We’re all familiar with the expression “fighting like cat and dog” – but what’s the truth behind the saying? Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection behaviourist explains that, far from being enemies, cats and dogs can in fact be firm friends – provided they’re introduced properly.
How to introduce cats and dogs to each other
Whether you’re bringing home a new cat to an existing pet dog, or vice versa, getting the introductions right will be key to ensuring a harmonious relationship. By putting in plenty of thought, planning and attention into this stage, you’ll improve the chances of your pets getting along and reduce bigger problems further down the line. Don’t be tempted to ‘let them sort it out by themselves’ by leaving new cat or dog with an existing pet unsupervised – it’s unlikely to go well and will make it harder in the long run.
“Be prepared for it to take time – successfully introducing cats and dogs does not happen overnight,” explains Daniel. “It may take weeks or even months before your pets are comfortable together. Don’t rush – taking it slowly will mean both your pets are more likely to accept the other.”
One of the most important stages is establishing a safe space for your cat to retreat to – whether they’re an existing cat or a new addition to the home. Daniel says: “The safe area should be a sanctuary for your cat, where the dog is not allowed and away from the general hustle and bustle of the home. In here should be their food and water bowls, litter tray, scratching post and a hiding area – an upturned cardboard box with an entry hole cut out is ideal.”
If you already have a dog, make sure that you have invested time in training, and that you’re confident they respond well to commands. Think about their behaviours carefully – if you know they have a tendency to chase smaller animals, you may need to reconsider whether it’s right to get a cat. Whether you’re looking for a dog or a cat, consider going along to a rehoming centre, where you’ll often find cats and dogs which previously lived happily with other species.
For the first few days, don’t even think about letting your cat and dog see each other – instead, get them used to each other’s presence by scent swapping.
Daniel explains: “Both cats and dogs have a highly developed sense of smell, and you can use this to your advantage. You’ll need two cloths – one to wipe your cat with and one to wipe on the dog. Then, place the dog-scented cloth in the cat’s safe area, and vice versa. Allow each animal to approach the cloths in their own time. This way, they’ll already be familiar with the other pet when you move to the next stage. Keep repeating this several times a day until each animal shows no reaction to the smell.”
“When both animals are familiar with each other’s scent, you can move to face-to-face meetings. It’s a good idea to take your dog for a long walk first, and keep them on a lead at all times so you have as much control as possible,” says Daniel. “Use a barrier, like a glass door or a stairgate, to allow the animals to see each other but allow your cat to return to their safe area whenever they want. Ideally have one member of the household working with the cat and another with the dog.
"However, if this isn’t possible, focus your attention on your dog, rewarding them for calm behaviour, as the cat will be happier without the focus being on them. After a few minutes, return each animal to their dedicated areas of the home. Don’t be tempted to spend too long on these sessions – it’s better to have short bursts of positive interactions over a long time.”
By closely watching both animals, you can gradually increase the time they spend together, remove the barrier and increase the lead length on your dog as you do. Daniel says: “Once your cat and dog are unconcerned by each other's presence, you can take your dog off the lead, but make sure your cat can still escape to a high ledge or furniture. Never leave the dog and cat unattended until you are absolutely sure that they are happy and secure in each other's company. And remember that cat food and litter trays can be appealing for dogs, so make sure they are out of reach to allow your cat to eat and toilet in peace.”
Daniel said: “I love cats and dogs equally, but when it comes to the home environment, it’s important that cats are given the most choice. By nature, dogs are social animals that are better adapted to changing environments and new experiences. Cats are more easily stressed and will feel more vulnerable when meeting another animal, even if the dog is being perfectly relaxed around them. Cats need places they can retreat to where they can rest and feel safe. Make sure your cat always has control over how much time they want to spend with your dog – they should have places they can escape to if they need a break.”
Want to know what your cat is thinking? Read Daniel's guide to cat body language
For more information about introducing cats and dogs, visit cats.org.uk
Cats Protection Behaviour Officer Daniel Warren Cummings has a degree in Zoology with Animal Behaviour from the University of Wales and has spent over 10 years working in the animal rescue and rehoming sector.
Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity - to find more tips from the charity about humane ways of keeping cats out of your garden, visit cats.org.uk