Q&A for How to Introduce a Cat to a Dog

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Question

What dog breeds are good with cats?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It really depends on the individual dog, however, dogs with high prey drive are generally not compatible with cats.

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Question

How do you introduce a kitten to a dog?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Slowly and carefully. Put the kitten into a room with all its supplies and close the door. Allow the dog to sniff at the door bottom. Play with the kitten in this room and let it get comfortable with its new home for a few days before bringing the dog (on a leash) into the room to meet the kitten.

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Question

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

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Place the new animal in its own room with a closed door and allow the resident animal to sniff along the door. Let the new animal get acclimated to this room over a number of days before allowing the resident animal into the room for closely supervised introduction.

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Question

How do you get a dog and cat to get along?

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.

Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It will take time if they are currently not getting along. You may need to place them into different rooms and gradually introduce them to each other over the course of a week or longer. If that doesn't work you may want to consult an animal behavior specialist or a veterinarian to assess your particular situation.

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