10 dog breeds that are good with cats

Finding a dog that gets along with cats

Got a cat about the house? If you’re thinking about bringing a new dog into the mix, choosing a breed that’s known for getting along with cats is a good place to start. With the right match and a little preparation, cats and dogs can live happily together.

Some dog breeds are naturally more sociable, calm and gentle with cats. But others have a high prey drive, making them more likely to chase or catch smaller animals, including cats. That said, breed alone doesn’t guarantee a perfect match. Each dog has its own unique personality, and things like their age, training and past experiences can all play a role in how well they adapt to living with a cat.

It’s also important to consider your cat. If your feline friend is easily stressed, territorial or prefers a quiet life, they might need extra time and space to adjust to a new dog. Keep in mind that stress can lead to other conditions in cats, like overgrooming and urinary problems. And it’s always worth having cat insurance to keep your beloved pet protected.

Even a typically relaxed cat could struggle with a playful puppy that’s still learning boundaries. But, with a slow introduction, safe spaces and a bit of patience, most pets can learn to coexist peacefully.

Choosing a dog breed that’s naturally more cat-friendly gives you the best chance of success. Take some time to do your research to find the right fit for your home. Our tips are here to help you get started.

10 dog breeds that get along with cats

1. Golden retrievers are gentle giants that are known for their friendly, sociable and patient nature. Intelligent and highly trainable, they can learn how to respect a cat’s space and can form affectionate bonds with their feline companions
2. Labrador retrievers are naturally friendly, social and adaptable, which helps them coexist peacefully with cats. They’re affectionate and easy-going, meaning they’re more likely to see moggies as friends rather than rivals
3. Cavalier King Charles spaniels are affectionate, friendly and thrive on companionship, whether it’s with humans or other animals. They’re gentle and adaptable, making them well-suited to living with cats, especially if they’ve been introduced at a young age
4. Basset hounds have a relaxed and laid-back temperament, making them less likely to chase or bother cats. They’re friendly and easy-going, and their low energy levels could mean they’re more likely to enjoy napping with a cat, rather than chasing them around
5. Poodles are highly intelligent and trainable, meaning they can learn to respect a cat’s space and boundaries. Whether standard, miniature or toy, this breed can form close bonds with their feline housemates if they’re socialised properly
6. Beagles were originally bred as pack animals. This means they’re naturally sociable and tend to get along with other animals, including cats. They’re friendly, curious and playful, but their hunting instincts mean early socialisation is key for a harmonious household
7. Collies are gentle, intelligent and eager to please. Although they have strong herding instincts, they’re more likely to form close bonds with cats, especially when raised together
8. Newfoundlands are laid-back, calm and gentle with cats, despite their large size. They’re known for being nurturing and often have a protective instinct around smaller animals, including cats
9. Maltese dogs are small affectionate and naturally gentle, meaning they often see cats as their companions rather than their rivals. Their relaxed and friendly personalities help them integrate easily into multi-pet households
10. Shih tzus were bred as companion dogs, making them friendly and sociable. Easy-going by nature, they’re unlikely to chase or intimidate a cat, which makes them a great match for feline friends

Of course, we haven’t listed every cat-friendly dog breed here. There are plenty of other dogs that get along with cats, such as boxers, papillons, cocker spaniels and even some greyhounds. The key is to do your research, speak to your vet and consider your pets’ personalities before deciding. And if you’re getting a dog from a rescue centre check with the staff there whether it will suit a home with cats.

It’s also a good idea to think about dog insurance to help cover any unexpected vet bills for your new loyal companion.

Introducing a new dog to your cat

Decided to bring home a pet pup? Early socialisation, positive reinforcement and gentle, supervised interactions are key to creating a peaceful relationship between resident cats and new arrivals.

Here’s how to make introductions as smooth as possible:

1. Swap scents

Before they meet face-to-face, let your pets get used to each other’s scents by swapping bedding or toys. Place the item that smells of your new pet in a familiar spot for your cat to investigate. If possible, ask the current carer of your new pet to do the same with an item that smells of your cat. Do this for at least a week until after your new pup is home. Keep going until neither pet reacts negatively to the other’s scent.

2. Create separate spaces

Both pets need a safe space to retreat to. Make sure both animals have separate areas with their own bedding, food, water and litter or toileting area. Keep them apart at first by using a baby gate or by simply keeping doors closed. This should give both pets time to adjust and can help prevent unwanted chasing.

3. Start with supervised introductions

Once your pets are comfortable with each other’s scents, start with slow, supervised introductions. Keep your dog on a lead at first. If your dog does get overexcited or tries to chase the cat, don’t tell them off as this can create negative associations. Instead, move your dog further away and build up contact slowly. Always reward your dog for staying calm around the cat.

4. Let your cat set the pace

Cats are smaller and more vulnerable, so they should always have the option to leave the room if they feel uncomfortable. Never restrain your cat or force interactions with your dog. Make sure to keep your dog under control and keep rewarding them for good behaviour.

5. Finally, be patient

Building a good relationship between your cat and dog can take time, so don’t rush the process. Keep both animals separate until you’re confident your dog can be trusted around the cat. Don’t leave them unsupervised too soon.

Keep reinforcing calm behaviour and training your dog to stay calm and relaxed around their feline housemate. Make sure they get plenty of exercise and mental stimulation – walks, playtime and training sessions can all help reduce your dog’s urge to chase.

If things aren’t improving, speak to your vet or a pet behaviourist for more advice.

What about pet insurance?

Whether you’re welcoming a new pet or already have both a cat and a dog at home, pet insurance is an important way to protect their health. Even the most well-behaved pets can have accidents or develop unexpected illnesses, leading to expensive vet bills. Insurance can help cover these costs, giving you peace of mind that you can provide the care they need without financial stress.

Key takeaways

• Choosing the right breed can help create a happy, peaceful home. Some dog breeds are naturally more cat-friendly than others, but temperament, training and early socialisation play a big role too. Research your options and think about how your cat will adjust before bringing a new dog home
• Introduce your pets slowly and carefully. Start with scent swapping before moving onto supervised introductions. Keep your dog on a lead at first and reward them for calm behaviour. Never force interactions and make sure your cat has an easy escape route if they feel overwhelmed. You should also give each pet their own safe spaces while they get used to each other
• It’s important to insure your pets. It can help provide peace of mind for multi-pet households and help cover unexpected vet bills. That means you can focus on keeping both your cat and dog healthy and happy