What kind of cat to get if I already have a dog, and vice versa

These purrs will make an excellent company for your wet-nosed friend.

They are also called “ideal cats for dog lovers.” Not only does the Maine Coon get along well with dogs, he also behaves like a dog himself: he can fetch toys, walk imposingly with the owner on a leash, and learn commands. And the dimensions of these cats are rather big – just the size of an average dog. And the wet-nosed ones, in turn, recognize the mustachioed giant as their own and do not even try to compete with him.

Another healthy cat among the cat family, which gets along well with pets. And with dogs – first of all. The Siberian cat will not fight for the right to take a leading position, it will rather prefer peace and friendship.

It is worth noting that Siberians will become bosom friends only with relatives and dogs. It is impossible to keep this breed in the same house with rodents, rabbits and birds. Or you will have to completely isolate the “hunter” from the “victims” so that they do not catch each other’s eyes.

The playfulness of the Abyssinian beauty allows her to become a great friend for the same active dog. At the same time, this is a balanced and even intelligent barbel, from whom you will not have to wait for any unpleasant surprises.

As in the case of the Maine Coon, Abyssinian cats also have some dog habits: they will willingly bring thrown objects, learn interesting commands. And there are legends about the devotion and loyalty of the Abyssinians.

This soft-bodied good-natured is rightfully considered one of the calmest breeds of cats. Ragdoll will never show aggression, will not release claws. And if a child or a playful dog pester him, the ragdoll will remain unperturbed. Most likely, this breed does not have conflicts with dogs for this very reason: ragdolls are too kind and to some extent lazy, and therefore do not try to teach an annoying neighbor a lesson. It’s easier to weather the pressure.

Burmese from childhood grow up affectionate, intelligent and well-mannered. They have developed empathy, so even a stranger they will greet with curiosity and without any fear. The sociality of Burma allows it to become its own in any, even the largest company. And it’s not only about the company of people, but also animals. With all the affectionate beauty will find a common language.

Also, jealousy and a sense of rivalry are completely uncharacteristic of Burma. Therefore, a dog that has been caressed by the owner will not get a clawed paw in the muzzle from a Burmese.

Remember that every pet is an individual. Any cat, even a purebred purr, can be a wonderful companion for a dog.

If you do not know what kind of dog to have in an apartment with a cat, then pay attention to the breeds listed below. They will not arrange fierce battles with mustachioed comrades – rather, on the contrary, they will sincerely love them.

This is only a boxer in appearance – a formidable and stern beast, but inside he is a real sweetheart who will not hurt a fly. If a boxer is brought up correctly, he will not touch not only a cat, but also a bird and a mouse. And these dogs love to play. Therefore, for an energetic cat, a boxer will become a wonderful playmate.

Newfies are considered one of the most suitable dogs that can be safely kept in the same house as a cat. The dimensions of the cosmetologist, of course, are gigantic, but he knows how to control himself. So you can not be afraid that the big man in a fit of play will send your cat flying with one wave of his paw. But this does not mean that four-legged friends can be left unattended, especially if the purr is still very small. Newfs, unfortunately, do not always see where they sit.

All English dogs have royal manners, and the king is no exception. An intelligent dog gets along well with other pets, does not try to dominate or zealously attract the attention of the owner. It will be great if the king is accompanied by the same peaceful and well-mannered cat. They will have a great time, warming each other in warm hugs.

Both the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever are incredibly charming and friendly dogs. They adore people, even strangers, they are ready to lick everyone from head to toe. Their boundless love also extends to cats, which, by the way, the murks do not always like. If the same loving and sociable cat lives under the same roof as a retriever, then disagreements will certainly be avoided. Ideally, the ponytails will mutually adore each other.

A tiny dog ​​understands perfectly well that it is 2 or even 3 times smaller than a cat. Therefore, it simply does not make sense to claim a dominant position in the house. Cats in Chihuahuas do not see rivals, so they most often treat them indifferently or condescendingly.

But be careful – an aggressive and pugnacious cat can offend the baby. Therefore, for a chihuahua, a balanced and meek cat is suitable as an ideal neighbor.

Most conflicts between cats and dogs occur not because they are “from different planets”, but because they have different temperaments. Dogs are usually cheerful, active and obsessive, while cats are independent, wayward, and love solitude. If you pick up breeds of a cat and a dog that are similar in character, they will certainly not be at enmity. But the owner needs to do something else for peace and order in the house. We will talk about this further.

Friendship of pets most often depends on the actions of the owner. If he behaves correctly, then even completely different quadrupeds can get along.

Follow these rules:

1. Be sure to train the dog, she must obey you implicitly. A dog is much easier to manage than a cat, especially since most often it is the dog that can harm the mustachioed roommate. You must stop the actions of the watchdog in time and do it on command.

2. Caress and attention should always be divided equally for your wards. Often a puppy or kitten is brought into the house when there is already another adult pet in the house. Do not forget about the “old man”, pay more attention to him, otherwise he will be offended by the new family member and start to be jealous.

3. Do not give toys of one pet to another, as you will provoke resentment.

4. If pets start to fight, intervene immediately, but do not yell at them or hit them. Take it easy, but confidently.

5. Do not feed the four-legged nearby. For each of them, this is a great stress, because the presence of another animal nearby at the time of eating awakens a sense of rivalry. It is better to give food in different rooms. At least the first time.

6. Be sure to praise and give treats to pets when they treat each other well: they lick each other, lie peacefully together, play kindly. So you will consolidate positive behavior, the four-legged will not have reasons for quarrels.

7. If the cat is annoyed by an overly active dog, then “exhaust” the dog on a walk: let him spend all his energy so as not to bother the cat later. Take care of the tranquility of the purr: give her a secluded place where she can take a break from all of you alone, for example, on a closet or the highest shelf of a cat play complex.

8. Both pets should have their nails trimmed regularly, even if they don’t fight. This can happen at any moment.

9. Never encourage the physical impact or hunting of one quadruped on another, no matter how ridiculous it may look. Often puppies play with cat tails and try to bite them a little. Stop this behavior immediately, because the puppy will grow up and the habits will remain.

A tailed family is not only happiness, but also a great responsibility. If you take into account the breed characteristics of your wards and follow the rules, then the cat and dog in your house will become best friends. 

The article was written with the support of the Valta Zoobusiness Academy.

Expert: Lyudmila Vashchenko — veterinarian, happy owner of Maine Coons, Sphynx and German Spitz.