How to Introduce an Adopted Dog to Cats

Introducing a cat to a dog can be tricky, but with a little work it is possible for the two animals to coexist without any trouble. But without the proper training or introduction, it is possible for a cat to hurt a dog or a dog to seriously injure a cat or even kill it. It may take work and time for them to get along, but once they do, it will not be a problem leaving the two in the same room.

Instructions

    • 1

      Let your dog and cat smell each other to get familiar. You can also put them on different sides of a door so they can smell each other to get used to each others' smell before they're in the same room together.

    • 2

      Complete basic training with your dog before introducing it to the cat. It will make the introduction much easier.

    • 3

      Place your dog on a leash in a "sit" or "down" position. Have someone enter the room with the cat and sit down on the other side of the room. Repeat this step until both pets are able to tolerate each other without being aggressive or showing any sign of fear.

    • 4

      Move the two closer together, keeping the dog on the leash.

    • 5

      Prevent the dog from trying to bark or chase the cat.

    • 6

      Keep the dog and cat separated from each other when they are not being supervised.

    • 7

      Feed both in different areas to ensure they are each getting food designed for them and there are no issues.