When Fido met Fluffy: Introducing pets

Believe it or not, meeting a cat is part of every shelter dog’s temperament test before they become available for adoption. One by one, they are all introduced to our office cat, Denzi, who can tell right away whether the dog will be a friend or foe. While it’s true not every dog will be able to coexist peacefully with cats, most of them do just fine. Introducing Fido and Fluffy can be a bit of a challenge, though!

Even a cat that hates dogs can learn to coexist peacefully with a cat-friendly canine, but a dog that doesn’t like cats is a much bigger challenge. If you have cats at home and are looking to add a dog, ask the shelter about doing an introduction with the shelter cats to see how the dog will react. An excited dog can learn to calm down in his new home, but a dog that responds aggressively towards cats is not the right match for a home with felines. You also want to make sure your cat and dog have similar temperaments. A quiet, elderly cat and a rambunctious, young dog that likes to roughhouse are not the best match!

When you bring your new dog home, allow him to play outside to burn some energy, which will make the meet and greet with your cat(s) easier. Once inside, keep him on a leash so you can easily control him if he’s getting too hyper. In addition to meeting face-to-face, you can also try introducing your pets through a baby gate – the two can see and smell each other but will feel safer because of the barrier between them. 

Remember that your dog is not the only one who can cause trouble during an introduction. Trim your cat’s nails before they meet the new dog and keep a close eye on them to make sure they don’t give Fido a good swat across the face. One swipe from Fluffy can send your dog to the vet with a serious injury – especially if they get hit in the eye. Let your cat set the pace for the introduction. Never crate your cat or hold them for an introduction and, if Fluffy runs to hide, don’t let Fido chase after her.

Using treats and praise will reinforce good behavior during their meeting. If your dog knows any commands, try using them to help him calm down if he’s getting too excited about meeting the cat. While some calm cats and dogs may be comfortable with each other right away, others will require several introductions before they are at ease. Remember that a dog’s size and excited movements might be overwhelming for you cat – especially if your cat has never lived with dogs before. Your cat will likely seek out a high, safe place to watch your dog until she is comfortable. If your cat has found a safe spot, make sure to keep your dog away from them. 

With enough time and space, most cats and dogs will get along just fine. If your dog is displaying aggressive behavior towards your cat, though, you will either need to find a better match for your family or seek help from a behaviorist. Keep an eye out for any warning signs from your cat, as well, that might indicate they’re unhappy with a dog being in the house. If your cat stops using the litter box, refuses to eat, or hides all the time, they are probably very upset about their new housemate.

Not every cat and dog will end up best friends, but by arranging for introductions for the two and knowing the warning signs of a bad match, you can help your pets live happily in the same home.

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cat, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org