How to Keep Dogs and Cats From Fighting

Introduction

"Fighting like cats and dogs" is an expression for a reason. But as we all know, there are exceptions to every rule. For instance, there are some cats and dogs that co-exist better with each other than with their own species because they feel less territorial. Then there are those canines that will never get along with felines such as some hunting dogs and terriers that have an instinct to chase and attack cats, no matter how you try to train them--and likewise, certain kinds of cats that are more aggressive. It’s just something you’ll have to find out for yourself, but in a safe and proper way. Here are some safe and proper ways to try to get your dog and cat to love one another--or at least not fight like cats and dogs.

By: Melissa Maroff

Length: 0:26

Comments: 2

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Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Tips & Warnings:

If adopting a new cat into a household with a dog, find out if the cat has lived with dogs before and vice versa.
It’s usually safer to introduce a cat to a one-dog household. With two dogs, the pack instinct may take over.
Spend equal time with both pets, so the old pet doesn’t get jealous. This is more likely with a dog.
The best time to socialize dogs and cats together is when they're puppies and kittens.
Never leave your dog and cat alone unsupervised until you’re sure they will get along. Allow several weeks to be safe.
Don't leave your cat and dog unsupervised when they are outside together for the first time. Dogs may tolerate cats indoors, but those with a hunting instinct might decide to chase the cat once they get outdoors.

Step1

Bring a towel or blanket home with the scent of the new pet to get your other pet used to it before bringing the new pet home. You might want to place it under your current pet’s food bowl.

Step2

Keep the cat and dog in separate areas at first so that they can get used to the scent and sounds of each other. When you go from one pet’s area to another’s, let them sniff your hands and clothing.

Step3

Place your dog’s food bowl outside of the cat’s room so that the dog will associate the cat with something positive (Of course, make sure it's good food!)

Step4

Once the new pet is used to his surroundings, let the pets trade areas long enough for the new pet to explore the other pet’s territory.

Step5

Keep your dog on a leash when you first introduce her to the cat. Do not hold the cat in your arms. Frightened cats may scratch. Have one person handle each pet.

Step6

Repeat the process over a few days and gradually let the pets get closer to each other. Praise the dog with a treat for calm behavior. When you feel the time is right for the dog to be unrestrained, leave the leash on just in case you need to pull him back.

Step7

Give the cat her own safe area to escape to when she needs it and keep her food bowl and litter box in a separate area from the dog. It might be a good idea to keep it permanently blocked from the dog by a baby gate or door.

Comments

diggitydogg said

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on 9/4/2007 I sure wish I could be of more help, but here is the web address for Eric Letendre, the eHow Dog Training Expert: http://www.amazingdogtrainingman.com. You can download his book from the website for free and also ask him questions. I bet he'll have more advice on the subject, because it boils down to training. Although it varies by situation, most dogs have that natural predator instinct when it comes to cats and it sounds like your dog might be more territorial with the cats he lives with than the cats at the hospital. It might take a while, but he will likely get used to the cats. That's great that you don't want to give up on him, although it must get exasperating. Please let me know what happens in a couple of weeks.

honeygirl7 said

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on 9/4/2007 What would be the next step if the dog seems to be more aggressive? We were told that the dog we just adopted was "good with cats" because he'd been rehabilitated (leg injury) in a hospital that had free roaming cats. Well ... he wants to hunt our cats. We don't want to return the dog becasue he's already been bounced in and out of several homes. We're committed to re-training him; but we're at an impasse. Can you give any helpful suggestions? Thank you.