Tips to Introduce a New Cat to a House With Dogs & a Cat

Introducing a new cat to a home with multiple pets brings challenges. Although cats can be finicky, and often prefer a solitary life, they can share a home peacefully with other pets. Introducing all the pets gradually will help the process to go smoothly.

  1. Train the Dog

    • Before bringing a new cat into the home your dog should have some basic behaviors trained. These include "sit," "stay," and "leave it." Even if your dog leaves your current cats alone, a new cat may be too enticing for your dog not to chase. If you can get your dog to reliably sit, stay and leave objects or cats alone on your command, then your dog is ready for a new cat.

    Set Up a New Cat Room

    • Give the new cat a sanctuary to retreat to. Set up a room with a litter box, bed and toys that are only for the new cat. This is the first place your new cat will get to be in the house. Don't allow the other cats or dog in this room until every pet has been introduced and are at peace with one another. Until then this room is only for the new cat.

    Introduce Through the Door

    • Bring the new cat home and put it in its room. Allow the other cats and dog to sniff at the door but not enter the room. Place the food bowls for the pets on both sides of the door to help them get used to each other. Rub your established pets with rags and place those in the new cat's room. Do the same for your established pets by rubbing a rag on the new cat and giving it to the cat and dog.

    Let the New Cat Explore

    • Before making the introduction, the Humane Society of the United States recommends locking your current dog and cat in other parts of the house first. Then let your new cat out to gradually explore its new home. This will make your new cat more comfortable and confident when meeting its housemates.

    The Introduction

    • No one can give an exact amount of time to wait for a face-to-face introduction. Watch the behavior of your animals and use your best judgment as to when it is time to let the new cat out. When you decide to let the new cat out of its room, do so gently and without making it a big event. When the other cat and dog are not paying attention, simply open the new cat's door and walk away. Watch all your pets but try not to interfere. The pets need to establish their relationship on their own. Only interfere if a pet is at risk of being injured.