Many dogs and cats live together in harmony, but it’s important to consider the safety of both animals. Use these recommendations for relatively stress-free beginnings.

• Work on your dog’s basic obedience. “Leave it” and coming when called are useful.

• When you bring your animal home, immediately separate the cat and dog into their own living spaces.

• Feed the dog and cat on opposite sides of a door for a positive association.

• Use two hand towels and rub one on the dog and cat. Place each towel with the opposite animal to allow him/her to experience the other animal’s scent.

• After a few days, switch the animals’ locations so they can investigate each other’s living spaces.

• After at least a week, bring your dog on leash into a room with your cat on the opposite side. Engage your dog in basic obedience, treating for calm behavior. Have another person play with your cat.

• Repeat these short introductions, increasing their length and decreasing distance. If your cat runs away or your dog becomes reactive, go back to previous steps.

• If these incident-free greetings, drop the dog’s leash but continue to engage him and the cat in separate activities.

• Your dog should remain dragging his leash for the first month. Always supervise the animals when you are home and keep them separated when you are away.