It helps if the personalities of the dog and cat are compatible. A lively dog ​​is better suited to a cat with a high level of self-confidence than a shy or fearful animal. Older animals are best suited to calm and equally old newcomers. A puppy gets along better with a young cat so that neither side is suppressed. When the dog is fully grown, it should be paired with a cat that is at least 4 months old.

Kaja and Wilma, an inseparable couple!

Let the animal living in your household lie on a blanket for a few days so that the blanket absorbs the animal’s scent. Bring the blanket to the new arrival so that it can get used to the animal’s scent. To help the cat get used to the sound of barking, you can record the dog barking and play it to the cat, first quietly and then a little louder.

To ensure that the newcomer settles in well, there should be a spatial separation during the first few days. It is best to prepare a separate room in which the newcomer can spend the first few days. Equip the room with a food and water bowl, a place to sleep and, for cats, a toilet. The gap in the door allows both to get used to each other’s smell without having to meet directly. The older resident should also not be neglected to avoid causing jealousy. When the long-time resident is out of the house, the newcomer can move around the house freely to familiarize himself with the new living situation.

Intimate togetherness on the designer dog cushion | made by pet.interiors

The most important thing is that you are relaxed and calm when you first meet them. Your excitement will be transferred to the animals. If you are relaxed, the animals will be too. Feed both animals enough. Both are happier and calmer with a full stomach. And give the dog plenty of exercise before the first meeting, which is also relaxing. Two people who are familiar with the animals should accompany the animals. One looks after the dog, the other looks after the cat, which makes the first meeting much easier. While the two animals get to know each other, every positive behavior is reinforced with a treat. The animal is stroked and calmed down.

You can use catnip or cat pheromones to calm the cat. Many animals react well to these substances and adopt a relaxed attitude. Under no circumstances should you lock the animal in its transport box, as it has no escape there. An elevated location, e.g. a table, a shelf or a scratching post, gives the cat security. It can avoid the dog, watch calmly from above and does not feel threatened. She always has an escape route upstairs and does not feel cornered or panic.

The dog should be on a leash. It is quite possible that he sees the cat as prey. Make it clear to the dog with a clear “no” that such behavior is absolutely undesirable. Under no circumstances should there be a chase, as this would make it very difficult to get used to it. If the dog starts barking or pulling, he is distracted with a toy or a treat. If he calms down, he is praised extensively. If the dog does not calm down, you must stop the encounter.

Be aware that getting used to it can be exhausting and time-consuming. Setbacks are normal and the animals always determine the length of the acclimation phase. Do not dramatize fake attacks, but communicate clearly and unambiguously that such behavior will not be tolerated. During and after the encounters, praise both animals extensively and play with them. Then take the dog for a walk. Lighten up the encounters and make them a positive experience with treats and petting.

End the first meeting after about 10 minutes, that’s enough for now. If one of the animals appears very nervous, aggressive, excited or anxious, you should stop immediately. Be careful not to overwhelm the animals.

A Weimaraner with 4 little kittens!

You can repeat these meetings every other day, then more often until the animals have become accustomed to each other and respect each other. During these meetings you should be attentive and carry on with your normal everyday routine. The animals should notice that this contact is completely normal. You should maintain your usual daily routine, this gives the dog and cat additional security.

To avoid food jealousy and the associated stress between dog and cat, it is a good idea to separate the feeding places. Cats feel safe in elevated locations. Therefore, you can move the feeding place to a shelf or window sill, preferably in another room. If the cat is a long-established animal, you must first get the animal used to the new feeding place, because cats hate change! By placing treats at the new feeding place more often, you can slowly get the cat used to the new place. After a few days, you can test whether the new feeding place is accepted.

Cats need their privacy and want to do their business undisturbed. Unfortunately, dogs are usually very interested in the litter box, dig in it passionately and like to eat cat feces. It is best to place the litter box out of reach of the dog so that the cat can do its business undisturbed and does not react by being dirty.

If you follow all of these tips, nothing should stand in the way of a peaceful coexistence sooner or later.

Tell us about your experiences. We are always happy to receive feedback.

Pug and kitten love each other deeply.