How to Get Your Dog(s) and Cat(s) to Get Along?

Are you introducing a dog and cat or you already have a dog and a dog that wouldn’t just stop fighting? Here are useful tips on how to get your dog(s) and cat(s) to get along and become friends.

Naturally, dogs and cats are enemies. They are both predatory creatures from two different species and perceive each other as potential prey. Nevertheless, they can still get together – and even become best friends – with these tips:

Basic Tips:

• Whether your cat is a senior or newbie, ensure that it has enough space to move freely, run, and hide if it wants to.
• Whether your dog is a senior or newbie, puppy, or adult, ensure that it is well restrained – a kennel can be useful. This would prevent your dog from chasing after the cat. 
• Get baby gates to gradually introduce the dog(s) and cat(s). This will minimize danger to the cat. A playpen can also be used because it’ll give the cat the necessary freedom.
• Keep your cat’s food, water, and litter box permanently in an area inaccessible to the dog.
• Always ensure that both pets have lots of physical and mental stimulation in the form of proper training, engaging toys, and exercise.

Introducing your dog and cat to each other should be done in steps. Each step should be done when the pets are relaxed and calm, possibly after a mealtime. Each introduction step has no timeframe and you can move on to the next step once you feel it’s right. 

Step 1: Confine the New Pet

Whether it’s the dog or cat, your resident pet should be given preference. When you introduce a new pet, confine it to a room and keep the door to that room closed. Let your resident pet have the rest of the house.

During this stage, allow the two pets to gradually discover each other through sounds and scents – between the closed door. Watch the behaviour of each pet and reward the pet that has a neutral behaviour or acts with calm curiosity with praise and treats. 

If any of the pets show over-excitement, anxiety, or aggressive behaviour, remove such pet from the scene immediately. You can divert the attention of the aggressive pet with a toy. 

Step 2: Keep the Pets at a Distance

Now it’s time to allow the two pets to see each other. You would slowly open the door but have a baby gate or pet gate set up in the doorway of the room where you keep the new pet. The two pets can now see each other – though at a reasonable distance apart. Offer praises or/and treats to the pet in a calm mood.

If any of the pets show over-excitement, anxiety, or aggressive behaviour, remove such pet from the scene immediately. Otherwise, move on to the next step.

Step 3: Keep the Pets Closer

This is similar to step 2 except that the two pets now get closer at the gate. Try to maintain control over each animal and prevent lunging towards the gate – if possible keep the pets on leashes. If you leave your cat unleashed, stay close to it and don’t allow it to jump over the gate.

Don’t allow the pets to touch one another but permit them to get close. If the cat hisses or spits at the dog, remove it but don’t pick it up, or else you might get scratched or bitten. Otherwise, move on to step 4.

Step 4: Same Room

This is the final introduction step, where you would allow your dog and cat to be together in the same room – under close supervision. Unleash both pets. The cat, being smaller, is more likely to be injured so provide an avenue for the cat to run away if need be – even if the cat is the resident pet.

Start with brief sessions and watch the actions of both pets in the same room. Increase the sessions gradually and let the pets get closer. Though the pets should still be separated when left alone.

If you need more information on how to make a dog and cat get along, don’t hesitate to contact us today.