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How to Keep Dogs and Cats From Fighting

"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.

Difficulty:
Moderately Challenging

Instructions

    • 1

      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.

    • 2

      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.

    • 3

      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!)

    • 4

      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.

    • 5

      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.

    • 6

      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.

    • 7

      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

  • blueskunk12 Apr 27, 2010
    I need to know how to keep my cat from attacking the neighbor's dog.
  • honeygirl7 Sep 04, 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.
  • honeygirl7 Sep 04, 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.
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