Introducing a new dog to your cat can be a bit of a challenge, but with patience and the right approach, you can help them get along or at least accept each other. Here’s what I did when I faced the same situation:

Firstly, before bringing your new dog home, make sure your cat has its own safe space. Cats are territorial, and having a spot where they feel secure is crucial. I set up a room for my cat with all her essentials: litter box, food, water, and a cosy bed.

When the new dog arrives, keep them separated initially. You can use baby gates or keep the dog in a crate when they can’t be closely supervised. This prevents any direct confrontational encounters. I did this for the first few days, and it really helped.

Gradual introductions are key. Start by swapping their scents. I used to take a blanket from the dog and put it near my cat, and vice versa. This way, they get used to each other’s scent without direct interaction.

When you feel they are ready, introduce them face-to-anyace whilst keeping the dog on a leash. Ensure the cat has an easy escape route. I always watched their body language closely during these introductions for any signs of stress or aggression.

Continue these controlled introductions daily, gradually increasing their length if things go well.

Remember, patience is essential! It took a couple of weeks, but now my cat and dog peacefully coexist. They have even become quite friendly towards each other, which honestly was the best outcome I could have hoped for.