Compared to dogs, cats are generally far more independent. While they enjoy your company, they don’t need it in the same way that canines do, and interactions with even the most demanding and affectionate cat will be very much on their terms. This makes them ideally suited to those who prefer a lower maintenance, less needy furry friend, or those who don’t have the time or the inclination to have to walk in the rain every day!
These personality traits can have a flip side, though, as this means cats are generally solitary animals and are far less social so often take longer to feel comfortable and secure around other family members – including the non-human ones. So, if you’re wondering how to introduce a kitten or a new cat to a dog, the first thing to know is that you’ll have to be patient, understanding and approach with care.
Should I bring a kitten into a home with an existing dog?
This should be the first question and the one that will largely determine how successful the relationship is likely to be. If you have a dog that hates cats, chases all small furries, and/or comes from a breed or type that is bred to be predatory (terriers, hounds etc), this needs very careful consideration. Usually, dogs of these breeds can successfully live with ‘their own cats’ if they live with them from puppyhood or have lived with cats in the past, but introducing a kitten to an adult dog of these types who is unused to cats can result in conflict – or worse.
If your dog is more laid back with other animals – especially gundogs and many of the companion breeds – success is more likely.
Finding a kitten that has been reared with dogs will also make the process far easier – as they will be familiar with them and have encountered them during their crucial socialisation/habituation period.
This is important as no matter how much you might want a multi-species household; you can’t go against the nature or comfort zones of the existing family members.
Step-by-Step Guide: Introducing a New Kitten to a Dog
Hopefully your kitten will have already encountered dogs during their socialisation/habituation period but doing so in a new home that they are not used to is a totally different thing altogether. Introducing a potentially nervous kitten to a potentially excitable dog must be handled carefully for the welfare of both pets.
If you’re wondering how to introduce a cat to a dog, the most important thing to keep in mind is safety – the dog’s as well as the cat’s.
An over-excited dog or puppy can easily harm a kitten, and a frightened cat, even a baby one, can do a lot of damage with their claws. By taking things slowly and concentrate on both pets’ needs and you can foster a lasting relationship based on mutual respect – and maybe even a friendship.
Even if your existing dog is used to cats – and is unlikely to raise so much as an eyebrow at a new cat or kitten - it’s still important to take great care with introductions.
Follow our helpful tips for a hassle-free introduction – some of which you can begin before your kitten even comes home.
- Scent swapping (pre-arrival): If your kitten is coming from a breeder or a home environment, bring something home with you that smells of your new kitten. This will give your dog a scent introduction to the impending new arrival.
- Establish a safe base for your kitten: As always when you bring home a new kitten, keep them to one room in the house so they can get used to their new home – and its new smells, sights, noises and people. Your dog will already be able to smell them and will know they are there – and your kitten will also be able to hear and smell your dog.
- More scent swapping: Give your kitten something that smells of your dog too – such as a small bit of vet bed.
- Pheromone support: Using plug-in pheromone diffusers can help when introducing a kitten to a new household – and all its inhabitants (canine included).
- Barrier introductions: Once your kitten is settled in, you can do some barrier introductions. This will allow both the dog and kitten to see each other but approach and retreat as they need to. This can be done by using a strong mesh barrier between your kitten’s room and your dog – or if that isn’t possible, you could have your dog in a playpen or crate. The latter isn’t so good as the dog can’t retreat if they feel they need to.
- Don’t force these introductions: Let them both approach and retreat freely.
- Positive association for the dog: Distract your dog with treats and even doing some training exercises for rewards. You want to link the kitten (and ignoring the kitten) with positive things.
- Manage your own reaction: Try and ignore the kitten yourself (as long as it is safe). If you seem really interested in the kitten, your dog is likely to be too!
- Supervised face-to-face: Once your kitten begins exploring the rest of the house, you can move on to face to face meetings but have your dog in a playpen or large crate for safety. This will let your kitten explore but prevent your dog from chasing them if they run. This is scary for the kitten – and you do not want your dog to learn that chasing the cat is fun!
- Gradual freedom for the dog: Once your dog is happy to ignore the kitten, you can progress to having your dog on a lead, then a long line and eventually off the lead as long as both are calm at each stage.
- Constant supervision: Supervise all early introductions.
- Escape Routes: Always make sure the kitten has somewhere safe to retreat to out of the way of the dog. This could be through a baby gate that the dog can’t get through and once they are older, a high surface they can jump on is ideal too.
- Multiple Dogs: If you have more than one dog, always introduce your kitten to one dog at a time.
Introducing an adult cat to your dog
Follow exactly the same procedure if you are introducing a new adult cat to your dog. Take each step slowly and be quick to intervene and go back a step if there are signs of conflict, ensuring both pets feel safe.
Learn about feline body language – so you always know if your cat is feeling scared, worried, anxious – or predatory!
Ensuring Long-Term Harmony: Separate Resources and Safe Retreats
- Separate Feeding Stations: Always separate cats and dogs at mealtimes so both can eat in comfort without competition. You may wish to try feeding in separate rooms or feeding your cat on an elevated surface that your dog cannot reach. This prevents food guarding issues and stress.
- Secure Litter Box Access: Make sure your dog doesn’t have access to your cat's litter box because, as scavengers, dogs are likely to consume the contents – not nice, but true! Provide multiple litter trays (one more than the number of cats you have) in quiet, private locations that are easily accessible to the cat but not the dog.
- Vertical Spaces and Retreats: Provide plenty of resting and supervising areas for your cat at different heights. Cat trees, shelves, and high perches allow your cat to observe their surroundings from a safe vantage point, escape the dog if needed, and feel secure. Baby gates can also be used to create dog-free zones for your cat.
- Individual Resting Spots: Both pets should have their own beds and quiet areas where they can retreat and rest undisturbed. This reduces competition for prime relaxation spots.
- Appropriate Play Outlets: Make sure your kitten/cat gets plenty of opportunity to chase, stalk, and pounce on moving toys. This will give them an outlet for their own predatory behaviour and mean they are less likely to try and pounce on your dog’s tail!
- Equal Attention: Make sure you give both cats equal attention – and the kind of attention they value (whether that is physical affection, games and play, grooming, interactive toys etc). This helps prevent jealousy and strengthens your bond with each pet.
While cats and dogs can be great friends, don’t have that as an expectation. Most cat/dog relationships that don’t begin when both are young tend to be ones of grudging respect.
The most important consideration when introducing a new cat to a dog is safety. If you have any concerns about introducing your kitten or new cat to your existing dog, talk to an accredited behaviourist for help and advice.
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Purina Editorial Team
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