How to introduce cats to dogs

You must take care when you introduce a new cat to a dog or when introducing a dog to another dog.  The best thing to do is to let the dog and the cat meet in a controlled environment.  Introduce the two animals by putting the cat in a carrier and bringing the dog into the room on a lead.  The carrier not only prevents the two animals from hurting eat other, but also removes any exit routes for the cat.  Allow the cat to hiss at the dog but don’t let your dog bark at the cat by shooting him with a water pistol if he barks.  Separate the two animals and try again after they have settled down.  Repeat the process couple times a day for one week.

By the second week, you can let the cat out of the carrier but keep the dog on a lead and make sure there is an escape route (say a book shelf) for the cat.  Never let your dog chase after the cat if the cat runs away. 

The whole process of introducing a cat to a dog may take up to a month.  During this time, keep the dog and cat separated if you are not at home.  Separately, you should always keep the cat’s food bowl and litter box out of the dog’s reach. 

Be sure that the original pet gets plenty of attention after the arrival of the new pet.  Resentment at loss of attention and change in routine can make it more difficult for the pets to get along.