Can cats and dogs get along?

Cats and dogs have different communication styles and instincts, which often means they clash as a result.

For instance, a happy or playful dog might wag their tail, but a thrashing tail in cats often signals irritability. Similarly, a cat holding its ears back (sometimes referred to as ‘aeroplane ears’) can indicate anxiety or irritation, while in dogs it can signal receptiveness and friendliness.

Cats and dogs also have very different instincts, which is another reason why people question their compatibility. As pack animals, dogs are naturally more sociable, while cats are generally more solitary and protective of their own space and boundaries. If an excitable dog tries to greet a cat with an intrusive sniff or boisterous play, this can overwhelm your cat and lead them to lash out or withdraw.

Though these key contrasts in traits and behaviour can lead cats and dogs to commonly misunderstand each other, building a friendship isn’t impossible. But to encourage cats and dogs to find a middle ground, they’ll need to learn to communicate in each other’s languages.

So, can cats and dogs get along? The answer is yes – providing their first introduction is handled carefully.

The arrival of a new animal can be unsettling for existing pets, so it’s important to consider the decision fully before welcoming a new pet into your home.

An adult cat or dog that hasn’t been properly socialised may struggle to befriend other animals – even those of their own species. Be prepared to refresh their socialisation training or spend time helping them adapt to any new arrivals.

If you’re ready to attempt introducing cats and dogs – or your pet with another of the same species – it’s vital to make their first meeting safe, structured and as stress-free as possible. Here’s how to do so.

When thinking about how to introduce cats and dogs, consider your cat’s welfare. As well as being more sensitive and easily affected by changes to their environment, cats are also more at risk when meeting dogs for the first time.

Pick a neutral space to help reduce any territorial feelings during the first meeting. A toddler safety gate – or crate, if they are young – is useful for keeping your pets separate. If tensions do begin to arise, make sure to separate them before the situation escalates – a bad first interaction can be hard to rectify.

Because a cat and dog’s sense of smell is vital to how they understand the world, scent swapping is another important part of introducing cats and dogs. Before they meet, try exchanging their bedding and toys so they can get used to each other’s scent in a stress-free way.
Remember to keep your pets separated, each with access to their own food and water, if you’re planning to leave them home alone.

Introducing a new cat to an existing cat requires as much caution as bringing in a dog.

As cats are territorial and prize personal space above companionship, they can become nervous or aggressive around new faces and may spray around the house to define their territory. Neutering is the first essential step – not only will it prevent any unwanted litters, but it will also help your cat to better socialise with other felines.

When introducing cats properly for the first time, allow them to catch sight of each other through a barrier first to judge their reactions. When they do interact, look out for any signs of stress or anxiety, such as hissing, tense body language and swishing tails. Don’t expect instant harmony, and don’t rush the process.

As with dog-cat friendships, feline harmony is possible so long as you take steps to reduce competition for food and, crucially, space. Allowing your cats to have their own areas around the house and feeding them in different locations can help to maintain boundaries.

Dogs are highly sociable and can enjoy interacting with other dogs. To get the best out of both of your dogs, however, it’s important to consider their individual temperaments, previous experiences and your own personal circumstances.

‘The best canine pairings are when dogs are as different as possible,’ advises Petplan expert and dog behaviourist, Nick Jones. ‘This works because different types of dogs don’t compete for the same things or for your attention. For example, if you have an energetic dog, adopt a breed that’s known for being more laid-back,’ he suggests.

With dog pairings, adopting siblings can make them less likely to form a bond with their owner, and harder to train and manage. Same-sex dogs are also more likely to clash than opposite-sex pairings. However, keep in mind that every animal is different and that their individual personalities can play a role, too. If an opposite-sex pair is kept together and you don’t intend to breed from them, remember to ensure one or both dogs are neutered.

Some common sense is needed when getting more than one dog, and it’s vital that you are realistic about your own capacity. Think about whether you have the time and space to accommodate the needs of multiple dogs. This includes considering how you will cope with any differences in their exercise levels, or whether the size of your home is suitable.

If your pets’ first meeting hasn’t quite gone to plan, don’t panic. Building relationships can take time, and there are things you can do to help if they aren’t quite seeing eye to eye.

As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to set the tone for your house and how your pets should behave. Ideally, pets should have their own space, especially if there’s a mixture of animals under one roof. Try creating separate areas for each pet in different rooms.

Food is one of the main causes of conflict between animals, so having separate places for their food, water and toys can prevent this.

Try to enforce scheduled eating times and place bowls in separate areas of the house to prevent resource guarding. If tensions arise, intervene immediately and diffuse the situation by helping each pet to feel relaxed.

Positive reinforcement is great when introducing pets or changing undesirable behaviour. This involves giving incentives for good behaviour to encourage similar behaviour in the future, which can be used for both dogs and cats.

To encourage good behaviour, try rewarding your pets for friendly interactions or even for no interaction at all.

While pets clashing can be upsetting, don’t attempt to force the relationship. Let it build naturally so your pets can form a bond that continues to grow over time.