The Truth about Cats & Dogs

Why Do Dogs Chase Cats?

Dogs naturally have a prey drive, meaning they’re instinctively wired to chase things that move quickly. Some dogs just want to play, while others may be too excited or unsure about their new feline roommate. The good news? You can teach your dog that the cat is a friend, not a toy!

Step 1: Set up a Safe Space

Before introducing your pets, give your cat a safe zone—a special spot where the dog can’t reach them. This could be a spare room, a gated-off area, or high perches where your cat can climb and chill out. Think of it as your cat’s “no dogs allowed” clubhouse! Your cat should always feel like they’re the boss of when and how they meet their new furry sibling.

Step 2: Start with Scent and Sound

Before your pets meet face-to-face, let them get used to each other’s smell. Swap their bedding or let them sniff under a door where the other pet has been. It’s like sending secret messages that say, “Hey, I’m friendly!” Let them hear each other’s sounds from a safe distance, so they’re not surprised when they finally meet nose-to-nose.

Step 3: Controlled, On-Leash Interactions

When it’s time for a face-to-face meeting, keep your dog on a leash and let the cat roam freely. Choose a calm moment and keep things chill:

✅ Hold the leash short but loose. No need to tug!

✅ Reward your dog with treats for staying calm and ignoring the cat.

✅Let the cat call the shots—if they want to leave, that’s okay!

If your dog gets too excited, barks, or lunges, calmly redirect their focus— call their name, offer a treat, or show them a toy. If things get too wild, take a break and try again later. Patience is key!

Step 4: Impulse Control

If your dog gets stuck staring at the cat with a stiff body and tense energy, it’s time to practice impulse control before letting them interact more. Try these helpful commands:

“Leave it” Teaches your dog to stop focusing on the cat.

“Look at me” Redirects their attention to you.

“Stay” Encourages calm, controlled behavior.

Step 5: Supervised Freedom

Once your dog can remain calm around the cat, gradually allow off-leash interactions while staying attentive to their body language and be ready to step in if needed!

Relaxed body, loose tail wag, slow movements = Great signs!

Staring, stiff posture, or chasing = Time to step in and redirect!

If your dog plays too rough or the cat looks scared, separate them and take things slower. Patience leads to purr-fect friendships!

If your dog can’t stop staring, barking, or lunging at the cat, they may need extra training. A professional trainer can help manage this behavior safely. With time and patience, many dogs and cats learn to live together—some even become best friends! But it’s okay if they don’t cuddle. The goal is a home where both pets feel safe. By setting boundaries, rewarding good behavior, and giving them time to adjust, you’re helping them build a happy life together!

What NOT to do:

🚫 Allow chasing, even in play. It may seem harmless, but it can stress the cat and reinforce bad habits.

🚫 Punish your dog for being curious. Instead, reward them for making good choices.

🚫 Force them to interact. Let them build trust at their own pace.