How to introduce a new cat to your dog

Cats and dogs are often shown as enemies, but many live together happily when they are introduced properly. The key is to go slowly so both pets feel safe. These tips work whether you're bringing a new cat home to your dog, or a new dog home to your cat.

Preparation is key

Before your new pet arrives, set up a safe area your cat can reach but your dog can't.

• If you're bringing home a new cat, let them live in a spare room or a separate room for a while. They need time to adjust to their new surroundings before meeting your dog.
• If you're bringing home a new dog, provide an area where your existing cat feels safe, and move their food, water, litter tray and bed somewhere they can easily reach and the dog can't.

Stair gates are very useful. They let both pets see and smell each other without getting close enough for a scuffle, and they create dog-free areas in your home.

Most cats like to rest and hide in high places, so make sure your home has shelves, cat trees or other high spots your cat can climb to if they feel worried.

Some owners use a pet pheromone diffuser, set up a few days before the new pet arrives. It may help some pets feel calmer, but it's no substitute for a slow, careful introduction.

The first few days

When your new pet comes home, keep the cat and dog separate at all times. If it's a new cat, try to avoid the temptation of letting them explore the whole house straight away.

Use this time for scent swapping. Scent is a powerful way for both animals to get to know each other before they meet:

• Stroke one pet, then let the other sniff your hand. Repeat the other way round.
• Gently stroke each pet with a soft cloth and leave it near the other's bed, or rub it around your home to mix their scents.
• Swap their bedding so each can get used to the other's smell.

Using a dog crate

If your dog is already crate trained, their crate can be useful during the introduction period when you can't directly supervise them with your new cat. If your dog has never used a crate, it's worthwhile training them to use one before the cat arrives, so the crate is a calm, familiar place rather than something new and stressful.

The first meeting

Once both pets seem relaxed with each other's scent, you can let them see each other.

1. Keep your dog under control. Have your dog on a lead, or keep them behind a stair gate, for the first meetings.
2. Make sure your cat can always retreat. Your cat should be free to move away, climb high or leave the room whenever they want.
3. Keep it short and calm. A few minutes is plenty at first. End the session before either pet becomes stressed.
4. Reward calm behaviour. Praise your dog and give treats when they look at the cat calmly or look away. Reward your cat for staying relaxed, too.
5. Repeat little and often. Gradually build up the time they spend together as both stay relaxed.

If your dog lunges, barks or fixates on the cat, calmly move them further away and go back a step. If you're struggling, ask a qualified behaviourist for help.

Moving on

As meetings go well, you can let your dog off the lead in the same room while you supervise. Keep your cat's safe areas and high places available for good. Never leave them alone together until both are relaxed around each other, and use stair gates or separate rooms when you're out.