What you need to know before introducing a dog to a cat

Introducing a cat and a dog is often a source of stress : stereotypes have always led us to believe that they cannot get along, or only in exceptional cases. The reality is that although it is possible that certain cats and dogs will never be able to live together, it is not a universal rule.

But don't stress! There are many factors to consider ( temperance , training, previous contact with the other species ) and animal behavior experts have tips for bringing them together in the safest way possible. We explain how to proceed.

Some considerations before introducing a cat and a dog

First of all, you should take stock of the pets you plan to introduce. Indeed, the length and difficulty of the process depends greatly on the animals . It is important to know whether they have already been in contact with the other species, their age , their attitude towards socialising and their level of activity . For example, introducing a cat to a calm middle-aged to older dog is much easier than introducing a cat to a younger, more playful and intense dog.

The character of both cats and their level of aggressiveness are other key factors . If the cat is very sociable and allows itself to be petted, and likes contact with other cats or with unknown humans, it is likely that it will have less trouble getting along with a dog.

Dogs with strong hunting instincts are more likely to have a tough time . However, don't worry if you've seen your dog chase a cat in the past - his behavior can be very different depending on the location, whether outside or inside the house . Keep in mind that sometimes certain dogs can only be with certain cats, which is something you'll need to consider if you're thinking of introducing another cat to your dog. Every encounter is different.

One last point: many people find it much easier to introduce the two species when one or both are puppies . If both are young, problems are unlikely to arise. However, if the cat is a kitten, it may not be aware of the danger, in which case you should keep a close eye on the dog during its first interactions.

How to prepare your home before the dog/cat meeting

Before the introduction, you need to set up a “sanctuary” space for the cat, out of the dog’s reach . This can be on a high piece of furniture or you can even dedicate a room to the cat where its litter box, cat tree, water and food dishes, as well as its toys will be. Indeed, the cat is the one most at risk (in the vast majority of cases) and it is important to make sure that it can escape if it is afraid, and feel protected to avoid causing stress and discomfort.

How to read your pets' body language and react

Is it time? Focus on the behavior of both animals . The clearest signs of agitation in a cat are ears back and a tail that is wagging a lot . It's normal for him to be uncomfortable, arch his back or have his tail raised, but he shouldn't be spitting. If he starts to have this reaction, move the dog away.

Danger signs for cats in dogs include: they tense up, stare at the cat, start barking or whining . In this case, do not let the dog approach. The dog must be relaxed, as well as the cat, to achieve a good introduction.

Beyond body language when the dog and cat meet, keep an eye on the cat's diet and litter box usage . If the cat's or dog's (more often the cat's) behavior changes, it may indicate that the dog is a source of stress and is preventing the cat from being happy. If time doesn't fix things, you may need to find new solutions.

Various methods for introducing a cat to a dog

We recommend that two people be able to intervene, each with an animal.

If you're short on time and confident that your dog is calm , you can try introducing the cat and dog at once, keeping the dog on a leash and watching his body language . If the cat doesn't get too spooked and the dog doesn't notice the cat, you can ask the dog to sit or lie down and let the cat sniff him. Give treats or use the clicker to positively reinforce the correct behavior.

If your dog stares at the cat, try to distract him: try to get him to look away with a toy or treats . If he barks or growls, try to reduce his aggression with distractions, and you can also use a muzzle. If he completely ignores you, even with treats and toys, you will need to change your strategy.

In the case of a tense first meeting , it is possible to adopt a more long-term approach , especially if the two animals will have to share a house and an introduction is absolutely necessary. Place the two animals in separate spaces, separated by a door, without being able to see each other. They will sniff and hear each other. Feeding them from both sides of a door creates positive associations. You can start to accustom them to the smell of the other animal by exchanging blankets or cloths.

When the cat and dog are calm (eating normally, without signs of stress or tension) you can proceed with the introduction in several stages. Put the dog on a leash and try to get him to focus on something else: treats or toys. If the cat is comfortable with a harness and leash , this is a way to increase the safety of the encounter. The sessions should be daily and short.

Once both pets are relaxed in each other's presence, they can be brought together unsupervised . Before then, it is safest to keep them in separate quarters when their owners are away.

If you have any doubts or are afraid of the process, don't hesitate to go to an animal behavior expert , ask your veterinarian or ethologist for advice. It will be easier if your dog knows basic commands and is trained to pay attention to you . But don't despair, arm yourself with patience and love and don't forget to take care of your pets' safety during encounters.