Instructions
Give each animal an object that has the smell of the other on it before introducing them, according to Cat Channel. This will allow each to become accustomed to the fact of the other before they meet face to face.
Use extreme caution when you introduce the animals to avoid injury or worse. Be sure to have help: someone to hold the cat tightly, and someone to restrain the dog with a leash. For a few minutes each day, allow them to look at one another from the distance at which they are not reacting to each other. Reward the dog for acting non-aggressively, and separate them immediately if the dog acts aggressively or if the cat acts extremely frightened. Repeat this process, increasing the number of minutes of exposure each day while decreasing the distance between them.
Let go of the leash once you notice the dog is relaxed and non-aggressive around the cat after one full hour, according to Metro Animal. Be ready to step on the leash if the dog starts to chase the cat, but avoid punishing the dog because you do not want him to develop a negative association toward the cat.
Allow the cat the opportunity to take care of itself once the animals are fully socialized. If the dog is playing too rough, the cat will let him know.
How to Socialize American Bulldogs With Cats
If you raise an American bulldog from a puppy with cats, he easily can be socialized with the felines. However, introducing an adult bulldog to cats can be challenging, especially if the dog has never encountered cats. Be extremely careful in this case because if the dog attacks the cat, it may end in the cat's demise.