Pet Adoption 101: Cat-to-Dog Introductions

Adopting a new cat or dog when you already have one at home can be a bit tricky. It’s not just about finding a pet that suits your personality; you also need to think about how they’ll get along with your current pet. A proper introduction is key to helping your new cat or dog start off on the right paw with your existing pet. It may take some time, but with the right approach, they can learn to get along and even become friends. In today’s blog, we’ll offer practical tips to ensure a smooth introduction between your pets and answer common questions like, “Will my cat and dog ever get along?” and “Do cats and dogs understand each other?” Let’s dive in!

Pet Adoption 101: Can I Adopt a Dog If I Already Have a Cat? 

Of course, as long as you do your homework first. Not all dogs and cats will get along, as their compatibility depends on their individual personalities and temperaments. Although movies often show them as natural enemies, that’s not usually the case in real life. Cats and dogs can actually get along quite well, especially if they are introduced to each other at a young age. Generally, cats introduced to dogs before they’re six months old and dogs introduced to cats before they’re a year old are more likely to develop a friendly relationship. If you already have a cat and are thinking about adopting a dog, choose carefully. Keep the following factors in mind as you look at dogs available for adoption.

Bringing a Dog into a Cat Household: The Importance of Breed 

The Humane Society of Greater Niagara has several dogs available for adoption, each with a different level of prey drive. This means that some dogs may have a stronger instinct to chase small animals like cats. These instincts are natural and can’t be trained away. Different breeds have varying levels of prey drive. Some breeds like Greyhounds, Siberian Huskies and Australian Shepherds are more likely to have strong prey drives, so it’s important to do your research and talk to our volunteers. They can provide information on each dog’s behaviour, including how they interact with other animals, helping you find the best fit for your home.

Don’t Forget to Factor in Age and Size 

Younger dogs available for adoption are usually more adaptable and less likely to have a strong prey drive. They might be curious about your cat, but they’re less likely to chase them. Puppies, in particular, are often easier to introduce to cats than older dogs who may have spent years chasing animals like rabbits and squirrels. Size also plays a role. Smaller dogs are generally a safer choice for homes with cats. However, even lap dogs can have a prey drive, and if they do start chasing your cat, they could still cause harm. Always read the bios of any pet you are considering for adoption for key pet information. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have about whether a particular animal would be a good fit for your home. 

The Start of Your Cat and Dog’s Relationship: Making the Introduction 

Step 1: Have a Plan in Place 

Before bringing your new cat or dog home, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure the safety and comfort of your current pet, whether it’s a dog or a cat. Your existing pet may feel threatened or anxious come the arrival of your new dog or cat, depending on their personality, so it’s essential to be prepared for how they might react. 

Step 2: Keep Them Separated 

Your new pet is likely excited and eager to explore their new home, which is understandable! However, it’s important not to let them roam freely and invade your other pet’s space right away. A good approach is to keep them separated. Place your cat in a secure part of the house where your dog can’t access. Then, allow your dog to explore the rest of the house, so they can smell the cat without actually seeing them. Once your dog seems settled, take them for a walk and let your cat come out and explore. This way, your feline can also become familiar with the dog’s scent without direct interaction. You can also swap some of their bedding or blankets, placing one of the dog’s items in the cat’s area and vice versa, to help them get used to each other’s scent. Don’t forget that your cat may take longer than your dog. Be sure to give them plenty of time to feel comfortable. Patience is key! 

Step 3: Introduce Them Slowly 

When both pets are used to each other’s scents, you can let them meet face-to-face, but keep your dog on a leash to prevent any chasing. It’s best to have two people for this introduction – one to handle the dog and one to watch the cat’s behaviour. Remember, your cat might run to a safe space during this initial meeting, and that’s okay! Let them retreat if they want and try again later. If your dog tries to chase the cat, redirect their attention with treats or calmly remove them from the room. Reward them for staying calm and wait until your dog is relaxed before trying again. When both pets are relaxed, allow your dog to walk by the cat and sniff them. Avoid nose-to-nose contact at first, as this can be intimidating for the cat. Reward your dog for calm behaviour around the cat using a soothing voice to encourage gentle interactions. Be consistent and firm so both pets understand that you’re in control. Continue these short, positive sessions until your dog is calm and ignores your cat, and your cat is relaxed, eating and using the litter box as usual. If either pet shows fear or aggression, stay at this stage longer until they’re both comfortable. When you’re not home, keep the dog and cat in separate areas to prevent unsupervised interactions.

Warning Signs to Watch for When Introducing Pets 

• If your dog fixates on the cat or the door, ignores you, or suddenly lunges when the cat moves, this could be a sign that the match isn’t safe. If you’re trying to find a dog for your current cat, consider looking for another dog. If this describes your dog, you might want to rethink adopting a cat.
• If your dog lunges, growls, snaps or shows any signs of aggression towards a calm and still cat, this likely means the match isn’t going to work. The same goes for if the cat attacks a calm and still dog. 
• If your cat stops eating, drinking, using the litter box, interacting with family, or hiding, they’re not happy. You might need to find a different match for your cat.  

Pro-Tip: Avoid Punishment During Introductions 

Even if the introduction doesn’t go as planned, avoid punishing either of your pets. Punishment can make your cat or dog feel like the other animal is more welcome in the home. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement. Reward and praise them when they show signs of getting along. Show them that their good behaviour makes you happy, and they’ll be more likely to keep it up. This way, you’ll encourage positive interactions and help them build a better relationship.

Step 4: Allow Unsupervised Interactions

Once your cat and dog have been getting along well during supervised introductions and seem more comfortable with each other, you can start allowing unsupervised interactions. This usually happens about a month after the initial introductions, but you can make the switch sooner if you’re confident they’re safe together. If your dog is still trying to chase the cat or is overly excited, they’re not ready to be left alone yet. However, if they can sniff each other without hissing, scratching, or chasing, you can let your dog off the leash and see how they interact on their own.

‘Will My Cat and Dog Ever Get Along?’ What Research Shows 

Now that the initial introduction is behind you, you might be wondering if your cat and dog will ever get along. It’s a great question! While we can’t guarantee a perfect outcome, research suggests that with patience and time, cats and dogs can build a positive relationship. Several studies have looked into how cats and dogs interact and whether they can get along. One study by N. Feuerstein and Joseph Turkel focused on cats and dogs living together. They surveyed pet owners with both cats and dogs and observed the animals’ interactions in their homes. They categorized behaviours on a six-point scale, from friendly to indifferent to aggressive. The study found that about 66 percent of the time, cats and dogs showed friendly behaviour toward each other. In roughly 25 percent of cases, they were indifferent. Aggressive behaviour was seen in less than 10 percent of cases. The researchers also found that the order in which pets were adopted made a difference. Dogs were more likely to be friendly towards cats if the cat was adopted first.

How Cats and Dogs Communicate With Each Other 

While your dog and cat might not have lengthy conversations about the latest pet store drama, they do communicate with each other in their own ways. They use a mix of vocal sounds and body language to interact. This includes tail movements, posture, ear positions and facial expressions. They also use sounds like barking and meowing to signal their presence, warn of potential threats and express their emotions or needs. Scent also plays a crucial role in communication for both cats and dogs. Cats use their sense of smell to mark their territory, identify familiar individuals and find mates. They might spray urine or scratch surfaces to mark their space, or simply rub their head against you to leave pheromones that indicate friendship. Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell to gather information about others. They can learn a lot from a sniff, such as the sex of an animal or person and even some health details. With their impressive scent memory, dogs can remember and recognize people and other animals based on their unique scent. 

Do Cats and Dogs Understand Each Other? From Tail-Wags to Nose Greetings 

So, can dogs and cats really understand each other? Studies say yes! Research shows that both cats and dogs are smart enough to pick up on each other’s signals. They can even interpret non-verbal cues that look similar to their own species’ behaviours but mean something entirely different. For example, while a wagging tail usually gestures friendliness in dogs, it can indicate nervousness or aggression in cats. Despite these differences, cats and dogs can still co-exist by interpreting each other’s body language. In fact, dogs can even learn cat-friendly greetings, like nose-to-nose sniffing, which is how cats often greet each other. The success of your cat and dog’s relationship will depend on when they meet and how old they are at the time. As mentioned earlier in the blog, studies show that introducing a cat to the home before a dog, especially when both are under a year old, usually leads to better results. But even if your situation is different, with patience and time, cats and dogs can learn to communicate and get along.

Find the Perfect Cat or Dog to Join Your Pet Family With HSGN 

The Humane Society of Greater Niagara has many pets in need of a loving home. If you’re thinking about adding a dog or cat to your current pet family, take a look at the dogs and cats currently available for adoption at HSGN. To find the best fit for your home, be sure to read each pet’s bio carefully, as it provides important details for potential pet owners. If you have any questions about our process, adoption fees, or specific dogs or cats available for adoption, don’t hesitate to reach out. Stay tuned for more blog posts on pet adoption tips!