Whether you’re fostering a dog when you have a cat or adopting a dog into a household with cats, learning how to introduce a dog to a cat is crucial. Some cats get along well with dogs right away while others need lots of time to gradually adjust. Certain cats and dogs may not do well around the other species at all. So, as you introduce a dog to a cat, go slow and pay close attention to body language. The following tips can help the process go smoothly.
Steps for How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat
Every pet is unique, so the process may look different depending on each animal’s behavior and actions. However, the following steps are a good way to start if you’re unsure how the two animals will behave.
1. Keep the Dog and Cat Separated
For the first few days, it’s a good idea to keep the dog and cat separated with a solid door in between them. Make sure each animal has everything they need on their side of the door (food, water, bed, litter box, etc.) With this setup, both pets can smell and hear each other without having to interact face-to-face. It can make the process less overwhelming for your furry friends.
2. Introduce Them Through the Door
While the dog and cat have their own space, encourage them to interact through the door so they can get familiar with each other in a low-stress way. Feed them on each side of the closed door so they can engage in an activity they enjoy while being near each other. You could also try giving each pet treats while near the door to create more positive associations.
Keep these initial introductions short. After your dog is done eating their food or a treat, redirect their attention to prevent them from obsessing over the cat’s scent. The goal is to get the dog and cat comfortable with each other without having either one overly fixated on the other.
3. Pay Close Attention to Body Language
Even when the dog and cat are separated, focus on their body language. Here’s a guide to common dog body language. When a dog is stressed, they may have a stiff posture, avoid eye contact, or lick their lips repeatedly. Stressed cats may have their ears back, fur standing on end, and a hunched body posture. These signs indicate that the animals are still very nervous and not ready to meet.
Wait until both the dog and the cat start to show relaxed body posture when interacting through the door. That’s a good sign that they’re ready to move forward with the introduction process.
4. Work Your Way Up to Face-to-Face Interactions
Once both pets seem relaxed when meeting through a closed door, you can try having them see each other. Instead of having a door in between them, use a gate that they can see through as a barrier. That will allow them to see each other for the first time without being able to get too close.
If meeting through a see-through barrier goes well, you can work your way up to having them in the same room. During this process, it’s best to have two people involved so one can control the dog and the other can quickly pick up the cat if needed. It’s best to start with the dog at a distance from the cat and work your way up to close interactions once both pets seem ready.
Keep the dog on a leash while the cat explores the room the dog is in. Keep an eye on the dog’s body language. If the dog is constantly staring at the cat intently as if they’re about to chase them, you may want to put the barrier back up.
The dog’s body language is most important because it’s more dangerous for a dog to lunge at a cat than the other way around. Yet, it’s still important that the cat is relaxed so the cat’s negative behaviors don’t provoke the dog (such as hissing or swatting at the dog).
5. Focus on Training and Positive Reinforcement
Throughout this entire process, focus on training. When you notice good behaviors in either animal, reward them with a treat. Also, work on basic commands with the dog, such as “sit” and “come.” You can use those commands to redirect the dog’s attention if they become too fixated on the cat. Teaching your dog to look at you or touch their nose to your hand on command could also be used to redirect their attention and keep them busy.
Unfortunately, dogs of all breeds could severely injure a cat if they view them as prey, so making sure the dog is under control is crucial for the cat’s safety.
6. Let Them Loose Together, But Proceed with Caution
Once both the dog and the cat seem calm and relaxed around each other, you can let them loose in the same room, but make sure you’re still monitoring them. If you’re ever not paying attention to their behaviors, it’s best to keep them separated. Never leave a dog and a cat unattended together unless you’re confident they’ll behave well around each other. It could take months (or even longer) for them to be fully comfortable around each other, so don’t rush the process.
Go Slow When Introducing a Dog to a Cat
There’s no timeline for how to introduce a dog to a cat. Some dogs and cats are instant friends while others will always be hesitant around each other. If the dog and/or cat are showing signs of stress even after living together for a while, that’s okay. Just keep taking it slow and giving them time to adjust.
If you’re fostering a dog, it’s only temporary, so it’s not a huge deal if you have to keep your cat separated from the dog. However, if you’re looking to adopt a dog, make sure that’s something that your cat is comfortable with. Also, make sure you choose a dog that’s cat-friendly and doesn’t have a high prey drive.