A home full of cats and dogs can be one of the most beautiful and happiest places in the world. To achieve such a harmonious home, you want to introduce your cat to your dog in the right way. Just as a bad first impression can have a lasting effect on people, the same can happen when you introduce a cat to a dog.

Dogs and cats can become good friends, but it takes time. This is because they have very different body language patterns which can lead to some mixed signals. A cat’s attempt to play may be interpreted as aggressive by your dog, or vice versa. ¹   So be prepared to take each step slowly. It may take weeks or more before they become calm and comfortable with each other. But the result is worth the effort.

Keep your kitten in a separate room at first

You’ll need to keep your pets separate so they gradually get used to each other’s smells and sounds in a stress-free environment. Your cat will need a comfortable room with a litter box, food and water, and a kitty bed. A Comfort Zone Calming Diffuser can help her feel safe and relaxed in her new room. This drug-free solution mimics cats’ natural pheromones to help them feel calm and happy.

Start feeding the cat and dog at the same time, but in their own rooms with a closed door between them. Slowly move the dishes closer to the closed door separating them.

After they are quietly eating “near” each other, switch their scents by leaving a towel with your cat’s scent in your dog’s room and vice versa. Every now and then, let your cat roam the house while your dog is confined to a room. This helps them get used to each other’s scents before they meet.

Get ready for a good first impression

To make sure that first impressions are going well, review basic obedience commands with your dog before giving them to them. Make sure your dog still responds well to commands such as sit, stay, come and leave.   You will also want to make sure that both of you feel calm whenever they meet face to face. Play with both pets separately to expend a little extra energy before they meet.

Make them separate from their first encounter

Their first meeting should be face to face but not in the same room. You’ll want to use a door or shutter gate to separate them. Make sure your cat can’t push through or climb over the door. Your dog and cat should be able to smell, hear, and see each other without touching each other. Just as you did with the closed door, start feeding them from a distance and slowly move them closer to each other over time.

Watch their body language

During this stage, it is very important to notice their body language for signs of stress or aggression. Does your dog lead prey? Is he too focused on your cat or barking and whining? You will need to continue to keep them separate if he exhibits these behaviors.

Ideally, your dog will be watching your cat but not focusing on it. You want him to be able to look away from your cat and respond to you.

As for your cat, it should look comfortable. If she is hissing, fluffing her fur, growling, or sliding on the floor, she is feeling fearful and mistrustful. Once they both seem cool with each other and can look away at times, they may be ready to meet up.

Start slow with moderated visits

Now is the time for supervised visits with both pets in the same room. These introductions should be done slowly, and your dog should always be on a leash. Your cat should have places to hide or climb out of your dog’s path. These visits may take a few weeks or longer before your pets become comfortable with each other.

take your time. Start on opposite sides of the room, then let them approach slowly. Some people choose to begin introduction with their dog in a crate before transitioning to a leash.

Pay attention to signs of stressed body language. If your pets are relaxed, see if you can distract them or if they focus on each other. Will your dog respond to your commands? Keep visits short at first. Gradually make it longer, and bring your pets closer to each other as long as they are behaving calmly. Reward them with rewards each time, so that they form positive associations with seeing each other.

Realistically, you may not leave your cat and dog alone until your cat is older, especially if your dog has strong prey. This is not because something is wrong with your dog or cat. The simple fact is that cats play a lot, and that can sometimes trigger a dog’s prey drive. It is better to take the side of caution and take the time you need. Eventually – especially when your cat is a little older – your pets will calm down around each other. Over time, they can become good friends.

When introducing a cat to a dog, remember to make your expectations realistic. Your pet may not be best friends right away, and you may need to keep your kitten separate until he’s older. It may take some time, but with a little patience and preparation, your dog and cat will be famous.