How long does it take for cats and dogs to get used to each other?

Introducing cats and dogs for the first time

One of the key things to remember when introducing your cat and dog for the first time is to take things slowly and don’t have high expectations.

Cats.org.uk agrees that if you can introduce kittens and puppies while they’re still young, this has the best chance of success as neither will know any different and they’ll get used to each other’s company much more quickly.

Its top tips include:

• Think about their personalities: If you have a particularly timid cat or unfriendly dog (or vice versa) think carefully about whether you should introduce a new friend at all. Also, consider the breed of your dog, as some breeds may have stronger instincts that affect their compatibility with other pets.
• Start slow: Always supervise the first meeting as a puppy or dog may be too boisterous for kittens or cats, and keep it short.
• Mix their smells: Scent is super important when introducing new animals to each other. By stroking your dog and then cat, you pass on their scents so they can smell each other before their first meeting. Allow each pet to become familiar with the other's scent to help them acclimate.

This ‘scent swapping’ is a key stage which you shouldn’t skip. Switch up the rooms you keep the animals in too, so they can sniff each other before meeting face to face.

As Battersea.org.uk suggests, you should repeat this process two or three times in the first few days. They say it’s likely that your cat might try to give your pooch a swipe on the nose, just to let them know who’s boss, so make sure you’re ready to move your dog away if things become a little heated.

If they still don’t seem to be getting on after a few days of supervised contact, you can call Battersea’s experienced team for advice. During introductions, make sure both pets have accessible escape routes so they can retreat if they feel threatened or stressed.

When it comes to the first face-to-face meeting, Cats Protection also suggests that you should keep the animals apart by using a child’s stair gate so they can see each other but not touch. This allows them to use sight as a gradual way to get used to each other before direct contact. Supervise closely to prevent any chasing behaviours.

Alternatively, one person can hold the cat calmly, while another person introduces dogs into the room on a lead. Don’t make any harsh or fast movements – keep everything calm and slow so they can get used to being in the same room. Remember to reward good behaviour during introductions to encourage a harmonious relationship.

Gradual introductions: Taking it step by step

The key to a successful relationship between cats and dogs is gradual introductions. Start by keeping your pets separated, allowing them to get used to each other’s smell through scent swapping as described earlier.

Once both pets seem calm and curious, you can move on to visual introductions. Using a baby gate or a screen door is a great way to let your pets see and sniff each other safely, without direct contact.

During these early meetings, reward calm behaviour with treats and gentle praise. If your pets remain relaxed, you can slowly increase the amount of time they spend in each other’s presence. Always supervise their interactions and watch their body language closely for any signs of stress or excitement. If either pet becomes anxious, separate them and try again later.

Let your pets set the pace—never force them to interact if they’re not ready. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, many cats and dogs can become the best of friends, creating a happy and harmonious household for everyone.

Top tips to keep your cat calm

The Blue Cross has some additional tips that will help to keep your cat calm during the first meeting:

• Install a Feliway diffuser in your home if your cat or kitten is particularly nervous. This will give off pheromones that will help your cat feel calm.
• If you’re introducing a kitten to a full-size dog, a stair gate might not be a practical option because the size of the kitty. In this case, place the kitten and its litter tray in a dog crate and let the dog approach slowly, supervising at all times.
• Keep your cat’s food well away from your dog or puppy, and make sure both pets have a safe, designated place to eat. Also, don’t let the dog disturb the cat’s litter tray or else it might start toileting in different places.
• Be extra vigilant if you’re introducing your cat or kitten to a terrier or greyhound, as these types of breeds have a very high prey drive and will naturally chase and hunt.

Similar gradual introductions can also be used when introducing your cat to other cats or another pet, such as a rabbit or small animal. Using play during the introduction process can help your cat relax and reduce stress.

Once your cat feels comfortable, they may even sleep near the new pet, showing a peaceful coexistence. During the first few days, monitor your cat’s comfort with the other's company to ensure a smooth transition.

Top tips to keep your dog calm

Keeping your dog under control is key if you want a happy relationship to blossom between your two pets. PAWSPAWS says that you should:

• Make sure you’ve mastered your sit, stay, down, and drop commands – hopefully you won’t have to use the last one!
• Have a tasty treat ready for your dog to praise him when he’s being gentle. It also gives you a distraction if the meeting isn’t going as planned.
• Consider keeping your cat and dog away from each other when you leave the house, just for the first few weeks until you’re certain that they’re comfortable with each other.

When planning introductions, consider your dog's previous experience with other species, as this can affect how smoothly the process goes. If your dog shows signs of stress, behavioural issues, or medical problems during introductions, consult vets for professional advice and support.

Protecting multiple pets with pet insurance

Whether you have one dog and one cat or multiples of each, talking to the specialists about pet insurance may help protect against unforeseen accidents and illnesses.

At Purely Pets, we can find the right cover to suit your budget and needs with our lifetime cover offering of Pet Insurance in the UK.

The most important thing to remember is that, just like humans, all cats and dogs are different with their own personalities. Some cats will love the company of a canine companion, while others will want you all to themselves and vice versa!

Talk to our friendly team and get a quote for pet insurance today.