Deciding for your pets is always difficult, particularly if you want to introduce a new pet to your home. Maybe you already have a pet and are looking for a companion.
If you already have a cat but want to add a dog to your family, you might worry about whether you will choose the best breed. Perhaps you have a dog but want to have a cat as well. Is your dog going to accept the new arrival?
Before you decide which breed of dog would be the right choice, you must know what dogs are good with cats. I am suggesting five top breeds that are great companions for a cat.
1. Golden Retriever
A golden retriever is my first choice, as I have had personal experience with golden retrievers living with cats.
Our golden retriever was calm, good-natured, and always hungry! She lived with four cats at one time – one of whom then had a litter of four kittens. None of this fazed her. She happily watched them play and even ushered one stray kitten back to its mother!
If you choose a golden retriever, you will need to take some care when introducing it to your cat. It is essential to feed them apart, as goldens are inclined to assume all food is meant for them.
2. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are lovely dogs. They are gentle and sweet-natured. Intelligent and relatively easy to train, a Labrador retriever will soon make it at home with your family.
Your cat will be another family member for your dog to love. However, remember that large dogs need to exercise regularly, like golden retrievers.
3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Here’s another gentle, loving dog. Being medium-sized, it is better suited to a smaller home where a large dog would be impractical.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are inclined to pine away if left alone for long periods. I know some owners who have introduced a cat to keep their dogs company while at work.
4. Pomeranian
Where a large or even medium-sized dog is unsuitable, a small dog is a great choice. A Pomeranian might have a bit of a reputation as an ‘old lady’s dog,’ which might be because they do less well with children.
With cats, though, they are brilliant. Being intelligent and curious, they need to know everything going on. A Pomeranian is an excellent choice in a house with no children but one or more cats. They will play happily with your cat, although they can be bossy.
If you choose a Pomeranian, introduce it to a wide variety of people and animals early on. This dog is scared when strangers come to visit, and it will try to hide away.
5. Boxer
My final suggestion is a Boxer. They are large dogs but incredibly friendly and good-natured. A real advantage is that they love children, who they see as natural playmates. Going for this bread makes one of the best choices if you own a cat. The Boxer has another playmate!
I have friends who own two Boxers plus several cats, and it is not unusual to see the cats curled up with the dogs in front of the fire. Occasionally, Boxers chase a cat, but early introductions make this much less likely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, introducing a new pet to your home can be difficult, especially when you already have a furry companion. However, with proper research and preparation, you can find the perfect companion for your cat or dog.
The five breeds mentioned in this article – Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pomeranian and Boxer – are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them great companions for cats.
However, it is important to remember that every pet has a unique personality. Therefore, observing the interaction between your existing pet and the potential new addition is essential before making a final decision.
Ultimately, the key to a successful pet introduction is patience, love and plenty of positive reinforcement. You and your pets can enjoy many happy years together with these elements.
