How to Get Your Cat to Like Your Dog: 7 Proven Steps That Actually Work

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a furry civil war? Your cat hissing from the top of the refrigerator while your dog bounces around below like they’ve discovered a new best friend? Yeah, me too. After several failed attempts and a few scratched noses (mostly mine), I’ve finally figured out how to get a cat to like a dog without anyone ending up hiding under the bed for days.

Contrary to popular belief, cats and dogs aren’t natural enemies. With the right introduction techniques and a whole lot of patience, these two different species can actually learn to tolerate—and sometimes even enjoy—each other’s company

Why Cats and Dogs Often Don’t Get Along

Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand why cats and dogs sometimes clash:

• Different Communication Styles: Dogs wag tails when happy; cats wag tails when annoyed. This miscommunication can lead to unfortunate interactions.
• Predatory Instincts: Some dogs have strong prey drives and may chase smaller animals, including cats.
• Territory Issues: Cats are territorial creatures and may view a new dog as an invader.
• Energy Levels: Dogs often have higher energy levels than cats, which can overwhelm our feline friends.

7 Steps to Make Your Cat Like Your Dog

1. Create a Safe Space for Your Cat

This is non-negotiable, folks! Your cat absolutely needs a dog-free zone they can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed.

What to do:

• Designate a room with all your cat’s essentials (food, water, litter box, bed)
• Use baby gates or cat doors that your dog can’t access
• Provide vertical spaces like cat trees or shelves
• Make sure litter boxes are in multiple locations if possible

I learned this the hard way when my cat Mittens refused to use her litter box after my Golden Retriever kept “visiting” it After creating a separate space with a cat door too small for my dog, peace was finally restored!

2. Start with Scent Swapping

Animals rely heavily on their sense of smell. Before visual introductions, get them used to each other’s scents.

Try these techniques:

• Swap bedding between pets
• Rub a towel on one pet and let the other sniff it
• Place feeding stations on opposite sides of a closed door

My neighbor Jane swears this technique saved her from rehoming either pet. “I spent two weeks just letting them smell each other’s blankets before they ever saw each other. It made all the difference!”

3. Control the First Visual Contact

First impressions matter! When your pets finally see each other, make sure it’s positive and controlled.

Here’s how:

• Use a baby gate or cracked door for visual access while maintaining separation
• Keep the dog on a leash during initial visual meetings
• Keep sessions brief (5-10 minutes) and positive
• NEVER force interaction or hold your cat near the dog

4. Look for the Right Body Language

Learning to recognize signs of stress versus comfort is crucial for successful introductions.

Signs your cat is comfortable:

• Relaxed posture
• Normal breathing
• Ears forward
• Slow blinking

Signs your cat is stressed:

• Flattened ears
• Puffed tail
• Hissing or growling
• Rapid breathing

Signs your dog is too excited:

• Fixed staring at the cat
• Whining
• Lunging
• Excessive barking

I once thought my dog was “just playing” when he was actually showing predatory arousal. Recognizing this helped me redirect his attention before problems started.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement for Both Pets

This is where treats become your best friend! Reward both animals for calm behavior around each other.

Effective rewards include:

• High-value treats (meat for dogs, tuna for cats)
• Praise and petting
• Play with favorite toys
• Special attention

“I made sure to give my cat treats whenever the dog was calm in the same room,” says pet owner Michael. “After a week, my cat actually started approaching the door when the dog was nearby—she associated him with getting treats!”

6. Supervised Interactions with Distance Management

Once visual contact is going well, allow supervised time together.

Important rules:

• Always keep the dog leashed initially
• Reward the dog for ignoring or calmly noticing the cat
• Give the cat freedom to approach or retreat
• End sessions before either pet becomes stressed

7. Patience is Your Greatest Tool

This isn’t an overnight process. Some cats and dogs take weeks or even months to become comfortable with each other.

Remember:

• Never force interactions
• Respect both animals’ comfort levels
• Celebrate small victories
• Don’t give up after setbacks

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a cat to like a dog?

The timeline varies tremendously depending on the personalities of both animals. Some cats and dogs may tolerate each other within a week, while others might take several months. Younger animals typically adapt faster than older ones.

My cat took nearly 3 months to stop hiding whenever my dog entered the room. Now they tolerate each other, though they’re not exactly cuddling buddies.

Should I get a kitten or adult cat if I already have a dog?

Kittens typically adapt more easily to dogs since they haven’t developed fear responses yet. However, kittens are also more vulnerable to accidental injury from even well-meaning dogs.

Adult cats may take longer to adjust but are better able to establish boundaries with dogs. Consider your dog’s temperament when deciding—high-energy or prey-driven dogs might do better with confident adult cats.

What dog breeds are best with cats?

While individual personality matters more than breed, some dogs typically do better with cats:

• Basset Hounds
• Beagles
• Bulldogs
• Golden Retrievers
• Labrador Retrievers
• Pugs

Breeds with lower prey drives generally make better cat companions, but proper introductions matter regardless of breed.

What if my dog keeps chasing my cat?

If your dog persists in chasing your cat despite proper introductions:

1. Return to earlier steps in the introduction process
2. Work on training commands like “leave it” and “stay”
3. Ensure the cat has escape routes
4. Consider consulting a professional animal behaviorist
5. Never punish the dog, as this can increase anxiety

What Not to Do When Introducing Cats and Dogs

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Don’t declaw your cat. This removes their primary defense mechanism and can lead to behavioral problems.
• Don’t hold your cat near your dog. This creates fear and negative associations.
• Don’t let your dog corner your cat. This can trigger aggressive reactions.
• Don’t yell or punish either animal. This creates negative associations with each other.
• Don’t leave them unsupervised until they’re fully comfortable together. Even months of good behavior doesn’t guarantee safety.

Success Stories: When Cats and Dogs Become Friends

While not every cat-dog relationship will result in snuggle buddies, some genuinely heartwarming friendships can develop:

My coworker Sarah’s Maine Coon cat initially hissed at her Border Collie for weeks. After following a slow introduction process, she caught them sleeping together on the couch. “I almost cried the first time I saw them grooming each other,” she told me.

Another friend found that her formerly terrified rescue cat now seeks out her Labrador whenever there are thunderstorms. The dog provides comfort during scary situations!

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, cats and dogs struggle to coexist. Consider professional help if:

• Either animal shows persistent aggression
• Your cat stops using the litter box
• Your dog cannot be distracted from focusing on the cat
• Either pet shows signs of ongoing stress
• You’ve tried these techniques for several weeks without progress

Animal behaviorists and certified dog trainers can provide personalized guidance for your specific situation.

Final Thoughts

Getting a cat to like a dog takes time, patience, and respect for both animals’ natural behaviors. Remember that success doesn’t necessarily mean your pets will become best friends—peaceful coexistence is a perfectly acceptable outcome!

By understanding each animal’s needs and using gradual, positive introduction techniques, you can create a harmonious multi-species household. Just don’t forget that baby steps and lots of treats go a long way!

Have you successfully introduced a cat and dog? What techniques worked best for your furry family members? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments!