Cats and dogs can live in harmony

If you’re a dog owner looking to add a new cat to your home, it’s important that you strategize how you will introduce the two species to each other in your household. The last thing you want is constant fighting between your pets.

The good news is that there is an effective way to make sure your dog and cat get along. The American Kennel Club offers pet owners tips on the right way to introduce your cat and dog to each other:

› First, carefully consider your dog’s personality and breed. Certain breeds, such as sight hounds, like the Ibizan Hound, were originally bred to hunt rabbits. They are most likely to have trouble with cats because their hunting instincts are triggered by their sense of sight. When small animals move quickly, sight hounds react immediately. Make sure your dog does not have a lot of prey drive before you bring a cat into the picture.

› Keep the cat and dog separated for the first few days. It’s best to get your cat acclimated to his new home by having him live in a room with the door closed. Provide him with a litter box, water and food so the cat does not need to leave the room.

› Your dog will know there’s a new scent in the house. Let the dog sniff near the door of the room with the cat so he gets used to the smell. You can also let your cat sniff one of your dog’s toys so he becomes familiar with him.

› After a few days, let your dog in the room with the cat. When doing so, leave the door open, and make sure that it is after your pup has exercised, as he will be calmer. If the dog doesn’t behave around the cat, resort to some basic training commands in the presence of the cat. Giving your dog a food reward for appropriate behavior in the presence of the cat will provide an incentive for him to continuing acting appropriately.

› Always make sure the cat has a way to retreat from the dog. Having a safe space that the dog can’t reach but the cat can easily get to, such as a table, is important for precautionary reasons. Until the cat and dog are comfortable with each other, supervise their interactions and continue to provide safe spots to which the cat can escape.