How to Help Your Dog and Cat Become Best Friends: New Research Gives Us Answers

If you’re a proud pet parent to both a dog and a cat, you’ve probably wondered: can they truly get along? The good news is — yes, they can! But how you introduce them plays a big role.

A recent study by Dogs Trust — the UK’s largest dog welfare charity — offers fascinating insights on how to create a peaceful bond between your canine and feline companions.

Timing Matters: Don’t Rush the Introduction

According to the research, rushing the first meeting often leads to problems. About 20% of dog owners introduced their new puppy to their resident cat right away — and nearly 19% of those dogs showed aggressive behavior within the first 2 hours. Yikes!

But when introductions were done gradually, allowing both pets time to adjust, the chances of a friendly relationship improved significantly.

Puppies Under 12 Weeks Adapt Better

The study also found that puppies introduced to cats before 12 weeks old — and given more than a day to get used to each other — were much calmer and more relaxed around their feline siblings. Less than 10% of puppies stayed calm when rushed into meeting a cat.

Common Early Behaviors to Watch For

When first meeting, many puppies may:

• Act overly playful or hyper

• Chase or bother the cat

• Display mild aggression or territorial behavior

According to Dr. Rachel Casey, veterinary behaviorist at Dogs Trust:

“Take things slowly. Set up the environment so the cat feels safe and not threatened by the puppy.”

Slow & Steady Wins the Race

The key takeaway? Patience is your best friend. Letting your pets meet in a controlled, stress-free environment — at the cat’s own pace — gives both animals the best chance to build trust and harmony.

This important research, based on data from over 9,500 puppies (including 4,500 with cat interactions), was presented at New Scientist Live 2024 in London.