Introducing Dogs & Cats so they are Friends and Get Along

Dogs and cats can be great friends, but there are things that you can do to set them up for a successful friendship.

The first meeting or interaction between your dog and cat is very important. There are things that you can do while introducing dogs and cats so they are friends and get along with each other.

If your animals have already met each other, have interacted with each other, or live together and you have already passed the first introduction there are still steps to take to encourage and grow a positive relationship with each other.

Whatever your situation is, remember to go slowly and be patient. Let your cats choose how much they want to interact with your dog. The ideal situation is when your dog is calm or ignores your cat. Dogs that are fearful, aggressive, cautious, and excited, try to chase or play with your cat will cause the cat to see the dog as a threat, which will result in stress for both your animals.

When first introducing dogs and cats to each other:

• start with introducing each other's scents before they see each other

• allow for safe observation without direct contact (after they are familiar with each other's scents)

• ensure your dog knows commands such as "sit" "stay" "off" and "leave it"

• keep your dog on a leash during the first face-to-face interaction

• always supervise

• keep interactions short and then separate animals

• reward calm behaviors

• use pet gates and barriers to block doorways and rooms

• give your cat a safe place to get away from the dog

• give your cat cozy and safe places up high

• monitor each animal's stress and agitation, separating when needed

• create positivie association

• keep interactions short and frequent

• use calming aids when needed (pheromone diffuses, calming sprays etc.)

If your dog and cat have already met each other and are currently, struggling to get along, in addition to the tips above:

• teach your dog boundaries and to respect your cat

• designate cat-only areas (gated rooms, high perches, hidden nooks, cat trees etc.)

• use physical boundaries to separate your dog and cat (baby gates, crates, doors etc.)

• use visual cues and objects such as rugs, beds, furniture to clearly define where your dog is allowed to go and where your cat is safe

• be consistent between all members of the household

• reward calm behavior

• redirect your dog's attention

• manage your own emotions

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By using a combination of training commands, physical barriers, positive reinforcement, and creating safe, calm experiences you can help your dog understand and respect boundaries around the cat. Your cat will not react with aggression or fear. It isn’t always possible for dogs and cats to be super friendly, but everyone should feel safe calm, and happy in their own homes.

If you're interested in learning more about creating a bond with your animal based on love, trust, and understanding CLICK HERE

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For more on how you can foster a friendly relationship between your dog and cat, watch the video below.