Mixing cats and dogs in a same home is never the best idea ever. Although both species have proven time and time again that they can peacefully coexist in the home and even be great friends, there is a reason why the common phrase “fight like cats and dogs” exists. If these two species are not used to each other or are not particularly tolerant (we all know about surly cats, but there are many equally surly dogs) fighting is bound to happen, and it will likely be brutal.
That is why it is important to follow the advice of professionals when trying to introduce two of your different species furry companions and to apply all the training tips and tricks that we come across. Many of them will not work, but some of them are effective and you might be surprised at which ones your pets respond to.
The biggest mistake when introducing your cats and dogs and what you can do to make it better
The first thing to remember is that, like with humans, first impressions matter. Just throwing them in a room together and hoping for the best is a terrible idea unless they are both really young, and even then it can backfire spectacularly. Introductions between two animals, especially if they are of different species, need to be done with time, a lot of space and no rushing whatsoever. This is confirmed by certified animal behaviorist Stephanie Gibeault with the American Kennel Club, who strongly recommends caution.
The trick is to not introduce them immediately, and to wait for a bit while they are both in he same house. Sometimes the process can last a few hours, sometimes it can last a few days, but keeping them separated at first is the best course of action. From then on, it is a matter of smells, leaving a towel or blanket or toy with the other pet’s smell so that they can investigate at their leisure is a good way to get them used to the other animal in a very low stakes manner.
That also allows them to see that the smell is not a bad thing, and if the item also smells like you and your home it can be a good way to start mixing scents and creating a “family scent” that they can identify. While allowing them to smell, you can continue the positive association by giving them treats, the more they like them the better.
This part will go better the more both animals are used to being around the other species or the younger they are. An old cat and an old dog that have never been around the other species may never become friends if they are both set in their ways and might just settle into tolerance. They might end up becoming inseparable friends, it is a real lottery.
Conversely a young puppy and a kitten may barely need any adaptation period at all and might be fine just being thrown together within a few minutes, just make sure no one is growling or hissing, and the situation might resolve itself. Breeds play a huge role as well, while most dogs will not automatically hunt a cat, some breeds have hunting instincts that are hard to ignore, so if that is the animal you own be extra careful, as they are fast when motivated.
As a last piece of advice, introducing them through a baby gate or a screen door can also help minimize the chaos, as they will be able to interact without being able to swipe at each other.
And when you are finally ready to have them in the same space, Gibeault recommends ‘cat free, dog controlled.’ This means the cat can wander, and the dog is on a leash. And good behavior from them can be rewarded with a treat, while every attempt to chase gets a firm “leave it” and redirect.