How do you get a cat to like a dog?

1. Getting started. Make sure the cat has access to a dog-free sanctuary at all times. …
2. Keep the pets separate at first. …
3. Feed them on opposite sides of a closed door. …
4. Teach basic commands. …
5. Begin face-to-face meetings. …
6. Repeat sessions daily. …
7. Allow pets loose together. …
8. Proceed with caution.

The answer to the question “can you train a cat like a dog?” is yes (mostly) if you have kittens or cats, as you already know they’re affectionate and attentive.

When it comes to pets, cats and dogs are known for being more independent and, dare we say, standoffish than dogs.

Many people ponder whether it’s actually possible for cats to respond to commands, despite the fact that they may greet you when you get home, meow ferociously when it’s time for food, and happily bat the catnip toys you dangle.

Yes, it is possible to foster positive habits that will make both you and your cat purrrfectly happy, but consider this: cat owners have been teaching their feline friends to use litter boxes for… a really long time.

Okay, jokes aside, cats are just as appreciative of a good reward as any other animal. And you can use that as a tool to train them to perform nearly all of the same kinds of exercises that dogs are taught to perform, including tricks and agility moves.

Option 1: Slow and steady desensitization

Try desensitization, which aims to lessen your dog’s reaction to the cat by gradually increasing her exposure to him, if she is overly fixated on him. Put the cat in a room (e. g. , a bathroom, a spare room, or a bedroom) with a substantial baby gate across the door You should pick a room that the dog cannot enter and does not require access to. For instance, don’t place the cat in the bedroom if you and the dog share it at night. The plan is to keep them apart and only permit them to see each other at certain times.

Give the cat everything it needs in his room, including a litter box, toys, food, and water. Remember that cats are excellent climbers and jumpers as well as good at slipping through tight spaces. So, ensure that the gate you install cannot be crossed by your cat. The gate must be a barrier that allows the dog and cat to see each other but prevents them from approaching one another.

Give the dog a brief glimpse of the cat through the gate to start the desensitization process, and then get him to concentrate on something else, like playing with a toy or practicing cues. When trying to refocus the dog’s attention, it can be helpful to keep her on a leash so you can move her away from the cat. Give the dog praise and treats for shifting its attention elsewhere. Throughout the day, keep giving the dog brief glimpses of the cat.

Sometimes the dog gets too excited even when first seeing the cat. If so, shut the door and start feeding each animal on their respective sides of the door: The dog eats her food on the other side of the door, and the cat eats his food in the room next to the door. This enables each animal to link the scents of the other with pleasant things, like food. Additionally, you can exchange the bedding and blankets each animal has, giving it to the other. Without overstimulating either animal, the dog can become accustomed to the cat’s smell and the cat can become accustomed to the dog’s smell.

Hopefully, by gradually exposing the dog to the cat and allowing him to become accustomed to it, the dog will eventually desensitize and lose interest in the cat. The dog may lose interest in the cat within a few hours in some circumstances, but it may take days, weeks, or even months. Since every dog (and cat) is unique, they will all learn at their own pace.

That being said, it’s possible that your dog will never be able to live in a space with a cat safely. Keep your dog and cat apart if you don’t feel comfortable letting them be around each other. Many dogs can quickly hurt or kill a cat, and the cat could also hurt your dog. Your first priority should be ensuring that everyone stays safe.

Body language of dogs and cats

Pay attention to how your dog and cat interact when you first introduce them. The cat’s tail swishing back and forth or his ears pinned back are both signs that he is unhappy. You should pay close attention to any warning signs that your dog may be expressing through body language. Your dog may become intensely focused on the cat if she has a strong prey drive (the propensity to seek out, chase, and possibly catch animals perceived as prey, usually smaller animals like cats or rabbits). She’ll stiffen, stare, and may start barking or whining. Keep her away from the cat if you notice these indicators. Ideal body language around the cat would be relaxed and carefree. She can focus on the cat if she wants to, but you don’t want to see her become fixated on him.

Additionally, the environment can affect how a dog interacts with a cat. Your dog may get along with the cat inside the house, but that doesn’t mean she will behave the same way outside. When they are outside together, she might develop a fixation on the cat and begin stalking him. So, until you know how she will react to him, pay attention to her body language whenever she is near the cat.

Let the Cat Loose First

Try letting the cat roam free while keeping your dog on a lead once they appear at ease with one another. Your cat should be as at ease as possible because, in most cases, they are the smaller of the two animals. If your dog appears content after a few encounters like this, try letting them both off the leash simultaneously. Hopefully, the time spent socializing them paid off, and they will get along with each other.

FAQ

How long does it take for a cat to get used to a dog?

While some pairings are successful within a few days, it occasionally fails. According to Liz Palika, the “get acquainted” process typically takes two to three weeks. Dr. According to Landsberg, it’s not always obvious from watching how a dog and cat interact whether or not they get along.

How can I make my cat like my dog?

1. Look for What Motivates Your Kitten. …
2. Keep Training Sessions Short but Frequent. …
3. Consider Clicker Training. …
4. Teach Your Kitten to High-Five. …
5. Teach Your Kitten to ‘Touch” an Object. …
6. Teach Your Kitten to Come to Her Name. …
7. Keep Your Kitten Calm & Happy.

What do you do when your cat doesn’t like your dog?

1. Introduce a new cat very slowly. Utilize crates, pet gates, and closed doors to keep the new pet apart from the current household pets.
2. Prioritize your cat’s safety. …
3. Monitor your kitty’s stress. …
4. Give your cat a lot of playtime. …
5. Break up fights safely.

How do you get a scared cat to like a dog?

Starting at a “safe” distance and gradually bringing your pet closer will help you get your cat used to the presence of other animals. You will gradually close the gap between your cat and your other animals over several sessions until your fearful cat can behave normally around them.