Training Your Dog to Coexist with Cats: A Guide

why do dogs chase cats
Rita_Kochmarjova/Shutterstock.com

Written by Amber Cruz

Published: January 17, 2025

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Many pet owners know cats and dogs can live happily together in one home, despite cartoons and commonly used metaphors that say otherwise. That doesn’t mean it’s always easy for them to get along. Dogs like to chase cats, at least some dogs. Why do dogs chase cats?

Instinct

Dog chasing a Cat

If you notice your dog trying to chase after your cat, you should act quickly to address/resolve the issue.

Specific breeds like herding and hunting dogs have an instinct to chase smaller animals that move like prey. The good news is just because they have a predisposition to chase them doesn’t mean they can’t be taught not to terrorize the family feline. It might be a lengthy training process and in some severe cases, require a behaviorist, but it’s possible. In homes with dogs that have high prey drives and act aggressively toward smaller animals, common sense and best practice indicate it’s best not to have a cat. 

If you notice your dog trying to chase after your cat, you should act quickly to address/resolve the issue. The longer your dog is allowed to chase the cat without consequence, the harder it is to extinguish the behavior. Keep them separated until the behavior is resolved. A baby gate that separates them in the home will help you control their interactions with each other. 

Exercise

Routine exercise may curb your dog’s need to chase the family feline.

For dog breeds that don’t have a high prey drive or puppies, sometimes chasing the cat can be a form of play. They find it fun to run after them the same way when chasing after a ball you throw. When training a dog or breaking them out of destructive behavior, it’s essential to make sure they receive enough mental and physical stimulation. 

Take your dog out for daily walks, or play a game of fetch with them. If your dog enjoys chasing the cat, they would probably get just as much enjoyment chasing after a ball or frisbee. Give them ways to expend their energy in an appropriate setting. Exercising them might help with the training, but don’t overdo it. Training them can also be tiring for a dog. Make sure you give them enough exercise to take the edge off but make sure they still have enough energy to focus.  

Introductions

The child feeds the dog and cat together. House. Close-up. The concept of pet food, treat. High quality photo.

Slowly reintroducing the two can help your cat feel safe and more confident around the dog. 

Even if your dog and cat have already met before, it’s essential to reintroduce them in a controlled setting. Your main objective is to teach your dog to ignore the cat, but it’s equally as important to make sure your cat feels comfortable around the dog. Slowly reintroducing the two can help your cat feel safe and more confident around the dog. 

Use a baby gate and section off two rooms in your home. Put them on each side so they can see each other. Make a habit of feeding both of them on either side of the gate when they are together. Feeding them at the same time close to each other will help them associate each other with something good. When separated, if your dog displays interest in the cat while on the other side, start the training process with them separated by the gate, get a low-calorie training treat you can use, and start by calling your dog’s attention to you. When your dog looks at you, reward them with a treat. For a quick form of praise, get a clicker or use a confirmation like yes or good when giving them a treat. 

Commands

Dog Whistles

Teaching your dog to follow commands is a strategy to develop your dog’s tolerance of the cat.

Leave it and come are two powerful commands that are beneficial when teaching your dog for a handful of scenarios. It is helpful to teach the dog one of those commands when dealing with a dog that chases a cat. You can practice the command with a high-value item to start training them. When the dog approaches the toy or food, say “Leave It” or call your dog to you. If they turn to give you their attention, you should click or say “Yes” and immediately provide them with a treat.

Repeat those steps until you feel like your dog has a firm grasp of that command. A strong call-back command like “come” is also a great way to stop them from pursuing the cat. If you struggle with teaching them basic commands, get help from a professional trainer or behaviorist. 

Confidence

Dog and cat sleeping together

The less nervous and jumpy the cat is around the dog, the less they trigger the dog’s instincts to chase them. 

The best way to help your cat get confident with your dog is to make it impossible for your dog to chase the cat. Give them ways to feel safe and comfortable in the house and even in the same room. Baby gate sections of the house where they can leave and separate themselves if they start to feel uncomfortable, and put cat towers or shelves that they can climb to get away from the dog. When you let the cat into the same room, feed them a high-value treat anytime they show confidence approaching the dog. The less nervous and jumpy the cat is around the dog, the less they trigger the dog’s instincts to chase them. 

Leash 

cats are fierce animal mothers!

Cats and dogs can live harmoniously, but it may take persistence and patience.

Using a rope or nylon adjustable leash, put your dog in the same room as your cat. You should start off keeping your dog on a short leash and allowing your cat to roam the room freely. When your dog is looking at the cat, call to your dog or tell your dog to leave it every time your dog looks away from the cat, give the dog a treat. Once you feel like your dog can ignore the cat on a shorter leash, extend it to provide the dog with more room to roam. Repeat the same process of calling your dog over every time the dog looks at the cat. 

If your dog barks or lunges at the cat to run after them, correct them by firmly saying no or making a loud noise, then shorten the leash and repeat the steps. The idea is to teach them a strong command that when they are off-leash, you can call them over before they start to chase after the cat and teach them that they get a reward for ignoring them. Using a leash is a great training tool that gives you control and ensures the cat’s safety. 

Should You Get A Cat? 

A girl with her cat and dog

Consider all of the angles before adding a cat to a dog house.

If you have a dog that you know likes to chase small animals or has a high prey drive, and you want a cat, consider getting a cat that will match your dog’s personality. Regardless of the temperament of your cat, be prepared to do some training. If you find a cat that is also high energy and likes to play, it might help them adjust to each other. A low-key, laid-back cat might not be best for a high-energy dog. Keep that in mind when you are looking for a cat. Also, consider enlisting the help of a certified trainer when you first introduce them to help with the introduction. Safety should be your primary concern. If you have a dog that acts aggressively towards smaller animals, you should reconsider getting a cat. 

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About the Author

Amber Cruz

Amber Cruz is a Pet Wellness Freelance writer for hire with 5+ years of Veterinary experience in the Emergency and Specialty Care Veterinary Field. She likes to educate the average dog and cat owner on how to enhance their pet’s life and advocate for their optimal healthcare. If she isn’t writing you can find her in the Veterinary clinic she works at, hanging out with her two rats Puff and Boo, or at a stand-up comedy open mic in Connecticut.

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