, make sure that your cat can't get through the installed gate. The gate must be a barrier that allows the cat and the dog to see each other, without having physical access.
In order to begin desensitization, let the dog see the cat for a while through the gate, and then swift the dog's focus on something else, like a game or execute some verbal commands. Sometimes it helps to keep it on a leash so you can turn it away from the cat when you try to refocus its attention. Commend and reward the dog when it focuses on something else than the cat. Continue the process several times through the day.
Seek the advice of your veterinarian or an animal trainer if one of the animals has special needs or health issues before you start the introduction of a new pet.
In the first few days, pay close attention and do not allow the dog
to enter the room where you are keeping the cat.
Sometimes, the sight of a cat can be very exciting for a dog. If this happens, close the door and start feeding each animal from their respective side. The cat eats its food in its room, right next to the door, and the dog eats its food on the other side of the door. This allows both animals to associate each other's scent with something positive—food.
You can also exchange each animal’s blankets and beds, giving them to the other. This way, the dog can get used to the cat’s scent, and the cat can get used to the dog’s scent, without overstimulating either of them.
Allowing slowly, the dog to see the cat and to get used of its presence, will desensitize and make it lose much interest for the cat. In some cases, that may accur within a few hours, but in other cases that could take days, weeks or even months. Each animal is unique and learns at its own pace.
However, it’s possible that your dog may never be able to share a space with a cat. If you don’t feel you can trust your dog with your cat, you should keep them separated.
Many dogs can injure or kill a cat very quickly, and they can also easily be injured by cats. Your first priority should be to ensure that everyone remains safe.
Guides and tips
Direct introduction
Second method
This is a quicker method of introduction and is only recommended for animals that are already very social and have no aggressive tendencies. One person should hold the dog on a loose leash and monitor its body language, while another person should observe the cat’s body language.
If the cat does not arch its back or show signs of distress around the dog, then it can be allowed to move more freely. A cat is rarely a threat to a dog, but some cats can be aggressive when they encounter dogs.
If the dog remains calm around the cat, you can ask them to sit, lie down, and stay, if they have been taught these commands, while the cat moves freely around them, sniffing if it wishes. The dog should be praised and rewarded if it ignores the cat.
If the dog is too focused on the cat (e.g., staring intensely, having tense body language, and not responding when you call them) or if they try to chase the cat, you should definitely try the first method to successfully get them to share the same space.
A trained dog that listens to basic commands, has more chances to succeed using this method.
Guides and tips
Requirements for Introducing a puppy to an adult cat
Puppies and cats
Introducing a puppy to an adult cat requires a careful approach, as cats are generally not as tolerant as dogs when it comes to new introductions. Here are some key conditions for a successful first meeting:
Gradual adjustment
- Allow the cat to adjust to the puppy's presence without direct contact.
- Use a safety gate or a room so they can smell each other without having physical contact.
Safe initial meeting
- When it's time for the first direct contact, keep the puppy on a leash so you can control its behavior.
- Don't force the cat to approach; let it move at its own pace.
Suitable environment
- Provide the cat with a safe place where it can retreat if it feels uncomfortable.
- Cats feel safer when they can climb high (e.g., on a shelf or scratching post).
Puppy behavior control
- Puppies are playful and may bark or jump, which could scare the cat.
- Encourage calm play and reward the puppy's calm reactions.
Monitoring and patience
- Do not leave the puppy and the cat unsupervised until you are sure they are coexisting harmoniously.
- Every introduction is different, so give both animals time to adjust.
With the right guidance, the cat and the puppy can become friends or at least coexist harmoniously without tension!
If a puppy and a kitten grow up together, it's almost certain that they will become very good friends.
Conditions for Introducing a kitten to an adult dog
Kittens and dogs
Introducing a kitten to a dog must be done carefully to ensure the safety of both animals. Although a kitten may not be afraid of the dog, its high energy and movement can cause overstimulation in the dog, leading to unwanted reactions.
Gradual familiarization
- Keep the kitten and the dog in separate spaces initially, allowing them to get used to each other's scents.
- You can exchange bedding or toys between them to help them familiarize with each other's scents.
Safe first meeting
- During the first meeting, keep the dog on a leash and allow the kitten to move freely, so it has control of the situation.
- If the dog shows excessive interest or excitement, distract him with treats or commands.
Control of the dog's behavior
- Even if your dog is friendly with adult cats, a kitten may excite him due to its energetic nature.
- If he is young and active, he could accidentally injure the kitten while playing.
- Carefully observe his body language (signs of overstimulation, such as intense barking, ears pulled back, or sudden movements, may indicate the need to remove him).
Safe environment for the kitten
- Make sure there is always a safe space where the kitten can retreat if it feels scared.
- A cat that doesn't feel threatened can stay relaxed and adjust more quickly.
Reward and patience
- If the dog remains calm around the kitten, reward him with treats or praise.
- Do not rush their relationship; each animal needs its own time to feel comfortable.
- Always supervise their interactions until you are sure about the safety of both.
With careful introduction and positive reinforcement, the kitten and the dog can form a healthy bond and coexist harmoniously in the same home!
Expectations
New introductions, to be successful, may take longer than expected. The introduction and bonding process for some cats and dogs can last for several days or even months. Your pets may play, ignore each other, or simply sit and watch one another. Do not force them to do anything they are not comfortable with.
