Introducing Dogs to Cats

Introducing Dogs to Cats

Whether you already have a dog and are considering getting a cat, or vice versa, it is very important to consider how to go about their first introduction.  Pairing an off-leash dog to a loose cat is a recipe for disaster!  We are happy to provide tips on how to yield a successful first meeting.

  1. Location. Choose a proper location for the first introduction. We recommend that the first meeting should take place at the home. Do not visit the shelter of the new addition (cat or dog).  Be sure that the dog is on their leash during the first meeting.  It would be best to have another person to assist with the introduction process.
  2. Separation. Throughout the next few days, rotate which animal has freedom and which is confined. This will allow the dog and cat to investigate the other’s scents. This is especially important if no one is home!  Keep in mind that if the dog obsessively digs at the separation barrier or barks at the cat for consecutive days, the interaction may not work without training from a professional.
  3. Leashed Introductions. If all goes well in the prior steps, the pet owner is ready to 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 introduction until the dog and cat are both calm. Continue this process indefinitely until both pets are happy and relaxed around each other.
  4. Unsupervised Interactions. Unsupervised time can occur once the cat and dog have been supervised for a longer period of time (2 to 4 weeks). Pet owners must be positive that they will not hurt each other.

There are a few warning signs which need to be considered.  If the dog continues to play high focus on the cat to the point where they are ignoring the pet owner, this is probably a dangerous match.  The same holds true if the cat is overly obsessed with a dog.  If the cat or dog stops eating, drinking or appears to be lethargic, they are not happy.  Pet owners may want to consider finding a better match or contacting a professional for advice.