If you are introducing a new dog to a home that already has a cat, your cat will need time to gain confidence around the new arrival, even if you've picked a breed with a better reputation for getting on with cats. Both animals always need a space of their own, with the cat especially needing somewhere that's out of bounds to the dog, with a litter box and food and water to hand.

The introduction

Cats will often react to dogs by hissing or swatting at them with their paws, and will try to escape by running or hiding. They may also spray to mark 'their' territory. But with time and patience feline-canine harmony should be achievable. However, never leave the two unsupervised until you can completely trust them to behave in your absence.

• Settle your cat in a room with an upward escape route, such as a tall cat-scratching post, a windowsill, a shelf, or the back of the sofa. This should never be your cat's 'favourite' room, or the room where his or her bed is located. Pick a neutral area outside your cat's core home 'territory' Shut the windows and doors so the cat can't run away - it's best that they confront their fears as soon as possible!
• Now bring in your dog on a lead and headcollar. The cat will almost certainly leap up to a place of safety and spit or glare at him.
• After five minutes or so, take the dog away and let your cat leave the room as well.
• Repeat these short introductions several times per day.
• Make sure your cat gets plenty of opportunity to stalk and pounce on things other than the dog's tail.
• If you have brought home a particularly boisterous puppy, keep it in a puppy crate while the cat takes stock. Keep the introductions short, but frequent.
• Try giving treats to your cat, to associate the dog's presence with tasty rewards but don’t be surprised if she ignores them. Your dog might be more willing to accept a treat and if he associates the cat’s presence with treats, it will speed his acceptance.
• Separate cats and dogs at mealtime so both can eat in comfort, and won't get tempted to investigate what's in each other's bowls. Cat food is not suitable for dogs, and vice versa
• 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!

Kittens

Kittens usually love dogs, whilst dogs find kittens unthreatening but may be prompted to chase them, so be extra careful. But, just like adults, they need to time to adapt to the new arrival. Introduce them gradually and never leave them alone together until a pattern of good relations has been established. Never allow your dog to carry a fragile young kitten around.

Finally, don't worry if they never really get along. Cats are naturally independent and can do without having a dog for a friend, thank you very much! As long as each has their own space, which for the cat means a high perch or two out of reach of the dog a safe system of cohabitation may work things out between them.

The information contained in this article is not a substitute for individual veterinary or behavioural advice and is for information purposes only. You should always consult a veterinary surgeon if you have any concerns about your pet’s health. He or she will be able to take a complete medical history and physically examine your pet, to then recommend appropriate individual advice or treatment options. For detailed behavioural advice tailored specifically for your pet, we recommend that you contact a qualified pet behaviourist. For further details of local canine and feline behaviourists practising in your area and how they offer help for with problem pets, please contact The Coape Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers at www.capbt.org, or the Association of Pet Dog Trainers at www.apdt.co.uk. Do bear in mind that while dog trainers can take you on as a client directly, pet behaviourists will always require a referral from your veterinary surgeon.