Dogs and Cats Under the Same Roof

Dogs are often territorial and will fight not just new cats but other new
dogs as well. They tend to mark their territory and will fight anyone who
invades their space. Cats have the same tendencies and even if they are
smaller than to dogs, they will scratch and fight for their territory.

The first step is obedience. This is necessary especially for the dog,
which is usually the aggressor in this kind of situation. You have to train
your dog to obey when you say "no".

Allow your cat to wander around the house. Cats love to roam and this will
make her scent scattered in your home. After doing this, lock your cat in
one room and let your dog wander around the house sniffing for the cat's
scent. This will make your dog acquainted to your cats smell and train the
dog that the cat is part of the household.

Dogs usually start barking whenever they see some other animals in their
territory, hoping to scare them away. They won't really lunge at something
immediately. Once he starts barking, this is where the obedience part
starts to come in. Say "no" and make him realize that the cat is also a
pet.

If your dog starts to calm down when in the presence of the cat, then it's
the time to let him sniff the cat. Once your dog starts to decide not to
bark at your cat you know that you've done the introduction part
successfully.

The final step is making sure that both pets have the time to coexist. This
part is usually the cat's fault. Cats have the tendency to be aloof and
stay away from the dog and other people. It's not because they are afraid
of the dog but more because it's their nature to be alone.