How to make friends with a cat and a dog?

Getting a cat and a dog to be friends takes patience, but it’s totally possible! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help them get along:

1. Start with Separate Spaces

• Give each pet their own safe area where they can eat, sleep, and relax without stress.
• Let them get used to each other’s scent by swapping blankets or toys between them.

2. Control the First Meeting

• Keep your dog on a leash and let the cat stay free so it doesn’t feel trapped.
• Allow them to see each other from a distance and observe their reactions.
• Keep meetings short and positive at first.

3. Use Positive Reinforcement

• Reward both pets with treats and praise when they behave calmly around each other.
• NEVER force them to interact—let them set their own pace.

4. Supervise All Interactions

• Keep an eye on them, especially in the beginning.
• If the dog gets too excited or the cat seems scared, separate them and try again later.

5. Teach Your Dog to Stay Calm

• Train your dog with commands like «sit» and «stay» to help control excitement.
• If your dog chases the cat, redirect their attention with a toy or treat.

6. Give Your Cat an Escape Route

• Cats feel safer when they have a high spot to escape to (like a shelf or cat tree).
• This prevents them from feeling trapped or defensive.

7. Be Patient!

• Some pets become friends quickly, while others take weeks or months to adjust.
• Don’t rush the process—let them build trust at their own speed.

Signs of a Good Friendship

The cat and dog ignore each other without stress.
They sit or nap in the same room peacefully.
Playful interactions without aggression.

If they hiss, growl, or chase aggressively, slow down and go back to earlier steps.