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How to introduce an anxious senior cat to a new dog in my apartment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 11 years and 10 months old | 12 lbs

My cat is almost 12 years old and I've had him his whole entire life. Junior has always gotten very upset around dogs and to his luck I'm moving into an apartment soon and a small dog will be present. What special measures can I take to make sure the introduction goes smoothly so it won't be world war 3? I'm not asking junior to adore the dog but I need there to be no tension and them to be alright being around each other.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 9th, 2017

Great question! I can give you a method of introducing Junior to this dog that will hopefully allow them to live together in peace. Introducing them should be done slowly. When you first move into your new home, I would keep them in rooms separated by a door. This way, they can get used to the smells and sounds of each other without contact. Make sure Junior has a litter box, food, and water in their room. You can also place a blanket with the dog's smell in his room, and a blanket with theJunior's smell in the dog's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your cat and a DAP for the dog. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once both pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing Junior in the dog's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are both comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face. I would introduce the dog on a leash to Junior while he is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward the dog for being calm and quiet near your cat. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure Junior has a cat tree where he can escape from the dog as needed, and don't allow the dog to chase Junior. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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Related Answers from Veterinarians

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on March 21st, 2018

    I would start by keeping the dog and cat separated by a solid door (such as a bedroom or a bathroom door) for 1 week. This will allow them to smell each other but not growl or become violent. Then you can do short, supervised visits, always making sure the cat has an escape area (like under a bed or behind a sofa. Then you can work up to leaving them together if there are no signs of aggression.

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