Have a new addition to your household and are wondering how to introduce a dog to a cat? While this task may seem scary, patience and understanding that both animals are probably curious and a little nervous will help you in the long run. Here’s how to introduce a new pet to your household!
How long does it take for a cat to get used to a dog?
Every dog and cat are different, so every situation is different. Sometimes, cats and dogs may get along easily within a few hours or a day. Often, it can take two to three weeks for both animals to feel completely at ease with each other.
How to Introduce a Dog to a Cat
There are a few different methods you can try whenever introducing a new dog or a new cat to your household. Finding out the method that works best for your individual pets may take time, so it’s important to stay calm and patient and you try and make your pets’ living situation harmonious. Detailed below, these are the two main ways on how to introduce a dog to a cat!
The Cautious Way
If your dog or cat has never really been in the vicinity of another animal, it might help to go the cautious route just in case. This method helps your pets gradually become associated with each other. First, put your cat in an area where your dog can’t readily reach them, such as another room blocked off with a baby gate.
Allow your dog and cat to look at each other through this baby gate, both of them having the opportunity to survey each other from a distance. If your dog quickly grow accustomed to being in your cat’s presence in this way and continues to bark and whatnot, limit the interactions they have with each other. Keep them separated and allow them quick glances until they slowly become accustomed.
It might also help to close the door when they are both eating, and put both of their foods right next to each other on opposite sides of the door. Once they start eating while being around the smells of a different animal than them, you can resume opening the door again. Remember, it might take a bit for your pets to really get to know each other, but this is normal!
The Fast Paced Way
If your pets have some experience dealing with strange pets, then you might consider this more fast paced way. Some dog breeds even naturally love cats! Often, people who are introducing puppies to kittens choose this route, as young pets don’t have built in prejudice against other animals. In this method, introduce the animals to each other immediately in the same room and allow them to get to know each other.
Always remove either animal if it appears one of them is uncomfortable. If you have an older dog, ensuring that they know basic commands — such as “No” — is a great way to deescalate situations when needed. And always give both animals treats when they successfully interact with each other!
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