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My cat is terrified of dogs. How do I introduce a new dog safely?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

How can I introduce a dog-fearing cat and a dog? Would adopting an adult dog or a puppy be better? My cat HATES dogs-even dogs who don't care about her. A dog I am thinking of adopting is a 3 year old husky mix, and he has met my cat before and has no interest in her. However, she was so afraid of him that she wouldn't leave the upper floor of our home, which the dog couldn't reach. I would love to add a dog to my family, but I have made a commitment to my cat and don't want to ruin her life.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 19th, 2017

Great question! I can give you a method for introducing them that may make it easier for Thrasher to accept a dog into your home. Introducing them should be done slowly. When you first bring your dog 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 Trasher has a litter box, food, and water in her room. You can also place a blanket with the dog's smell in the cat's room, and a blanket with the cat's smell in the dog's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for Thrasher and a DAP for your 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 the cat 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 the cat while she is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward the dog for being calm and quiet near Thrasher. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure your cat has a cat tree where she can escape from the dog as needed, and don't allow the dog to chase Thrasher. I hope this helps!

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3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 10th, 2018

    Great question! I will give you a method that will hopefully help them be comfortable with each other. Introducing them should be done slowly. 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 your cat has a litter box, food, and water in his room. You can also place a blanket with the Jed's smell in the cat's room, and a blanket with the cat's smell in the Jed's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your cat and a DAP for your 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 the cat 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 Jed on a leash to the cat while he is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward Jed for being calm and quiet near the cat. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure your cat has a cat tree where he can escape from the Jed as needed, and don't allow Jed to chase the cat. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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