Imagine the joy of having both a cat and a dog—two furry friends under one roof! But is it possible for them to coexist peacefully? Absolutely! Several cat breeds are good with dogs and can even become best of friends. Whether you’re a dog lover or a cat enthusiast (or both!), having a dog-friendly cat can be a game-changer in a multi-pet household.
So, what makes certain cat breeds more compatible with dogs? A lot of it boils down to personality. Cats that are more laid-back, social, and open to new experiences are more likely to get along with their canine counterparts. Now, let’s explore some of the best cat breeds that are good with dogs and are ready to be a part of your family.
Cat Breeds that are Good with Dogs
1. Tonkinese
The Tonkinese is known for its outgoing personality, making it one of the best cat breeds that are good with dogs. These cats are very affectionate and enjoy attention, making them ideal companions in multi-pet households. They are curious and will often approach dogs calmly, allowing them to bond over time.
Tonkinese cats have a high energy level, allowing them to play and interact with big or small dogs. Their social nature ensures they don’t shy away from other animals, making them a great choice for families. They’re also known to follow their owners around, like a dog would.
The playful nature of the Tonkinese makes them great companions for dogs who love to run and play. Whether chasing toys or spending time together, this cat’s dog-like personality is an excellent fit for an active household. You might even find them napping, sharing the same space.
Tonkinese cats are intelligent and adaptable, which means they adjust well to the presence of other pets, including dogs. They’re not territorial and will quickly settle into a new home. The playful nature of this breed ensures that they’ll enjoy your dog’s company and will likely form a deep bond.
According to Hillspet, with proper care and love, the Tonkinese cat will surely provide years of joy and companionship, potentially surpassing the 16-year mark.
2. Abyssinian
Abyssinians are among the most active and playful cat breeds, making them a fantastic choice for homes with dogs. Their boundless energy and curiosity make them ideal companions for large or active dogs who love to play. Abyssinians thrive in environments where they can run around and interact with their canine family members.
Known for their agility, Abyssinians can easily keep up with dogs that love to play fetch or run around the yard. Their intelligence ensures they learn fast and enjoy being a part of any interactive game. If your dog enjoys a game of tag or chasing, the Abyssinian will be right there with them.
Abyssinians are incredibly social and enjoy spending time with other animals, making them a great choice for a multi-pet household. They aren’t afraid of new experiences, and with proper introductions, they’ll warm up to dogs in no time. Their friendly nature makes them highly adaptable and easy to get along with.
This breed is also very independent and doesn’t demand constant attention, so they’re a great choice if you’re looking for a cat that can coexist peacefully with dogs. Their energy levels might even encourage your dog to play more, keeping both pets entertained and active.
The Abyssinian cat enjoys a relatively long lifespan, typically ranging from 12 to 16 years, and sometimes even longer when given the proper care and attention. Their overall health is generally excellent, thanks to their natural resilience and active lifestyle.
3. Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a gentle giant that thrives in a multi-pet household. Known for their large size and calm demeanor, these cats are one of the best choices for families with dogs. Despite their imposing size, they are incredibly patient and tolerant, making them great companions for dogs of all sizes.
Norwegian Forest Cats have a laid-back nature that helps them get along with dogs, even the more energetic breeds. They are also very independent and don’t need constant attention, but they are affectionate when they do interact. These cats love to spend time with their family members, including dogs.
This breed is known for being particularly good around children, and their relaxed temperament allows them to coexist well with dogs. They are not easily stressed and can adjust to the presence of other pets, including large dogs like Labradors or smaller breeds like Dachshunds.
Norwegian Forest Cats have a remarkable ability to tolerate different types of animals, which makes them an ideal choice for homes with both cats and dogs. They often form strong bonds with dogs and may even start following them around the house. Their loyalty is impressive, making them a great addition to any family.
As per WebMD, the Norwegian Forest Cat enjoys a long and healthy life, typically 16 years, with some individuals even living beyond that with proper care.
4. Birman
Birmans are affectionate and gentle cats that adapt well to multi-pet households, including those with dogs. Their calm temperament and affectionate nature make them one of the best cat breeds that are good with dogs. They enjoy companionship and will often seek out the company of both humans and pets.
Birmans are known for their loving personalities and can form strong bonds with other pets. Whether your dog is playful or laid-back, the Birman will often enjoy interacting and even napping with them. Their easygoing nature means they get along well with dogs of various temperaments.
Birmans are generally not aggressive and are great for families with children and other pets. They enjoy socializing, and their docile nature ensures that they will integrate easily into a home with dogs. Their tolerance and affectionate behavior make them perfect for a harmonious home environment.
Despite their calm demeanor, Birmans can engage in playful activities with dogs. Their loving nature means they don’t mind sharing the spotlight with a dog, which can often result in a strong friendship. If you’re looking for a feline friend who enjoys being around dogs, the Birman is a fantastic choice.
In an environment where they feel loved and secure, Birmans can live out their full lifespan, often exceeding 16 years with the proper care.
5. British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are among the easiest cats, making them ideal for homes with dogs. Their calm and independent nature means they don’t mind sharing their space with dogs, and they often form a bond with them. These cats are low-maintenance and very tolerant of other pets.
This breed is particularly good with larger dogs, as their laid-back personality helps them adapt to dogs that are full of energy. British Shorthairs are very affectionate but don’t require constant attention, making them a perfect match for families with both cats and dogs. They’re likely to coexist peacefully with dogs, regardless of breed or size.
British Shorthairs are also great for homes with young children. Their gentle temperament means they handle the hustle and bustle of a family with ease. They don’t mind sharing attention with a dog and will often enjoy spending time together on the couch or playing in the yard.
Their patience and willingness to coexist with dogs make British Shorthairs one of the most dog-friendly breeds. They are unlikely to become territorial, which is an important trait for pets that need to share space. If you’re looking for a cat that will tolerate and even enjoy the company of your dog, the British Shorthair is an excellent choice.
The British Shorthair is a breed known for its long lifespan, typically ranging from 12 to 20 years, and with proper care, many of them can live well into their late teens or even beyond.
6. Japanese Bobtail
Japanese Bobtails are playful, energetic, and full of personality. Their dog-like nature makes them one of the best cat breeds that are good with dogs. With their outgoing attitude, they are quick to form bonds with other pets, including dogs. Whether your dog is energetic or laid-back, the Japanese Bobtail will love spending time with them.
These cats are intelligent and highly trainable, meaning they can easily learn to coexist with dogs. Their playful nature means they’ll enjoy playing with your dog, whether it’s chasing a toy or just running around the yard together. The Japanese Bobtail is a great match for dogs who enjoy active play sessions.
Japanese Bobtails are also affectionate and social, so they’ll enjoy snuggling up with your dog during quiet moments. Their friendly nature makes them an easy fit in homes with multiple pets. They adapt well to new situations, so your dog will likely find a new feline friend without much effort.
This breed is known for its curiosity, so if you have a dog that enjoys exploring or playing outside, the Japanese Bobtail will be right there with them. Their high energy and enthusiasm for play ensure that they get along well with dogs, creating a fun, harmonious household.
The Japanese Bobtail cat typically enjoys a healthy and active life, with a lifespan ranging from 13 to 16 years, and with proper care, some may even live beyond that.
7. Ragdoll
Ragdolls are known for their affectionate and laid-back personalities, making them perfect for homes with dogs. They are gentle giants who don’t mind sharing their space with other pets. Ragdolls are often described as “dog-like” due to their willingness to follow their owners around and engage with other pets, including dogs.
These cats are calm and patient, which makes them easy to introduce to a dog. They don’t get easily stressed by new situations and are often tolerant of dogs that are a bit more energetic. Whether your dog is calm or excitable, the Ragdoll will likely adapt to their presence.
Ragdolls are also highly sociable and will enjoy spending time with your dog. Their affectionate nature means they enjoy being around family members and may even seek out your dog for companionship. They often develop close bonds with other pets, making them excellent additions to multi-pet households.
Despite their calm demeanor, Ragdolls are playful and enjoy participating in games. They can be easily trained to follow commands or learn tricks alongside a dog. Their adaptability and loving nature make them one of the best breeds for homes with dogs.
According to Purina, the Ragdoll cat typically enjoys a relatively long lifespan, ranging from 12 to 17 years, and with proper care, many Ragdolls live well into their teens.
8. Maine Coon
Maine Coons are large, friendly, and gentle cats with a dog-like personality. Their sociable nature and tolerance for other animals, including dogs, make them one of the best cat breeds that are good with dogs. Maine Coons are patient, friendly, and enjoy being part of a family that includes both cats and dogs.
This giant cat breed is highly adaptable, making them an excellent choice for homes with dogs of all sizes. They are playful and will often engage in interactive games with dogs. Their friendly nature ensures they won’t feel threatened by a dog, even if the dog is larger than they are.
Maine Coons are particularly well-suited for large dogs like Labradors, as their size and calm temperament allow them to coexist peacefully. They enjoy spending time with their family and often follow their dog companions around the house. If you want a cat that is just as friendly and playful as your dog, a Maine Coon is a perfect choice.
These cats are also intelligent and can learn new tricks or commands quickly, making them a fun and engaging companion for dogs. They are often able to communicate and bond with dogs, forming a strong relationship with their canine family member.
The Maine Coon cat is known for its long and healthy lifespan, typically ranging from 12 to 15 years, with some individuals even living into their late teens or early twenties with proper care.
9. American Shorthair
American Shorthairs are one of the most adaptable cat breeds, known for their friendly and easy-going nature. They are often described as excellent family pets, making them a great addition to multi-pet households. Their calm demeanor allows them to coexist peacefully with dogs of various temperaments.
American Shorthairs are playful but not overly demanding, making them ideal for homes with both dogs and other cats. They enjoy companionship but can also entertain themselves. Their ability to adjust to new situations and environments makes them a great choice if introducing a cat to a dog-friendly home.
These cats are particularly good with children, which adds to their appeal for families with both cats and dogs. They are affectionate but not clingy, making them easy to live with in a busy household. Their tolerant nature ensures they’ll accept a dog as part of the family.
This short-haired cat breed is also known for its intelligence and calm demeanor, so it will likely get along well with dogs. Whether your dog is playful or relaxed, the American Shorthair will adjust, forming a friendship based on mutual respect.
The American Shorthair cat is known for its longevity, typically from 15 to 20 years, and with proper care, many can surpass the average lifespan.
Conclusion
There’s no shortage of wonderful options when choosing a cat breed that gets along well with dogs. From the playful Tonkinese to the laid-back British Shorthair, these breeds are known for their ability to coexist peacefully with dogs. The key is introducing them carefully and giving both pets time to adjust.
Whether you have a large dog or a small one, there’s a cat breed out there that will complement your dog’s personality and create a harmonious household. Each of these cat breeds brings something special to the table, whether it’s their playful nature, affectionate demeanor, or dog-like traits. The right cat can be a great companion to your dog and a loving addition to your family.
Let us know in the comments and share your experiences with bringing a dog and a cat together!
