How to help my cat and dog get along and stop fighting?

Question

How do I help get my cat get along with my dog? They seem to be fine but when my dog walks anywhere close to my cat, my cat will swat his paw at my dog and scare him :/. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | 2 years and 6 months old | 9 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

I can give you a method that may help them get along :-) I would separate them and introduce them slowly to each other. 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 their 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 your cat and a DAP for your dog. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and may help them get along. 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 this reintroduction. Once they are both comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face again. I would introduce the dog on a leash to the cat 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 the cat, and reward your cat for being calm as well. 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 dog as needed. I hope this helps!

How to help my cat and dog get along and stop fighting?

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