“Their relationship is like cats and dogs” – sayings like these make it clear that furry felines and man’s best friend often don’t get along so easily. However, for pet owners, these two species are not mutually exclusive. With sensitivity, good preparation, and lots of patience, approaching the “dog and cat” project can lead to a harmonious animal patchwork family.

“Like Cats and Dogs” – Where Do the Problems Lie in Living Together?

Cats, evolutionarily speaking, are initially wary when it comes to contact with other species. While they quickly identify smaller animals as potential prey, larger animals like dogs could be seen as predators. Over millennia, felines have remained more original and wilder in their relationship with humans, while dogs have been much more domesticated.

Additionally, dogs and cats have very different body language. Mutual misunderstandings about body language are inevitable.

For example, while tail wagging in dogs is a friendly gesture, in cats, it indicates high tension. Dogs seek – unlike wolves – frequent eye contact, while cats perceive “staring” as a threat. Cats purr in relaxation – many dogs interpret this as odd but hostile growling.

“Translation errors” like these make meetings between dogs and cats usually difficult: the cheerful dog interprets the “tail-wagging” cat as an invitation to play and looks forward to a fun scuffle. The cat wants to get away.

In addition, many dogs have a hunting instinct that you should not underestimate. Dogs with a strong hunting instinct may see the cat as potential prey and attack. If the cat runs away, this further stimulates the dog’s hunting enthusiasm. Has your dog already shown interest in cats or chased them outdoors? Then find out why “dogs chase cats” and what you can do to gain more control over your dog’s hunting behavior.

Can Cats and Dogs Get Used to Each Other?

In fact, friendships – or at least mutual acceptance – between dogs and cats are not uncommon. Especially when dogs and cats come into contact with each other as young animals, they have the opportunity to learn the “foreign language” of the other at a young age. Also, the companionship of an adult dog with a kitten or an adult cat with a puppy is usually unproblematic since the young animal does not pose a threat and can slowly grow into its role in the household.

So, if you want to acclimate a fearful cat to a dog or, for example, already own an older house cat, acclimating them with a puppy may be somewhat easier than introducing them to an adult dog. A puppy also enjoys “puppy protection” from the cat.

On the other hand, puppies are often boisterous and wild, and they are not yet trained to be recalled. This can be problematic. An older, calmer dog who already knows cats may then be the better choice. However, this can only be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

What Conditions Are Necessary for a Good Introduction of Dogs and Cats?

It is important to learn as much as possible about both animals before introducing them. Ideally, both animals have grown up with you. However, for those willing to give animals from shelters a second chance in life and a new home, it is a bit more difficult to assess how a dog will react to cats or how a cat will react to dogs.

Often, shelters help with this assessment or even try it out on-site. If cats have had unpleasant experiences with dogs, they tend to run away, which, in turn, can trigger the dog’s hunting instinct.

Passionate cat hunters among dogs will not take the time to get to know a new roommate. They view the newcomer as prey from the beginning. In contrast, many dogs with a strong hunting instinct can learn who belongs to the pack. Not a few cat hunters who chase all cats outdoors cuddle with the family cat in front of the stove at home.

What to Consider When Introducing Cats and Dogs?

When planning to introduce a dog and a cat, it depends on which pet already resides in the household. If the cat owns the territory in the living room, it will perceive the new housemate as an intruder initially. Dogs, as pack animals, are generally more open to new roommates.

Before the arrival of each other, accustom the animals to each other’s scent and vocalizations: Play recordings of dog barking for the cat – initially very quietly – and take scent samples from each other’s fur with a cloth. This allows the animals to become aware of each other before their initial encounter.

Acclimating Cats and Dogs – Preparation

Before embarking on the acclimation process, sit down calmly as a family and make a plan. It is crucial that everyone knows their responsibilities in the first few days. It is essential to avoid unintended and, above all, unsupervised encounters between the dog and the cat.

Ideally, both animals should be housed in separate rooms from the beginning. The dog should not have access to the litter box or cat food from the start. This is not only a matter of hygiene – many dogs love cat feces and see it as a snack – but also reduces mutual aggression over resources.

Additionally, cats need peace and quiet in the litter box. If they feel pressured or insecure there, they will find another place to relieve themselves. They may become unclean. This is generally a risk when a dog moves into a household with a cat. The unrest and stress often manifest in the cat’s lack of cleanliness.

Once everything is prepared and thought out, all that remains is to decide when to start!

Introducing Dogs and Cats: When Is the Best Time?

The introduction of dogs and cats is difficult to plan in terms of timing and how long it will take for the animals to get along. During the acclimation phase, the animals need lots of rest and minimal distraction. Children’s birthdays, family gatherings, or weekend visits from friends are not the right time to tackle the acclimation process.

It is better to plan for a few quiet days. It is best if you work from home or take time off. If possible, conduct the introduction with two people. One can focus more on the dog, and the other can pay more attention to the cat.

Getting the Cat Used to the Dog – How Does the Introduction Work?

The first contact should take place in a neutral room. This means that there should be no food bowl, sleeping basket, or litter box present. However, it is important that the room offers retreat options for the cat. She may want to hide. The best places are under or behind the couch, on the shelf, or at the top of the scratching post. Make sure there is nothing around that could fall and secure furniture from tipping over. Even otherwise cautious, peaceful cats can become wild under stress and – if necessary – climb the curtains. However, the cat will feel more comfortable during the encounter if she has the opportunity to hide from the dog.

Both animals should also have eaten well shortly before the meeting – a full stomach prevents too much tension. A walk and a play session with the cat also help to relieve additional tension.

Initially, keep the cat as a newcomer in the carrier, and keep the dog on a leash during the introduction. However, if the dog is the newcomer to the household, close the door and ensure that the cat can observe the dog from a safe distance. If you already have both animals in the household and are introducing them in a neutral room, give the cat the lead.

The Human as Mediator – Introducing Cats and Dogs

Ideally, the animals should be able to approach each other voluntarily: This allows the cat to flee if the encounter goes unfavorably and the animals start chasing each other. Avoid trying to introduce the cat to the dog; instead, give her the freedom to approach the canine on her own terms. Wait to see if both animals voluntarily sniff each other. Try to remain as calm and neutral as possible during this process: Animals can sense your nervousness and will react accordingly. If both human and animal end up excited, it can hinder the introduction process.

If your dog starts barking excitedly or tries to chase the cat, hold him firmly on the leash and position yourself between the dog and the cat. Ignore the dog when he barks; praise him when he stops and remains calm. Do not make the mistake of trying to calm him down with words – it would only reinforce his behavior.

If possible, radiate calm and confidence. Pet the cat when she approaches you, and stroke your dog when he remains calm.

Feel free to lavish praise on the animals with words and physical contact when they behave correctly, but refrain from using treats as a reward in this situation to avoid food aggression. Also, don’t be too disappointed if the cat greets the dog with a swipe of her claws to the nose or if the dog chases the cat up onto the cabinet – the animals need time to establish their positions in the household. Peaceful tolerance is a significant achievement. The initial encounters should only last a few minutes each and should always be supervised. Gradually increase the duration of the meetings each day until the dog and cat react calmly to each other.

How long does it take to introduce a dog and a cat?

The duration of this phase of daily meetings depends on many factors. Young animals and well-socialized animals, possibly those who have lived together with the other species before, often adapt very quickly to new roommates.

You should expect it to take a few days or weeks. Depending on the progress, it is often possible to leave the doors open after about two to three weeks while you are at home, allowing you to respond immediately to any unexpected aggression.

It is crucial to reliably separate the animals at the beginning whenever you leave the house or apartment. You should maintain this precaution for several months. Later on, it is beneficial and usually sufficient for the cat to always have an elevated, secure retreat area. This increases the chance of a genuine animal friendship between the dog and the cat!

Keeping Cats and Dogs Together – How to Make the Patchwork Family Work!

With the right preparation and a thoughtful introduction, the chances of successful socialization are excellent.

Here are a few basic rules regarding the topic of “mixed pack with dog and cat”:

Previous experiences: Positive experiences are advantageous when introducing cats and dogs. Puppies and kittens from households where they have been socialized with dogs or cats typically have no tolerance issues. It is usually known whether shelter animals have had experiences with the other species.

Character: Ideally, cats and dogs should have similar temperaments. An energetic dog may not understand why the calm house cat doesn’t want to play with him. However, dogs and cats who both enjoy lounging around can peacefully coexist on the sofa.

Private Spaces: When it comes to food, the friendship between animals often ends. Make sure that dogs and cats don’t get jealous over food. Feed them both at the same time and preferably in separate rooms. Position the cat’s food bowl where the dog cannot reach it, such as elevated or in a hard-to-access corner of a room. The litter box should also be off-limits to the dog. Both animals should have designated resting areas that are off-limits to the other pet. For cats, cozy hideaways on shelves, where they can observe from an elevated position, are suitable.

Breed: While most cat breeds have relatively similar hunting instincts, selective breeding has emphasized certain characteristics in dogs depending on the breed. Some dog breeds have a particularly strong prey drive, making compatibility with cats more challenging. Other dog breeds are known for their good-naturedness and may tolerate a lot from the cat. However, differences in size between dogs and cats are generally less relevant.

In most cases, the success of bringing them together depends on planning, execution, and your patience. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with cat body language beforehand so you can correctly interpret their behavior under stress.

Can you acclimate an adult cat to a dog?

Yes, it is possible. Adult cats often come from shelters. Ask the shelter for an assessment of how the cat reacts to dogs. Most shelters have dogs that are well-suited and not aggressive towards cats and are suitable for trial introductions. Cats that neither immediately unsheathe their claws nor immediately disappear onto the top of the cabinet at the sight of a dog have good prospects for being introduced into a household with a dog, even as an adult.

How can I acclimate a fearful cat to dogs?

Fearful cats primarily need time. “Everything can, nothing must” is a good motto when acclimating a fearful cat to a dog. It is best to provide the cat with as many retreat spaces as possible. For example, how about making the bedrooms dog-free zones? Particularly fearful cats benefit greatly from the security of a separated area that the dog cannot access.

However, a young, boisterous dog is still a challenge for fearful, older, and calm cats, even if he doesn’t try to chase or play with the cat. These felines usually get along best with an older, calmer canine friend who also seeks a similarly peaceful time as the cat.

Introducing Cats and Dogs – What if it doesn’t work out?

If you have spent a lot of patience and time, tried various things, and maybe even rearranged the apartment – but the dog and cat still aren’t getting along? Your cat retreats only into hiding places, or your dog slinks around the apartment?

Please seek help from a qualified dog trainer or a veterinarian specializing in behavioral medicine. The latter can also “read” cat behavior. For example, there is the possibility of working with natural pheromones to make the house or apartment as comfortable as possible.

If rearranging the rooms or special behavioral rules and daily rhythms do not help, you may need to consider whether one of the animals needs to move out. The option should not be for one or both animals to be stressed permanently!