Q&A for How to Introduce Dogs to Cats

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What is the best way to introduce a cat and a dog?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Take things slowly and make sure each animal is under control. Make sure each has a safe place to withdraw to. It's best to keep a dog on the leash when making the first introductions and don't allow them to chase the cat.

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Question

How do you train a dog to like a cat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It may not be possible to train a dog to 'like' and befriend a cat, but you can train them to ignore the feline. This is done by first obedience training the dog and teaching a rock solid "Sit", "Stay", and "Look." You use these commands whenever the dog sees the cat, to keep things under control. Then praise the dog when they ignore the cat.

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Question

How do I introduce a puppy to my cats?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A puppy just wants to play, which will mean chasing the cats, which the latter will hate. Keep the puppy corralled in a separate space so the cats aren't upset by the newbie's appearance. When the cats are around, put the puppy on a leash and distract them from the cats. Then praise the puppy when they ignore the cats.

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Question

Can a dog get pregnant with a cat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

No, a dog can't get pregnant with a cat or the other way round. They are separate species which makes any cross breeding infertile.

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Question

If one of my cats is quite territorial, should I still follow the instructions?

Community Answer

Yes, but make sure to have an area for your cat that the dog is not allowed to go. If the cat is territorial, he won't be happy having to share everything with everyone else, but as long as he has at least one place in the house that's just for him, he should be fine.

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Question

Do I still need to follow these steps if my dog has been around other cats?

Community Answer

It is not completely necessary, but it is definitely a good idea. Your dog might be used to a cat, but you need to repeat the process with every new cat because each one will be new to your dog. The dog may not like certain cats, so it's good to remain cautious.

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Question

How do I train my cat to use a leash?

Community Answer

Use a harness, not a collar, and a strong, sturdy leash. Start in a place where your cat feels safe, such as your home. Never tug on the leash or get upset if your cat doesn't feel comfortable. Just try again some other time. If your cat does well on the leash, reward him/her with a treat.

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