Daniel Warren-Cummings explains how to introduce cats and dogs to each other for a harmonious relationship <\/p>
We\u2019re all familiar with the expression \u201cfighting like cat and dog\u201d \u2013\u00a0but\u00a0what\u2019s the truth behind the saying? Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection\u00a0<\/a>behaviourist explains that, far from being\u00a0enemies, cats and dogs can in fact be firm friends\u00a0\u2013 provided they\u2019re introduced properly.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p> Whether you\u2019re\u00a0bringing home\u00a0a new cat to an existing pet dog, or vice versa,\u00a0getting the introductions right will be key to ensuring a harmonious relationship.\u00a0By putting in plenty of thought, planning and attention into this stage, you\u2019ll improve the chances of your pets getting along and reduce bigger problems further down the line.\u00a0Don\u2019t be tempted to\u00a0\u2018let them sort it out by themselves\u2019\u00a0by leaving\u00a0new cat or dog with an existing pet unsupervised \u2013 it\u2019s unlikely to go well\u00a0and\u00a0will make it harder in the long run.\u00a0<\/p> \u201cBe prepared\u00a0for it to take\u00a0time \u2013 successfully introducing cats and dogs does not happen overnight,\u201d explains Daniel. \u201cIt may take weeks or even months before your pets are\u00a0comfortable together. Don\u2019t rush \u2013 taking it slowly\u00a0will mean both your pets are more likely to accept the other.\u201d\u00a0<\/p> One of the most important\u00a0stages is establishing a safe space for your cat to retreat to \u2013 whether they\u2019re an existing cat or a new addition to the home. Daniel says: \u201cThe safe\u00a0area\u00a0should be a sanctuary for your cat, where the dog is not allowed and\u00a0away from the general hustle and bustle of the home.\u00a0In here should be their food and water bowls, litter tray, scratching post and a hiding area \u2013 an upturned cardboard box with an entry hole cut out is ideal.\u201d\u00a0<\/p> If you already have a dog, make sure that you have invested time in training, and that you\u2019re confident they respond well to\u00a0commands.\u00a0Think about their\u00a0behaviours\u00a0carefully \u2013 if you know they\u00a0have a tendency to\u00a0chase smaller animals, you may need to reconsider whether it\u2019s right to get a cat.\u00a0Whether you\u2019re looking for a dog or a cat, consider going along to a rehoming\u00a0centre,\u00a0where you\u2019ll often find\u00a0cats and dogs which previously lived happily with other species.\u00a0<\/p> For the first few days, don\u2019t even think about letting your cat and dog see each other \u2013 instead, get them used to each other\u2019s presence by scent swapping.\u00a0<\/p> Daniel explains:\u00a0\u201cBoth cats and dogs have\u00a0a\u00a0highly developed sense of smell, and you can use this to your advantage. You\u2019ll need two cloths \u2013 one to wipe your cat with and one to wipe on the dog. Then, place the\u00a0dog-scented cloth in the cat\u2019s safe area, and vice versa. Allow each animal to\u00a0approach the cloths in their own time. This\u00a0way, they\u2019ll already be familiar with the other pet when you move to the next stage.\u00a0Keep repeating this several times a day until each animal shows no reaction to the smell.\u201d<\/p> \u201cWhen both animals are\u00a0familiar with each other\u2019s scent, you can move to\u00a0face-to-face meetings. It\u2019s a good idea to take your dog for a long walk\u00a0first,\u00a0and\u00a0keep them on a lead at all times\u00a0so you have as much control as possible,\u201d says Daniel.\u00a0\u201cUse a barrier, like a glass door or a stairgate, to allow the animals to\u00a0see\u00a0each other\u00a0but allow\u00a0your cat to return to their safe area whenever they want.\u00a0Ideally have one member of the household working with the cat\u00a0and\u00a0another\u00a0with the dog. <\/p> “However, if\u00a0this isn\u2019t possible, focus your attention on your dog, rewarding them for calm\u00a0behaviour, as the cat will be happier without the focus being on them. After\u00a0a few\u00a0minutes, return each animal to their dedicated areas of the home. Don\u2019t be tempted to spend too long on these sessions \u2013 it\u2019s better to have short bursts of positive interactions over a long time.\u201d<\/p> By closely watching both animals, you can gradually increase the time they spend together,\u00a0remove the\u00a0barrier\u00a0and increase\u00a0the lead length on your dog as you do. Daniel says: \u201cOnce 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\u00a0absolutely sure\u00a0that they are happy and secure in each other’s company.\u00a0And 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.\u201d<\/p> Daniel said:\u00a0\u201cI love cats and dogs equally, but when it comes to the home environment, it\u2019s important that cats are\u00a0given the most choice. By nature, dogs are social animals that are better adapted to changing environments\u00a0and 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\u00a0them. Cats\u00a0need places they can retreat to\u00a0where they can\u00a0rest and feel safe. Make sure your cat always\u00a0has control over how much time they want to spend with your dog \u2013 they should have places they can escape to\u00a0if they need a break.\u201d<\/p> Want to know what your cat is thinking? Read Daniel’s guide to cat body language<\/a><\/p> For more information about introducing cats and dogs, visit\u00a0cats.org.uk<\/p> 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.<\/strong><\/p>How to introduce cats and dogs to each other<\/h2>