When introducing a new furry friend to a pet that is already part of the household, reactions can range from instant friendship to cautious curiosity — or even outright confusion. One pet parent recently shared their own experience in a series of Instagram videos, capturing the moment their rescue dog, Cactus, met a cat named Miso for the first time.
Video shows a rescue dog and cat surprised to find each other in the same room
The first video shows the initial introduction of Cactus and Miso, with Cactus appearing visibly unsure and startled by Miso’s presence. While the cat keeps its distance, the dog’s tense posture and curious glances reveal his uncertainty about the new furry addition to the household. “This is supposed to be his new friend,” the caption reads, but the owner admits that Cactus’ reaction didn’t go as smoothly as planned. Looking for help, they turned to their followers for advice.
Many viewers jumped in with suggestions, sharing tips on how to help the dog and cat adjust to each other. “I put my dog in a crate and let my cats have free roam of the house safely. It was a process. I also kept my dog on a leash,” one person wrote. Others were optimistic about their future friendship. “Awh I’m sure after some time they’ll get along just fine,” one commenter reassured.
Taking the advice to heart, the owner tried a more gradual approach in subsequent videos. In the second clip, they place Cactus inside a crate while Miso roamed freely nearby. This setup allowed the dog to safely sniff and observe the cat without the risk of overwhelming either pet. Meanwhile, the owner used treats to reward Cactus for remaining calm.
In later updates, Cactus was introduced to Miso while on a leash, ensuring he could be controlled if his excitement grew too much. The third video shows the two animals sitting across the room, curiously watching each other. “So far it’s going pretty well,” wrote the owner, adding that a dog gate was the next step in the process. By the fourth clip, Cactus’ demeanor had noticeably improved, with the pup calmly observing Miso from a distance while the cat perched in a safe, elevated spot.
