Training: Introducing dog to cat

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Despite the cliché about fighting like cats and dogs, it's perfectly possible for the two species to live happily under one roof. However, it's also perfectly possible for a cat to injure a dog, and for a dog to seriously hurt or even kill a cat. To keep your home a peaceable kingdom, you'll want to arm yourself with some know-how before you add a new four-legged resident.

Picking your new pet

Your best shot at pet togetherness is to get your cat and dog when they're both young. Kittens and puppies who grow up together are much more likely to get along, and they can even become close buddies.

That said, if you've got an adult pet, it's possible to find a dog or cat who will coexist with him. But before you dive in to the search and fall in love with a dog or cat that will turn your home into a battle zone, here are some pointers to keep in mind:

If you've already got an adult cat, it's better to get an adult dog than a puppy. That puppy exuberance that we find so charming is annoying and stressful to cats. Look for a grown-up dog with a track record of living peacefully with felines. Definitely avoid any dog with a high prey drive (the tendency to chase and sometimes kill smaller animals).
If you've already got a dog, look for a kitten or a laid-back adult cat who's lived with canines before; they're less likely to run from your dog. Fleeing cats will trigger most dogs to chase.

Keep in mind that some dogs just aren't suited to living with cats. If your dog fixates on and stalks cats, squirrels, or smaller dogs, he's got a high prey drive. It's difficult if not impossible to train such a dog to ignore his instincts.

If you've already got several dogs, think twice about getting a cat. Dogs are more likely to chase, harass, or harm a cat if they're in a pack.

If you're adopting, tell [Continued]

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Even if your dog is best buddies with your cat, that doesn't necessarily mean you can trust him around the neighbors' kitties. Some dogs will respect the family feline but chase any other cat that crosses their path.

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Comments

“I got my 2 cats 1st and then my dog. They don't love eachother but they get on well. It proves that cats and dogs can live in harmony.” — emmalouiselee, Jul 09 2008

“Cats and Dogs certainly get along. mine play all day, wrestle and cuddle. The key is to introduce them when they are both young and then they grow up together. ” — dumbbrit, Apr 19 2008

“My Cat and Dog are best friends, they roll around, wrestle and play all day long. I think the key is to introduce both pets to each other when they are both young. This way they grow up together. ” — dumbbrit, Apr 19 2008

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