Dachshund and cat under one roof - how to make it work

The first question I get from cat owners considering a dachshund: “will they kill each other?”. The answer: usually no, but it takes work.

A dachshund is a predator

Genetically the dachshund is a hunting dog. A small, fast, furry object = prey. A cat running across the apartment triggers every instinct.

This does not mean they cannot get along. It just means we do not leave them alone at the start.

Step-by-step introduction

Week 1: scent before sight

• Swap blankets between dog and cat to share scents
• Feed them on either side of a closed door - they hear and smell each other

Week 2: controlled meeting

• Dog on leash
• Cat has vertical escape route (cat tree, shelf)
• 5-10 minutes, end before the dog winds up

Week 3-4: shared room

• Short joint sessions under supervision
• Treats for calm ignoring of the cat

After 4-6 weeks - you can leave them alone if both are relaxed.

What not to do

• Do not pick up the cat and show the dog - cat panics, dog gets the signal “this is a valuable object”
• Do not punish the dog for interest - that is instinct. Punish for attack.
• Do not confine the cat to one room - they need choice and vertical paths

When to give up

A dachshund older than 5 who never lived with a cat - very hard. Possible but requires months of behaviorist work.

Some dachshunds, especially wire-haired, have a stronger prey drive and are “no-go” with cats. Hard to predict - only a “trial week” request before adoption.

Success

In our studio for 4 years dachshund Bruno has lived with cat Bonifacy. They sleep together on a shirt. Bonifacy regularly steals Bruno’s treats. Bruno pretends not to see.