If the answer is no, keep them apart. A closed door or secure gate gives the cat a room with food, water, litter and a resting place the dog cannot enter. Check that the barrier really works for both animals, many cats can climb or slip through a gap. Give the cat places to get up and away. Don't leave them together while you're out or distracted.
Look for the moment before a chase
Watch your dog's body, not only the barking. Stiffening, staring or ignoring your call can mean the cat is too close for a safe practice session. Don't wait for the cat to run and then try to teach a cue. Step back and put the barrier between them. A dog who can calmly glance at the cat and then look away can be rewarded for that choice, but only from a distance where both animals remain comfortable.
For some pairs, even seeing each other through a gate is too much at first. Close the door and slow down. A careful introduction can take longer than you hoped, and some dogs may never be safe sharing space with a cat. No article can promise otherwise. If there has been an attack, injury or persistent intense fixation, keep them separated and get help from a qualified behavior professional and your vet. If either animal was hurt, seek veterinary care promptly.
Tonight's step
Set up the cat's dog-free room before another chase can happen. Keep the animals apart and note what the dog does from a safe distance: loose body and easy disengagement, or stiff focus and attempts to rush. Don't stage a meeting to find out.
The AI trainer can help you sort out the next small step, but a bite or chase that puts the cat at risk needs an individual safety plan, not another test. For a longer plan around shared space, see the dog-and-cat household guide. Keep the barrier and the cat's dog-free room in place while safety is uncertain.
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Sources & care notes
Sources: Best Friends on introducing dogs and cats. Best Friends on preventing chasing.
This article is general education, not veterinary advice. If your dog seems unwell, is in pain, or something changed suddenly, call your vet. If it could be an emergency, do not wait.
Frequently asked questions
Should I let them sort it out?
No. Safety first: separate them fully. Scolding after the fact teaches nothing useful and adds tension.
Can they ever share a home?
Sometimes. Success depends on the individuals, the setup and how much chasing has been rehearsed.
What is the reintroduction plan?
Space apart, scent swaps, visual barriers, then supervised proximity at a distance where the dog stays calm.
What if the dog is obsessed with the cat?
Keep them fully separated behind a closed door or baby gates, and keep it that way until every visit goes calmly at a distance.
