How to Get Your Dog to Accept a Cat

Dogs and cats speak different body languages. A dog’s instinct is to chase a running cat, while the cat’s goal is to simply flee. It’s the same for a wagging tail. To a dog a tail waving in the wind is a sign of friendship, but for a cat it’s a sign of anger, a message to beware.

It’s no wonder with all this miscommunication happening dogs and cats are often viewed as enemies, but the truth is the two can live together harmoniously. Dogs are packed animals and if introduced properly the dog will accept a cat as part of his pack.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Crate either the dog or cat on the first day. You can also keep the two separated by using a sturdy baby gate. The key is to have a control environment until your dog and cat are used to each other.

2. Allow your cat to sniff out the dog on her own terms. The dog will probably sniff back, and the cat may growl, hiss and spit; but the crate or gate will protect it.

3. Stroke the dog and cat separately but don’t wash your hands so their scent mix. It will help the dog gain that "pack scent."

4. Continue this for several days until you see a gradual warming between the two, and the animals become accustomed to visiting each other at the gate.

5. Remove the gate and put the dog on a leash.

6. Play with your dog quietly at one end of a large room and let the cat play at the other end. It would also help to have a second person in the room.

7. Let the dog and cat approach and sniff each other at their own pace. If both are behaving in a friendly and/or cautious way, let them continue for several minutes before crating either dog or cat, whichever one is the newcomer.

8. After a few hours, repeat Step 7. If a fight develops at times, break it up by using a spray bottle.

9. Repeat step 7 for several days, sometimes weeks, until the newness wears off and the two gain, if not a sense of acceptance, one of mutual respect.

Tips & Warnings

• At times dogs will give into their instinct and give chase, prompting the cat to hide. Correct the dog with a firm, gentle "No." Eventually the cat will learn to take a stand by hissing or showing her claws

[Johnokent]

on 12/8/2007 I have a German shepherd, although not that old she is a diehard cat hater, inherited from a previous owner who was a ardent cat hater herself. She was introduced to my home with an existing resident cat. I have been trying this approach with some success but I think it will take a while to get them both to accept each other. So far I have got them so they can sit looking at each other from about 3 ft but if the dog approaches any closer the cat starts spitting and scratching. Likewise if the cat comes closer the dog will start wanting to have a go. I think the mutual stroking helps as well and if I stand between them stroking first the dog and then the cat they both stiff at each others smells. The dog is certainly not as aggressive now, not sure about the cats attitude though. Still who knows!!