Once you already have a dog and you are interested in buying or adopting a cat, you might find yourself struggling to find which cat breeds get along with other dogs. We all know of the lifelong battle that cats do not tend to get along with dogs, and the other way around. However, this is most definitely not always the case. We, of course, understand that you do not want to risk any struggles between a new cat and your dog.
Therefore, we have put together a list of cat breeds that generally tend to get along with dogs in a great way. This can be due to their character, nature or general interests. So, if you are wondering what the best cat breeds are that suit with your dog, you can find them in this article.
Various cat breeds that go well together with dogs
There are various cat breeds that are known to go well together with dogs. We have put them together in a list for you, so you can easily consider which cat will be the perfect match to pair with you and your dog.
1. Abyssinian
This cat breed is characterized by its high-energy and friendly character. Abyssinian cats love to play and go outside. Due to the fact that they are very friendly, it probably does not take a long time for your cat and dog to be friends. They can also play together, if your dog also enjoys to do so. An Abyssinian is also rather easy to take care for and does not shed a lot. With its life expectancy of about 13 years, your dog and this cat breed can grow old together.
2. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair cat is a very relaxed cat. Therefore, they can easily adapt to situations, such as living with a dog. They also like to play every once in a while, especially as they feel more comfortable in their new home. Generally, however, the American Shorthair cat will enjoy its naps over some playing time.
This is not to say that they do not like to be challenged. This cat breed is very smart and therefore loves to be challenged by games or toys. It should however be noted that an American Shorthair can shed a lot. Therefore, it is recommended to frequently brush and groom this cat breed. The life expectancy of this specific cat breed is estimated to 15 to 20 years, which makes it a perfect family cat.
3. British Shorthair
As with the American Shorthair cat, the British Shorthair cat is also known to be very easy going and relaxed. This, again, makes it that these types of cats can adjust to different situations very quickly. Therefore, living with a dog, or any other animal for that matter, will not scare or frustrate them. They are also very certain and self-confident, which allows this cat breed to get along with puppies and younger/active dogs. In comparison to the American Shorthair cat, the British Shorthair cat tends to shed less. However, they do have a lower life expectancy of up to 17 years.
4. Birman
This cat breed looks very unique due to their fluffy white fur, brown tail and face, and their blue eyes. A Birman cat can be very relaxed and calm, while also enjoying to play from time to time. This makes the Birman cat breed the ideal cat breed to fit in with your older dog. They also love some attention from their owners. This might also cause that Birman cats can even go on a walk together with their owners (and dog). As the coat of a Birman is extremely fluffy, it will shed. Therefore, it might be helpful to regularly brush this cat breed. With a general lifespan of 12 to 16 years, your dog is in for a lifelong friend.
5. Bombay
A Bombay cat is a hybrid cat breed. This means that it is a crossbred of a Burmese and American Shorthair. This cat breed therefore shares characteristics of these two cats, which shows in their energetic, yet easy-going character. It should however be noted, that the Bombay cat loves hierarchy and likes to be the boss. Therefore, it might take a little time for your dog and this cat to figure out their positions within the family.
However, once this is settled, they love to play and are eager to learn. In turn, they also like to relax together with the family. This cat breed is also perfect if you do not want or have the time to take care of a shedding fur, as the Bombay cat barely sheds. A Bombay cat can also be enjoyed by the family for a long time with an estimated lifespan of 12 to 20 years.
6. Devon Rex
If your dog is energetic and loves to play, the Devon Rex cat is a perfect match. Devon Rex’s enjoy playing with company, whether this is a dog or human. They also like attention through pets and cuddles. This contributes in making this cat ideal for a family home. A Devon Rex also barely sheds, which makes the care for this cat rather low standard. The lifespan of this cat is estimated between 9 and 15 years.
7. Japanese Bobtail
This cat breed is a perfect family cat, who will blend well with a dog. Japanese Bobtail cats are characterized by their love to play. They also like spending time with their family. They therefore enjoy playing outside, while also loving a cuddle and relaxing on the couch. Please be aware of the fact that these cats adore water. So, they might make a little mess when playing with and stamping in their water bowl. Japanese Bobtail cats also like playing together, so your dog will have a play buddy in no time. The fur of a Japanese Bobtail cat does shed a medium amount, which is something you have to keep in mind. The estimated lifespan of this cat breed ranges from 9 to 15 years.
8. Maine Coon
A Maine Coon cat is a large cat, which might even become bigger than your dog. They are known for their caring and warm-hearted character. They for example love to be close to you. However, they can also entertain themselves very well. Due to the fact that Maine Coon cats love to be surrounded by others, playing together with a dog will be the highpoint of their day. To note, a Maine Coon cat has a full coat, which makes it to shed highly. Regularly grooming and vacuuming is therefore recommended if you choose this type of cat to be your dog’s new companion. A Maine Coon cat can live up to 15 years.
9. Norwegian Forest
A Norwegian Forest cat is very gentle, loving and peaceful. They love to be surrounded by family members and enjoy the attention given to them. As they are very attached to their owners, this cat breed might not be the biggest fan of strangers or meeting new people. Together with a dog, their more playful character will most likely pop up.
A Norwegian Forest cat also loves water, which causes for lots of fun playtime with your dog. However, the fur of a Norwegian Forest cat does require some attention. It is known to shed a lot, especially as the various seasons pass by. The expected lifespan of a Norwegian Forest cat is about 13 years.
10. Ragdoll
This cat breed is extremely relaxed and will not look up any differently from a dog entering their life. As with the Birman, this cat has a white body, brown tail and face, and blue eyes. They enjoy most of their day by relaxing in and around the house. On the other hand, though, a Ragdoll cat likes to play with their furry mates from time to time. So, especially if your dog is not extremely active or is already a senior, a Ragdoll cat can be the perfect match. They do tend to shed a lot, which can be diminished by grooming or regularly brushing. Generally, the Ragdoll cat breed lives for about 12 to 17 years.
11. Siberian
This, often, orange cat breed with orange eyes and thick fur is a loving, yet energetic cat. A Siberian cat deals extremely well in an environment with lots of people and other animals. They are therefore a often used cat breed to pair up with a dog or other pet. Specifically, as these cats are very balanced in dividing their time for playing and relaxing. You should, however, be aware of the fact that (lots of) shedding will happen with this cat. Siberian cats have an estimated lifespan of about 11 to 18 years.
12. Tonkinese
This cat is a hybrid cat breed, combining a Burmese and Siamese cat. That has caused the Tonkinese cat to be an affectionate, yet playful cat breed. They absolutely love any attention they can get. Therefore, the Tonkinese cat loves to be accompanied by another pet. This makes them a perfect cat to go well together with dogs. As the Tonkinese cat breed also tend to enjoy playing, your dog will have a new play buddy for the rest of its life. Their fur also requires little to no care, with little shedding being characteristic for this cat breed. A Tonkinese cat has a life expectancy between 10 and 16 years.
13. Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora cat breed has a full fur, however barely sheds. They are known to look very graceful, however having a smart and out-going character. This makes them to love to be challenged through playing and learning new tricks. Your dog and this cat will therefore accompany one another greatly if your dog loves playing too. A Turkish Angora cat can live from 12 to 18 years, making it a wonderful family cat.
14. Turkish Van
If your dog loves to play with or in the water, the Turkish Van cat will match great. This cat breed also requires a decent amount of attention, with which a dog can help greatly. They can play together and challenge one another, while you can enjoy some alone time. And, although a Turkish Van cat has a thick coat, they barely shed. As with the Turkish Angora cat, the life expectancy lays between 12 to 18 years.
How to make sure your dog and new cat will adjust to each other
After picking the right cat breed to match with you and your dog, it is important to know how your dog and new cat will adjust to one another. Please keep in mind that this might take some time. Especially, if you adopt an older cat and already have an older dog in your house. They simply will need some time to get used to one another, while also establishing their new hierarchy.
You can help this process by first keeping your dog and cat separate from one another. This way, your new cat can get adjusted to his or her new environment at their own pace. Once your cat is adjusted, you can start by feeding your dog and cat at the same time. You might first want to do this with a closed door in between the two. As this goes well, you can slowly start by opening the door. If both your dog and cat are comfortable and relax, you can start to introduce them to one another.
We recommend you to do so on ‘neutral grounds’, meaning that you do not let them meet another in their private space. Also, always allow your dog or cat to leave to their safe space. This ensures safety of the cat and dog, making sure they can get adjusted to each other on their own pace. You can also reward your cat and dog if encounters with each other go well. You can repeat these meet ups as often as necessary.
If both your cat and dog are perfectly adjusted to one another, you can start by leaving the two alone. It is advised to firstly do so when you are still in the house, to step in if necessary.
Making sure your dog and cat get along well
As could be read in this article, there are numerous ways you can make sure your dog and cat will get along well together. We firstly recommend you to look at the cat breeds listed above, which are cats that are known to be good matches to dogs. Of course, there are still some differences in character and nature, which allows you to pick the cat breed that fits the character and nature of your dog.
The various cat breeds that go well with dogs are: Abyssinian cat, American Shorthair cat, British Shorthair cat, Birman cat, Bombay cat, Devon Rex cat, Japanese Bobtail cat, Maine Coon cat, Norwegian Forest cat, Ragdoll cat, Siberian cat, Tonkinese cat, Turkish Angora cat, and Turkish Van cat.
If you want to make sure that your dog and new cat will get adjusted to one another in a peaceful and harmonious way, there are various steps you can take:
- Pick a cat breed that fits you and the nature of your dog.
- Take the time to let them get used to one another and their new environment.
- Keep your dog and cat separate from one another.
- Start feeding your dog and cat close to the door, while opening the door a little more each time this goes well.
- Introduce your dog and cat to each other on neutral grounds, while making sure that both can leave the room if necessary.
- Reward both your dog and cat if their meet up goes well.
- Once your dog and cat are all comfortable and adjusted, you can start leaving them alone. It is recommended to do this first when you are still at home. That way you can intervene if this is necessary.
After reading this article, we are curious to know what your experience is with cat breeds that get along with dogs. Do you have a different cat breed that matched very well with your dog? Or, do you have any more tips to make sure a cat and dog get adjusted to each other properly? Please let us know in the comments!
