The Cat House: Cats and Dogs

When introducing your dog to a cat, pay attention to the body language of both animals. animals such as cats or rabbits), she might become very focused on the cat. Just because your dog is OK with the cat inside the house doesn't mean.
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Additionally, a dog who growls, lunges at or obsessively barks at a cat would probably do best in a cat-free environment. Likewise, a cat who growls, swats at, runs from or hides from dogs would probably prefer to not live with a dog. Similarly, an energetic cat who runs and pounces would fall into this same category. A better match here would be a calm, confident cat who will not run in fear or play.

If a dog plays roughly, it is best to avoid kittens or elderly cats who can easily be hurt. Instead, stick to playful adults who are interested in play, but are also confident enough to take care of themselves. If a cat is rambunctious or playful, a dog that is playful, but gentle, could be a great option. If a dog or cat is elderly, laid back, quiet or anxious, then a calm counterpart would be best.

Avoid rambunctious companions who may annoy, frighten or otherwise bother the other pet. The Introduction Process Regardless of whether you are getting a new cat or a new dog, the first introduction between your current pet and your new pet is a very important part of the process.

The Right Way to Introduce a Dog and Cat

Here are four steps that can help you ensure a successful meeting: Choose the proper location for the first meeting Resident cat to new dog: If you are adopting a dog, you should not take your cat to meet him at a shelter, or other establishment which houses a number of animals for health and safety reasons. Instead, the introduction should take place at home. Resident dog to new cat: If you are adopting a cat, do not take your dog into a shelter and expose him to the cats, as this can be highly stressful or traumatic for all of the cats.

Also, it is not necessarily a good indicator of how the dog will react at home. If this is not possible, an alternative would be to have your dog meet a dog-savvy cat who belongs to a friend or relative. As a last resort, you can bring your new kitty home and do an introduction at home.

You may need the help of a professional. When no one is home, the dog or cat must always be securely confined so unsupervised interactions are not possible.

Once the dog is calm or at least not obsessed with the cat and the cat is calm, eating and using the litter box normally, you can proceed to the next step. Make leashed introductions Allow both animals to be in the same room at the same time, but keep the dog securely leashed. Continue with this type of introduction until the dog is calm and ignores the cat, and the cat is calm, eating and using the litter box normally.

Continue indefinitely until both the dog and cat seem happy and relaxed around each other. For both cats and dogs, smell is extremely important for communication. You can start this process even before you bring your new pet home by exchanging bedding between the pets if this is possible. This way, they get to know a bit about each other, even before they meet. Once your new cat or dog is home, it is best to keep them separate at first. If you are bringing a new cat into your home, avoid the temptation to let them explore your home at first, as they will need a few days to adjust to their new surroundings.

How to introduce your dog to your cat | Blue Cross

To do this, stroke each pet without washing your hands to mix scents and exchange bedding regularly. For this reason, it is useful to delay the pets from meeting for a few days or even a week. If you have bought in a new cat, let them explore the rest of the house when your dog is out of the house for a few hours. If your dog gets excited easily, then first introductions are best carried out after exercise, when your dog is likely to be calm. One of the most important rules of introducing cats and dogs is to make sure that the dog is prevented from chasing the cat. Even if your dog does not want to hurt your cat, your cat will feel threatened and unlikely to want to be anywhere near your dog in future!

Once a dog develops a habit of chasing, it can be difficult for to stop them, so it is best to prevent it from happening in the first place.


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Put your dog on a lead behind a stair gate and have some tasty treats at the ready to reward them for calm and relaxed behaviour. Allow your cat to see your dog and approach if they want to. Your dog is likely to show some interest at this stage and what they do will depend on the individual.

If they become overly excited and begin to bark, then you may need to use some food to distract them at first or move them further away. Looking at the cat for short periods is absolutely fine, but if they stare for too long, use food to interrupt. If you are introducing a kitten in a crate, make sure that there is plenty of distance between them and take not to overwhelm either pet. If either your cat or dog appears frightened, go back a few steps and keep them apart for a while longer. Continue scent swapping regularly and try again the next day.

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If your cat or dog was rehomed from the Blue Cross, then please contact the centre you rehomed your pet from and we will do our best to help you. This is a lightweight lead without a handle, designed to trail behind your dog without your dog really noticing, yet allowing you to take control should you need to eg if you think your dog may be getting too excitable, you can step on the line or pick it up.

Breeds that like to chase, such as terriers or greyhounds, may need to be kept well under control until they have learned that the cat is not to be chased. Take extra care with young energetic dogs who are easily excited - you may need to work hard to keep things calm and be aware that a sudden dash from the cat might trigger a chase. If all goes well and both pets are comfortable with each other, you can progress to removing the houseline, but make sure you are there to manage the situation carefully and ensure there are high places that your cat can use to feel safe.

Never leave the dog and cat together unattended until you are happy that they are safe together.


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    7. Cat food is hugely tempting for any dog, so keep it well out of the way.