You may think that cats and dogs that live together are constantly fighting but millions of household have a cat and dog family. It’s best to raise them together so that both can live peacefully.  If that’s not possible, it’s usually easier to have the cat first.  This way, you could choose a gentle dog that does not have any hunting instincts. You can even choose a dog that has successfully lived with cats already. When you introduce the new member or your family whether it be the cat or the dog, the introduction must be made gradually starting with just the scent of each animal.  For the first several weeks, meetings must be supervised. Always keep the dog on his dog leash during this period. The cat should have an escape route to a safe place that’s completely inaccessible to the dog. With patience, and lots of rewards for good behavior the cat and dog can learn to live a peaceful, happy life together. Remember, your pets count!