Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

How can I best introduce my new cat to my existing dogs safely?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 7 years and 5 months old | 8 lbs

What is the best way to introduce our new cat to our current dogs?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2018

Great question! Introducing them should be done slowly. When you first bring Mousewhisker (I love his name!) 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 your cat has a litter box, food, and water in their room. You can also place a blanket with the dogs's smell in the cat's room, and a blanket with the cat's smell in the dogs's room. I would also consider get a Feliway for your cat and a DAP for your dogs. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once all the pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing the cat in the dogs's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are all comfortable with the smells of each other, it's time for them to meet face to face. I would introduce the dogs on a leash to the cat while he is in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward the puppy 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 dogs as needed, and don't allow the dogs to chase the cat. I hope this helps!

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 9th, 2017

    Great question! 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 your cats have 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 cats and a DAP for your dog. These are pheromone diffusers that help with anxiety and should also help ease the transition. Once all the pets seem relaxed with the current situation, swap rooms placing the cats in the dog's room and vice versa. You can do this switch several times over the course of the introductions. Once they are all 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 cats while they are in a cat carrier or on the other side of a baby gate. Reward the dog for being calm and quiet near the cats. Once they seem comfortable with each other, the baby gate can be taken away. Make sure your cats have a cat tree where they can escape from the dog as needed, and don't allow the dog to chase the cats. I hope this helps :-)

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 2nd, 2019

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

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 3rd, 2017

    Yes, I do have advice for doing this! 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 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 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 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. 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, and don't allow the dog to chase the cat.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored