The Art of Introducing Your Cats and Dogs to Each Other

Photos of dogs and cats playing together are often so cute! But in reality, when these animals get together, they can be anything but cute unless their animal networking is done with some finesse. Here are some pointers to the fine art of introducing cats and dogs to one another below. Please add your own tips, too, so we can all help these guys mingle better!

1) Slow is best here. Dogs and cats need time to get used to each other. Just remember that you are in charge. Don't allow or tolerate any abuse. Example: if a dog gets aggressive, stomp your foot and say, "No!" in a very firm, loud manner, while protecting kitty. Let the dogs know you mean business.

2) The rule of thumb: a dog will try to rule, so anything running or going by its path in a hurried manner at all is up for a chase. Cats understand this, actually, and remain as still as possible during interactions most often, turning and walking away S-L-O-W-L-Y. They like to have shelter, and rightly so, so when you introduce the animals, allow a safe place for kitty, like making a tunnel out of a pillow or chair...something for kitty to be "behind" out of reach of the dog.

3) Let the dog sniff and lick kitty's head and ears, if it wants, while you hold the kitty or stay near, making sure kitty is safe. Dogs need to check everything out like this, even sniffing poop, so it's a habit, an instinct. The cat will remain still.

4) Only introduce dogs and cats for short time periods initially, building up to longer periods gradually. If there are two dogs, and especially if one is more aggressive, introduce the gentler dog to the cat first, leaving the aggressive dog out of the mix. Let the gentler dog befriend kitty over time first. Then later, when it's safe, bring the aggressive dog in - slowly, introducing the threesome. As soon as any dog gets aggressive, put your foot down.

5) Let the animals see you interact with the others; for example, let the dog see you feed the cat and vice versa; have dog bowls for each dog, and a cat bowl for kitty. Hold kitty while you watch the dog play, then stay with the dog while you watch the kitty. This shows tolerance and love for all.

6) Make sure all animals have their shots up to date, rabies shots included, and their updated pet tags because it only takes one bite or one animal to race out the door during training times for things to turn nasty - and fast.

OK, your turn! Any tips to add?