By Maria Azzurra VolpeShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberCats are highly stressed creatures, and any change in their environment can trigger them, especially if it involves a dog. That is why many owners find it difficult to bring a new pup home to their established cat.
But this doesn’t mean that you can’t get a canine; you just have to choose the right one. While most dogs can be trained to live peacefully with cats, some are naturally more inclined to enjoy life with felines and have higher chances of winning their love.
Newsweek asked veterinarians to share their best recommendations when it comes to pairing cats and dogs in your household, and some of them might surprise you.
...Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Dr. Jamie Richardson, chief medical officer at Small Door Veterinary, told Newsweek that Cavalier King Charles spaniels are among the best options. This breed is known for having a gentle temperament and low prey drive, making them perfect companions for felines.
...Bernese Mountain Dogs
Despite their size, Bernese mountain dogs are generally a very relaxed and calm breed, and with some patience and training, they can be wonderful companions for felines, and even become best of friends.
...Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are known for being a naturally gentle breed, and they love making new friends, regardless of whether it is with a dog, human, or a cat. Golden retrievers of any age will do great around felines, but it is best to introduce them sooner than later.
...Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers are among the pups with the sweetest and most gentle personality, which makes them great family pets. They also do great around other companion animals, including cats. If given a proper introduction and enough time to get to know your kitty, then they can become best of friends.
...Pug
Because pugs were bred specifically for being companion animals, they don’t have a prey drive, which means they will probably not chase cats around like many other breeds instinctively would. This doesn’t mean that they don’t need a proper introduction.
How To Introduce a New Dog to Your Cat?
Introducing a new dog to your cat takes time and patience, but it is all worth the effort in the end. Dr. Chyrle Bonk, veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek letting each animal smell items that the other animal has touched—anything from bedding to your clothes—can help alert them to the other animal before actually seeing them.
"From there, supervision is key when introducing a new cat and dog. Keep your dog on a leash, and consider keeping your cat behind some kind of see-through barrier, such as a screen or window," Bonk said.
It is crucial that you don’t force either one to interact until they are comfortable, and that you keep carrying out frequent short visits until neither animal gets upset. You can then remove the barrier but still keep your dog on a leash.
"Again, allow the interaction to occur on their terms and keep the interactions short. Once both anim,als are comfortable with this, you can remove your dog’s leash, but still be near to supervise," Bonk added.
How Do You Know if Your Cat and Dog Like Each Other?
According to Richardson, if both pets show a relaxed body language, and look comfortable in each other's presence, they probably like each other.
"Look for relaxed body language in both pets that shows an animal is comfortable and not feeling threatened. In dogs and cats, this usually means muscles are not tense, movements are easy and fluid, and the body is not stiff or crouched. Ears, tail, and facial expression should also look soft rather than fixed or rigid," Richardson said.
Cats may choose to rest near the dog or engage in gentle play, while pups show signs of curiosity without fixation. Consistent calm interactions are the best indicator of a positive relationship.
What Do You Do if They Do Not Like Each Other?
If you think your pets don’t like each other, create physical separation and reintroduce them using a slower, structured process, supported by positive reinforcement.
"Provide elevated spaces for the cat and controlled movement for the dog to reduce stress. If tension continues, your veterinarian can help create a personalized behavior plan," Richardson said.
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