How to Introduce a Scared Cat to a Dog

The road to getting your cat and dog to get along can be rough. Thankfully, there are easy steps you can take to make it way less rocky.

by Adrienne A. Kruzer, BBA, RVT, LVT, | March 21, 2024

Melanie DeFazio / Stocksy

Blending multispecies families — when your cat is scared of dogs — requires patience and gradual exposure with positive reinforcement. Rather than forcing a sensitive cat to meet your dog, allow them to come together naturally in a comfortable environment enhanced with plenty of praise and treats.

Why are cats afraid of dogs?

Cats and dogs are not only different species, but most dogs are bigger than most cats. They have a natural prey drive to chase things that are smaller than them. Because of these factors, you may be asking yourself, “Are cats afraid of dogs?” The answer to that question is often: yes. Here are seven reasons why cats are afraid of dogs.

Natural instincts

Some dog breeds have an especially strong prey drive, so their instinct, when they see a cat, is to chase them and catch them. This is very scary for a cat. Not all dogs have these strong natural urges though, so this can vary from breed to breed or in dogs of different ages.

Bad past experiences

If a cat has previously had a negative encounter with a dog, they can develop a fear of them. A cat may not initially be scared of a dog, but if the dog chases them, hurts them, or does something else that frightens them, they will become scared of dogs.

Difficulty interpreting body language

A cat’s body language is different from a dog’s body language. So your cat doesn’t always know what a dog is communicating when they growl, wag their tail, try to play, or exhibit other body language. This can make a cat scared of dog behavior.

Fear of barking

Like with body language, cats may not understand what the noises your dog makes mean. Or they may simply be startled by the barking. Some dogs bark more and louder than others, and this can be scary for a cat who doesn’t know why a dog is making these noises.

High energy level

Some children can be frightening to cats because of their high energy levels, and that’s no different with dogs. Dogs, especially many puppies and high-energy breeds, can scare a cat because of their erratic, fast movements.

Lack of socialization

If you’re researching how to introduce a kitten to a dog, you’ll learn all about how to properly socialize them. Cats that haven’t been exposed to dogs in a calm, controlled manner have not been given the opportunity to learn how to socialize with dogs. They are more likely to be fearful of them.

Size differences

Big things can be scary to little cats. Many dogs are much larger than a cat, and this can be intimidating and even frightening. To a cat, big dogs look like they can more easily harm them.

How to tell if a cat is scared

You don’t have to be fluent in speaking feline to know when your cat is scared. A little understanding of a cat’s body language and behavior is all you need to identify, and know how to help, a scared cat. Some of the common indicators that your cat is stressed include:

Flattened ears: A cat’s ears are normally upright and perky. But if they are scared, they might flatten back onto their head.
Posture: Scared cats may crouch, face sideways, or arch their backs.
Noises: You may be familiar with meowing and purring, but what if you hear a cat hissing at a dog? Hissing, growling, and even screaming are all noises a cat might make when they are scared.
Tail movement: A frightened cat may swish or wag their tail. They may also tuck their tail while assuming a crouched posture.
Dilated pupils: If you notice that your cat’s pupils dilate once a dog enters the room, they are probably scared.
Aggression: Cats are not naturally aggressive creatures, but if they are scared, they may try to bite or scratch. This aggressive behavior is usually a defense mechanism.
Running away: Scared cats who have a way to escape will usually run away.
Hiding: If you see a cat hiding from a dog, this is likely because they are scared and have nowhere to run.
Freezing: Some cats are extremely scared, don’t have a place to hide, or are unable to run away — so they simply freeze in place.

How to introduce a cat to a dog

If you want a peaceful household and happy pets, it is crucial to properly introduce a new cat to a dog. Here are the steps you should follow.

Step 1: Let them sniff

When you introduce your cat and dog, allow them to sniff each other through a baby gate or under a closed door. This will ensure your cat is physically safe from your dog, in case either of them shows any signs of aggression.

Step 2: Create a cat safety zone

Once your dog and cat have had a chance to get used to each other’s smells and there are no signs of aggression, you can allow them to be in the same room together without barriers. To help your cat continue to stay physically safe, you can use a combination of baby gates, furniture, closed doors, and pet exercise pens to create a cat safety zone.

This cat safety zone may vary depending on your home’s layout, other pets, and the additional people in your home. It ultimately serves as space to which your cat can easily escape from your dog. You can also utilize feline pheromones in and outside the cat safety zone, feed calming foods and supplements, or if your veterinarian recommends, administer prescription medications to help your cat temporarily feel safe.

Step 3: Set up escape routes

Now that you’ve created a cat safety zone, you’ll need to provide escape routes that your cat can use to get to this area. You can create an escape route by using furniture your dog can’t jump or climb on (but your cat can), or by propping open a door in such a way that only your cat can slip inside it, leaving your dog behind. Low baby gates that your dog can’t jump over — or special baby gates with openings for cats in them (if you have a larger dog) — can be strategically placed in doorways, too.

It’s also important to have control of your dog to prevent them from chasing your cat when they need to escape. If your dog does not follow basic commands like “sit” and “stay” or “leave it” when they see your cat, keep them on a short leash until they learn to respect your cat’s boundaries.

Step 4: Praise positive behavior

If your cat ventures out, give them lots of verbal praise for that and any other non-fearful behavior, including just sitting somewhere in sight of your dog. You also can reinforce your dog’s good behavior of ignoring your cat by showering them with praise and treats.

Step 5: Let your cat explore at night

Cats are often nocturnal. Confine your dog to a crate or one room while you sleep, and let your cat enjoy free-roaming time at night. This helps reduce their stress levels and enables them to explore without the fear of a dog chasing them.

Put your dog to bed an hour before you turn in, and encourage your cat to come out and spend some quality time with you. This time can be spent playing, snuggling, or simply sitting in the same room with you without your dog. Leave it up to your cat to decide.

Step 6: Be patient

Cats can take weeks to months to get used to even a small change. Living with a dog for the first time is a huge change, so be patient as your cat adjusts.

Commonly asked questions

How to get a cat to like you

If you’re meeting a cat for the first time, or simply trying to get a cat to like you, start by moving down to their level. Sit on the floor near them, but not so close that they back away. Move slowly, and speak softly. Offer your hand to them for sniffing, and let them approach you. Do not try to pick them up or pet them if they don’t want to be pet. You can offer treats or shake a small toy to catch their interest or attention, but patience is key.

Why is my new cat hiding?

A cat may hide due to a change in the environment, which can be difficult for anyone. Hiding can indicate that they are anxious, stressed, or scared. Different smells and sounds, energetic children, intimidating pets, and past negative experiences can cause your cat to hide in an attempt to protect itself or escape from a stressful, scary situation.

How to introduce a kitten to a cat

Introducing a kitten to an adult cat can cause the adult feline stress. To mitigate this, start by allowing your cat to sniff the kitten, and give them a space to get away from the kitty if they want to. Be sure to have at least one more litter box than you have cats, so they don’t have to share if they don’t want to. Offer praise and treats when they are near each other and not exhibiting negative behaviors.