Pets

How to Introduce a Puppy to a Cat

A calm, step-by-step plan to help a new puppy and your resident cat live together peacefully.

Editorial TeamNovember 6, 20261 min read

Bringing a puppy into a home with a cat takes patience. Done slowly, many cats and dogs learn to live together happily.

Prepare your home

  • Give your cat high perches and escape routes.
  • Keep the cat's food, water and litter box in a puppy-free area.
  • Use baby gates to create separate spaces.

Step-by-step introductions

  1. Scent first: swap bedding so each pet gets used to the other's smell.
  2. See without touching: let them see each other through a gate.
  3. Short, supervised meetings with the puppy on a lead.
  4. Reward calm behaviour from both with treats and praise.
  5. Gradually increase time together over days or weeks.
Let the cat set the paceNever force the cat to stay near the puppy. Allow it to retreat whenever it wants.

Training the puppy

Teach "leave it" and "sit", and redirect chasing with toys. Tire the puppy out with play before meetings.

Warning signs

Hissing, swatting or hiding is common at first. Constant fear, aggression or the cat stopping eating means slowing down. A vet or behaviourist can help.

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Written by Editorial Team

Our editors research, test and simplify everyday tasks so you can get them right the first time. Spotted something we should update? Let us know on our contact page.

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