Dog and cat together, is it doable?

Dogs and cats can be wonderful housemates, but their introduction can sometimes pose some challenges. Living together with both a dog and a cat requires patience, understanding and the right approach. Whether you already have a cat and want to introduce a dog, or vice versa, in this article I share my top tips to ensure your dog and cat get off to a good start.
We have two kittens at the moment, in addition to our other cat Stiorra. Stiorra is the mother of Loki and Otr, so they have been used to our dogs since they were tiny. But I still let them get used to each other slowly!

Dog and cat together

Patience is a virtue

Whether you’re introducing a dog to a cat or a cat to a dog, patience is super important. Do not force the animals to interact directly with each other and give them time to get used to each other’s presence. A calm and gradual approach gives more guarantee of success than introducing the animals hastily.

Preparation is half the battle

Make sure your home is ready for the new family member. This means that you create enough space where the animals can safely retreat if necessary. Consider a separate room for the cat, where the dog cannot go, or a dog crate that the cat cannot reach.

Do you already have a cat and would you like to introduce a dog?

Choose a dog with a suitable character

Choose a dog with a character that suits your cat. Do you have an older cat that has always been alone in your home? Preferably choose a dog with a calmer character. This can make the difference in how quickly the cat feels comfortable with the new housemate.

Create safe spaces for your cat

Make sure your cat always has access to safe places that the dog cannot reach. These can be high places, such as cupboards or shelves, or a room that is only accessible to the cat. This helps your cat feel safe and in control. A powerplug with Feliway in the relevant room can also help the cat enormously!

Introduce step by step

Let the dog and cat get used to each other’s scent before they actually meet each other. For example, change their blankets and introduce them through a closed door. This ensures that they slowly get used to each other without direct contact. When you then introduce them to each other, provide continuous supervision during the first few weeks when they are in the room together. Do you need to leave for a while? No problem, just put them in separate rooms for that time.

Do you already have a dog and would you like to introduce a cat?

Know your dog’s hunting instincts

Determine if your dog has a strong hunting instinct. Dogs with a high hunting instinct have a harder time dealing with cats. If this is the case, introducing a cat will require extra time and care. Consider professional guidance if you have any doubts about safety.

Teach your dog the right cues

Before introducing the cat, make sure your dog responds well to basic skills such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘come here’. This will help you control the situation during the first encounters.

Keep the first meetings short and calm

In the beginning, only allow the dog and cat to meet each other under supervision, and keep the dog on a leash. Reward calm behavior from both animals with treats and positive attention. Build up the duration of the meetings gradually.

It is doable!

Introducing a dog and a cat can be a process that takes time and patience, but with the right approach, these animals can become excellent companions for each other. The most important thing is to always give the animals space to get used to the new situation at their own pace. Listen to their signals and respect their boundaries. With love, respect and the necessary preparation, you can create a peaceful household where dogs and cats live together.