Successfully introducing a new cat into your household largely depends on creating a controlled and safe environment. And if you already have a resident dog, the two can complement each other very well. To make sure they do, however, there are a number steps you can take to ensure the relationship develops as smoothly as possible.

• Pay attention to both pets as often as possible. Often your attitude and attention is enough to prevent serious rivalries or hostilities from developing.
  
  
• Supervise cats and dogs until you know they will get along. Some adult dogs will carry kittens around and young kittens will accept this attention, but it's probably best to gently take your kitten away from the dog to avoid injury.
  
  
• If you have more than one dog, do not allow them to gang up on your cat. It's best to introduce your cat to one dog at a time so that each dog understands your cat is part of the family, not an object of play or prey.
  
  
• Make sure your dog does not have access to your cat's litter box. Sooner or later, the dog may attempt to eat its contents!
  
  
• Separate cats and dogs at mealtimes so both can eat in comfort. As complete carnivores, cats need a diet that includes an amino acid called taurine. So if a dog eats your cat's food, the cat might develop a dietary deficiency.
  
  
• Don't leave food or scraps where a cat can get them. Not only will your cat jump on the table or counter or spill the wastebasket, but it may drop things on the floor for the dog.
  
  
• If your dog is a hunter, make sure you teach the command 'leave it' so you can control any impulses to chase your cat. It's best to prevent the pursuit immediately, for once the chase sequence starts your dog will likely be deaf to instructions.
  
  
• Make sure your cat gets plenty of opportunity to stalk and pounce on things other than the dog's tail.