If you are looking for cat breeds that get along with dogs, you may want to consider your options.
This can be a nerve-wracking experience for first-time owners. But don’t worry; we’ve done the legwork for you.
Several cat breeds can happily coexist with dogs, given time to live with each other. If you have puppies and kittens that share the same personality, they can nap together and grow to be real friends. You need a gentle, laid-back, and friendly cat. Plus, you should focus on a slow induction process for the best results.
Cats are affectionate and playful pets. However, not all cat breeds are suited to living with a dog.
The last thing you want is a feline friend that displays antagonizing and aggressive behavior towards your dog.
Therefore, it is vital that you check the potential cat breed’s personality, temperament, and level of socialization before bringing one into your home.
The best cats are social, playful, and confident. Once the boundaries are established in the house, they love to play with their canine friends.
The most important aspect of selecting a cat is finding a cat personality that matches your dog’s.
Read on to learn which cat is best for you!
15 Cat Breeds That Get Along With Dogs
Below are 15 cat breeds that get along with dogs (source 1):
1. Maine Coon
Maine Coon cats are calm, social, and gentle.
They are considered to be a playful cat breed and not highly territorial.
A Maine Coon cat is likely to follow your puppy around the room and cuddle it!
Along with their playful side, Maine Coons are the only large cat breed that acts like they are a dog too.
If you fancy owning a Maine Coon cat, make sure you read my guide first: How to buy a Maine Coon cat.
2. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is:
- Intelligent
- Social
- Loyal
Additionally, it also has a personality of being peaceful.
Although not a clingy breed, this breed is accommodating in nature and will not respond with aggression.
If your dog is annoying it, the British Shorthair will likely wait for things to calm down rather than reacting.
Being an intelligent cat breed, the British Shorthair will play cheerfully with your dog. It will also love playing many dog activities.
3. Norwegian Forest Cat
This cat breed is naturally athletic and playful, and most folks consider the Norwegian Forest Cat a dog lovers’ cat.
Their affectionate personality makes them an ideal choice for most dog breeds.
The Norwegian Forest also has a strong nurturing instinct.
Being a large-sized medium cat, it can play roughly around your puppies.
It is worth mentioning that Norwegian Forest cats are thought to have a better personality when raised with a puppy.
Not sure whether to adopt a Norwegian Forest Cat or Maine Coon? If so, read my guide: Maine Coon Vs Norwegian Forest Cat.
4. The Ragdoll
This is one of the best cat breeds for dog lovers.
The Ragdoll loves to befriend everyone, especially other cats and dogs.
This cat breed is not territorial or irritated by intrusion. Thus, your cat will not fight back when your clueless pouch oversteps the boundaries.
If you introduce another dog to your home, the Ragdoll will happily engage in play with it. Once it gets used to the canine friend, the cat will become openly affectionate.
Still, this cat breed does tend to be very playful and can learn to fetch. Their strong bodies are perfect for rough playing.
5. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a curious breed that likes to interact with other dogs.
They are sociable and intelligent cats, with a confident nature, and like to be around dogs.
Another personality trait of this breed is that they love to walk a lot!
Most of the time, you will see the cats engage in a chase game.
If you bring this cat breed into your home, be ready to initiate constant interaction.
6. Birman
Birman cats may look short and cute but can be playful too. These cats make a wonderful choice for families with dogs.
They are:
- Gentle
- Affectionate
- Friendly
- Curious
The Birman has an easy-going nature and loves to fetch with their canine friends.
Despite their posh appearance, the Birman can still be the perfect playmate for your dog.
Birmans also like to chase other pets around the home and are excellent at playing games of pursuit.
7. Bombay cat
The Bombay cat is an assertive breed that likes to know what everyone is doing at home.
They love playing games like fetching. You can also train them to walk on a leash!
Although the cat will get along with your dog, it likes being in charge.
If you have several puppies, they seem to pick one and connect with it.
The Bombay cat hates being left alone. If they lack attention, they become destructive – this makes them a good companion for your dogs.
8. Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is intelligent, outgoing, and friendly. It is one of the best dog-friendly cats for adoption.
This breed is known to love other dogs and kids.
They tend to have dog-like habits like hugs and affectionate kisses.
Compared to other breeds, these cats remain active for their entire life. This means your pooch will never get bored. And, because of their high energy, they will always initiate playtime.
The Japanese Bobtail is often seen as a breed of sophistication and beauty.
9. Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats need lots of attention.
They are outgoing and like to meet friends and strangers, and do no like being left alone.
That said, dogs can be the perfect companion.
Although this breed possesses an avid curiosity, it is considered more laid back.
This short-haired breed has an affectionate personality that matches its behavior.
During playtime, the cat likes to fetch items for the dogs. This is one of the few breeds that enjoy being near others.
10. Turkish Van
If you are looking for a charming, athletic, and affectionate cat to play with your dog, you cannot go wrong with the Turkish Van cat.
These cats like to walk and enjoy the company of virtually anyone – from dogs to children.
And, thanks to their easy-going nature, they are always willing to perform tricks and fetch. However, this breed tends to set the standards at home during playtime.
Being an intelligent breed, your dogs should always be ready to learn new tricks during playtime.
11. Siberian
The Siberian cats can be playful but a little mischievous.
They are incredibly confident when with other cats and will get along with dogs.
You will see them cuddle with their canine buddies and even sleep in the same bed.
The Siberian cat is one of the few friendly cat breeds that are good with dogs.
Their robust body makes them a good match for dogs.
12. Turkish Angora
If properly introduced, a Turkish Angora cat will happily accept other cats and dogs.
If left alone, they do not exhibit stress behaviors.
Although, this is a quiet breed that can get upset due to sudden changes in the environment.
Just like other energetic cats, this cat breed needs a lot of toys to play with.
Despite its sophisticated look, this is the perfect choice for a busy home.
13. Devon Rex
This is one of the best cat breeds that get along with dogs.
The Devon Rex cat has an intelligent and outgoing personality. It is friendly to other cats, dogs, and even strangers.
But do not expect it to be quiet like other felines. Instead, it is one of the few breeds that always seek your attention.
Other than that, Devon Rex cats are sociable and like being around other pets.
Their agility and high energy make them great companions for your dog.
14. American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is loving and likes the attachment of all members of the family.
They are easygoing and can be the perfect companion for your pooch.
When they are ready to play, they will bring a toy to the pet parent.
This pet is also prized for its laid-back style.
If you need a cat that can show up on all sides of the spectrum, the American shorthair is a perfect choice.
15. Cornish Rex
Some folks describe Cornish Rex cats as pixie-like.
Their agile bodies give them intense energy and can be the perfect companion for your dog.
They like fetching and retrieving toys and will always obey your commands.
Some folks say the Cornish Rex is one of the best hypoallergenic cats that are good with dogs.
Conclusion
If you are a dog parent and you would like to add a cat to the family, you should check the personality of your preferred cat breed, first.
The best cat breeds that get along with dogs should be social and fun-loving.
The above cats are the perfect companion for your canine friend, but the Maine Coon tops the list.
For the best results, you should ensure the induction process is slow.
Related Questions
Worst dog breeds for cats
Dogs and cats can co-exist in one harmonious home. However, some breeds are not feline-friendly. Avoid breeds like the Manchester terrier, Whippet, Australian cattle dog, and Schipperke.
25 breeds that get along with dogs
- Devon Rex
- Ragamuffin
- Scottish fold
- Tonkinese
- Turkish Angora
- Ragdoll
- Sphynx
- European Burmese
- Bombay
- Cornish Rex
- Abyssinian
- Bengal
- Turkish Van
- Birman
- Siberian
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- American Shorthair
- Maine Coon
- Japanese bobtail
- Munchkin
- Australian mist
- Balinese
- Havana Brown
- Lycos
- Cymric