“Are you a cat person or a dog person?” Is a question we are commonly asked. But what if you like both cats and dogs? There are many households in which both our canine and feline friends get along well together and you certainly do not have to choose between keeping a cat or dog; you can have both! So what is the best breed of cat to keep when you already have dogs?
Table of contents
- If you like the idea of a really large cat in your family…
- If you would prefer a cat with a massive personality rather than a large body…
- Would you prefer a cat with impish looks and personality?
- If a more laid back and easy going cat breed is your preference…
- When discussing cats which get along well in a home with dogs we cannot forget the domestic shorthair cat.
- Anyone else?
- You might also be interested in:
The answer will depend upon multiple factors; not least of which is, what breed of cat do you personally prefer? But let’s take a look at some of the different breeds of cat and discuss how they might get along in a household with dogs.
If you like the idea of a really large cat in your family…
You could consider a Maine Coon or a Norwegian Forest cat. Both of these breeds are huge cats, but can be considered to be gentle giants with wonderful easy going characteristics. They will generally get along with canine members of the family as well as being really affectionate towards people.
Maine Coons in particular can become very bonded to their humans and in some ways have a nature similar to dogs, in that they will follow you around the house and enjoy observing the activities of the family. Some Maine Coons even enjoy ball games and will play fetch along with your dog! These large cats do enjoy human company and attention; they also require regular grooming to keep their coats tangle free. So do ensure you have enough time to spend with them as well as your dogs.
If you would prefer a cat with a massive personality rather than a large body…
Why not consider a Siamese? These slinky cats are agile and sleek as well as beautiful. When considering the temperament, Siamese cats are almost like dogs themselves! They have endless curiosity and want to “be involved” with household activities. Your Siamese cat may come along with you on your walks and will “talk” to you all day long in their loud and tenacious way. These are not cats to be ignored and are fairly demanding of your time and attention.
Having said that, they can fit into a household with dogs very well, so long as you are sympathetic to their needs. The Burmese is another vocal cat, who enjoys being involved with day to day activities and thrives on attention.
Would you prefer a cat with impish looks and personality?
Then you could consider getting a Devon Rex. These cats are playful, outgoing and intelligent individuals. They are said to be a little bit like pixies in both appearance and temperament, so if you do choose a Devon Rex you might expect some mischief! These cats are similar to dogs in that they love to learn and keep their brains active; so you could teach them a few simple tricks and provide plenty of stimulation for their busy minds with food puzzle toys.
The Devon Rex has an unusual short coat which does not shed so much as many other cat breeds. This could be an advantage if you already have to clean up after your dog. They are happy and inquisitive cats and enjoy the company of dogs if properly introduced. The Cornish Rex is a similar breed, but perhaps slightly less well known.
If a more laid back and easy going cat breed is your preference…
Consider a British Shorthair. These cats are usually easy going, placid individuals so they can get along well with dogs. The British Shorthair cat is a stocky, muscular breed of cat with a dense coat. They are not particularly active cats and they tend to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Although British Shorthair cats are loving towards their people, they are not particularly cuddly and do not enjoy being picked up or carried around. The British shorthair cat’s calm and independent nature make them a great addition to a household with other pets.
When discussing cats which get along well in a home with dogs we cannot forget the domestic shorthair cat.
This commonly seen type of cat is often described as “ordinary”, but once you get to know and love them, nothing could be further from the truth. These loving cats enjoy the attention of people and will happily play games or cuddle on your lap. However, they are generally not too demanding of human attention and are capable of amusing themselves when you are busy, especially if they are allowed to explore and hunt outside. They need less grooming than some of the other breeds mentioned here. This is because their short coat is not too dense and does not tend to get tangled or matted easily.
When these cats are introduced to dogs at an early age they can become the best of friends with your canine companion and will often be found curled up in the dog’s bed with him. If you have a busy household these independent cats can be an excellent choice, provided you can spend some time with them every day to care for them and enjoy their amusing characters.
Anyone else?
This list of cat breeds is not exhaustive and there are many cat breeds which will get along fine in a household with dogs. The best breed for you will often depend upon your personal preferences and the amount of time and attention you can give to your pet cat. Remember that careful introductions are always necessary and your cat should always have an “escape route” to use should they require it, in addition to high vantage points which inquisitive dogs cannot reach. Always supervise your cat and dog while they are introduced and become familiar with each other.
You might also be interested in:
Discussion