Can Cats and Dogs Get Along?
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I have a dog, and was hoping to adopt a cat rescued from Hurricane Katrina. Can a cat and a dog get along?
Absolutely! Dogs and cats can become fast friends. Ideally, they should become accustomed to the other species as youngsters. This early exposure teaches them that it is normal to co-exist in a household.
If possible, select a cat who is confident and curious about dogs. When you introduce them, the dog should be leashed and under control. Allow the cat to explore the room. If the cat approaches the dog, and if the dog doesn’t try to grab the cat, they should be fine together. If the cat is afraid of the dog, give the cat a few days to become comfortable in part of the home before introducing them again. If the cat ends up hiding for more than a couple of weeks, you may need to find a dog-free home for this particular cat.
Keep in mind that it is common for cats to give their canine friends a swat or two should the dog accidentally play too rough. You can help by verbally discouraging him whenever you see the dog give chase or get too rough.