How Do You Introduce a Cat Into a Household With Dogs?

Introducing a cat into a household with dogs can be a hair-raising experience, especially if neither pet has ever encountered the other species. When bringing your new cat home, there are certain steps that you must take to ensure that the process goes smoothly and to prevent injury to the cat, dog or even yourself. Introducing a cat to your dogs takes patience and you must be willing to take the time to acclimate each pet to the other no matter how long the process takes.

Things You'll Need

  • Pet carrier
  • Dog kennel or secure room
  • Leash
  • Collar
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Secure the dogs before bringing the cat into the home. Whether you place the dogs in a separate room or secure them in kennels, make sure the dogs are contained before you attempt to bring the cat into the house.

    • 2

      Use a pet carrier to transport the cat into the home. Your cat will may be overwhelmed and stressed by its move, so keeping the cat in a pet carrier may help it to feel more secure.

    • 3

      Keep the cat separated from the dog for a few days so it may first adapt to its new environment. When first bringing a new pet home, the pet can become easily stressed by an unfamiliar environment. Attempting to introduce your cat to your dogs too early may cause irreversible stress and fear for your cat.

    • 4

      Pet and hold the cat. This will help to place the cat's scent on your skin and clothing. Allow the dogs to smell you, helping them become accustomed to the cat's smell. Follow the same process in reverse, allowing the cat to become accustomed to the scent of the dogs.

    • 5

      Place the cat into the cat carrier, then secure your dog with a leash and collar. Holding the dog firmly, allow the dog to approach the carrier to smell the cat. If the cat becomes overly stressed or the dog becomes aggressive, trying to attack the cat, pull the dog back until he calms. You should repeat this process for a few days until the dog and cat can smell each other through the carrier without signs of aggression or fear.

    • 6

      Remove the cat from the carrier and have a friend or family member hold the cat. Slowly approach the cat with the dog restrained on a leash. If the cat becomes agitated, back away from the cat with the dog. Continue this process until the dog and cat can smell each other comfortably and show no sign of fear or aggression.

    • 7

      Allow the cat and dog to interact with each other without being restrained.