The popular saying goes “fighting like cats and dogs”, but the truth is that most dogs and cats get along swimmingly! If you’re concerned about adding another pet to your family and are wondering how your current four-legged friend will react, it’s usually best not to worry.
Before introducing your pet to another animal, think about what cats and dogs do in the wild: cats run, and dogs tend to chase after them. In order to prevent Fido or Fluffy from running away and starting a chase, the best way to introduce them is to have your dog on a leash to prevent him or her from bolting. Right before bringing a cat into your home, take your dog for a walk or let it run around in your yard so it gets some exercise in before the introduction. That way, you will let your pup work off some excess energy before they meet and greet your new friend.
The worst thing you could do is to keep your animals separated. If they never get the opportunity to meet each other, chances are that they’ll never learn to get along!
The next step is to act as relaxed as possible. If you’re tense and worried, your dog or cat will probably pick up on your nervous feelings and have a difficult time behaving calmly. Remember that most dogs aren’t interested in hurting or biting your cat, they’re just naturally curious and want to get to know their new companion!
It’s also a good idea to teach your dog some obedience tricks in advance, especially “sit” and “stay”. Allow the animals to sniff each other, but keep your dog on a short leash so you can be in complete control if any unexpected situations arise. If the cat repeatedly runs off and hides from the dog, it might be helpful to rein in a human friend that can hold it and keep it calm. Be sure not to hold the cat too far away, otherwise the dog might try to jump and sniff it.
Once your dog and cat have peacefully met, go about your business as usual with dog on a leash by your side. Your pets really pay attention to your physical cues, so if you act normally, you send the message that it’s okay for your two animals to peacefully co-exist. The key is to just act naturally, and your pets will soon become one happy family!
