Does Kitty Get Along with Dogs? Well.....

By far the most frequently asked question when a potential adopter is considering adopting a cat is, ‘Does kitty get along with dogs’?  I wish there was an absolute answer, but there is not.  A dog and cat can co-exist most definitely, however it can take some time and patience.  A lot depends on how the pet parent introduces the cat and dog. 

When a potential adopter asks me if the cat gets along with dogs, the first thing I ask them is what kind of dog do they have and what the temperament of the dog is.  I’m not stereotyping dogs, however some canines have a higher prey drive than others and this will play a part as to whether feline and canine get along.  Once the adopter answers those two questions, I discuss with them ways to introduce the two successfully. 

In my years of residing with cats and dogs, I have introduced many to each other.  Some are permanent residents and others are foster babies, living with my family for a short time until they find their forever homes.  Whatever the situation, my introductions are conducted the same way.  Consistency for the dog(s) is half the battle! 

The best way to introduce kitty to dog is to conduct the introductions when it is quiet and everyone is calm.  Both animals feed off of their environment, so if it’s loud and rowdy you can bet that the dog will be hyper and the cat will be scared to death and probably growling or hissing.  Once we have a quiet place, I sit with the cat in my lap on a towel and talk to them softly, while petting him or her.  You will feel and see the cat relax and once this happens, I allow the dog to come up and sniff the cat.  If you have multiple dogs, please conduct introductions one at a time.  Multiple dog noses in a cat’s face can cause chaos and you possibly losing limbs.  Not really, but you get the picture.  I allow these introductions to go on for as long as the cat is relaxed and the demeanor of both is not defensive.  I watch for signs of aggressiveness.  Once there is spitting, swatting, and/or growling the introductions are over.  Let me back up and say that until introductions are successfully completed and I am 100% sure that both dog and cat can get along, I keep them separated.  The cat gets its own room while the dog has the run of the house.  You don’t want to change the routine of the dog and possibly give them the feeling that they are being replaced by the cat.  Dogs are pack animals and you have to remember you are part of their pack.  If they feel that pack is threatened, they will become defensive.

Each time I introduce the two, the time of the introduction is longer eventually reaching the point where the cat can move around the house without stimulating the dog.  The last thing I want is a high-speed chase in my house.  When the pet parent is away from the house, it is essential to keep the newly adopted feline and established canine away from one another.  I’m sure you don’t want to come home to a hurt (or worse) kitty. 

Understanding your dog’s demeanor and the willingness to work with cat and dog will ensure that the experience is pleasant and successful.  You may be surprised to one day find the two cuddled up together, sharing space!