How to Introduce a New Cat to Dogs

Despite phrases such as ̶0;fighting like cats and dogs,̶1; cats and dogs can live together in peace and, in many instances, friendship. The key to introducing a cat to your dogs is to make the initial contact as positive as possible and to give both the cat and the dogs time to adjust. In the beginning, your focus must be on keeping your pets safe until you̵7;re sure friendships̵2;or, at least, tolerance̵2;has developed. The goal is to make your dogs accept the cat as part of the pack.

Things You'll Need

  • Crates for each dog
  • Leashes
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a safe room for the cat. This should be a small area̵2;such as a bathroom. The room should include the cat̵7;s litter box, food, water and bed. The food and water bowls should be separated from the litter box as much as possible. The cat should be confined to this safe room until she is acclimated to the home.

    • 2

      Take bedding from the cat̵7;s room̵2;after the cat has been in the home for one day̵2;and place it in the dogs̵7; sleeping area. Remove a piece of the dogs̵7; bedding and place it in the cat̵7;s room.

    • 3

      Place the dogs in their crates̵2;after the cat has been in the home for a couple of days̵2;and allow the cat free roam of the house for about an hour. This will give the cat an opportunity to investigate the dogs without feeling threatened.

    • 4

      Place the dogs on their leaches. Take the dogs for a long walk and tire them out as much as possible.

    • 5

      Place the cat in one of the crates and allow the dogs to investigate. Praise the dogs and give them treats for remaining calm in the presence of the cat.

    • 6

      Place the dogs on their leashes̵2;following a long walk and after they have learned to remain calm when the cat is in the crate. Release the cat and allow the animals to interact while you have the dogs under leash control. Praise the dogs and give them treats for remaining calm in the presence of the cat.

    • 7

      Give your dogs the ̶0;sit command.̶1; Release the cat and dogs under closely supervised interaction once the dogs have learned to remain calm in the cat̵7;s presence while on leash. Ensure the cat has a safe place to which he can retreat if the dogs intimidate him. Praise the dogs and give them treats for remaining calm in the presence of the cat.