Cats That Are Good with Dogs

If you have a dog in your home and are thinking about getting a cat, you might be wondering which cat breeds get along well with canine housemates.

The answer is: all cats are individual, and all dogs are, too.

When you bring a new cat into a home with a dog, be sure to keep them separated at first, allowing only supervised time for them to meet and greet each other daily. Watch for signs that your dog may not treat the kitty respectfully, and be ready to intervene to keep everyone safe.

Still, there are some cat breeds that have a tendency toward more laid-back, easygoing temperaments. Some breeds are known for their ability to interact with, tolerate, and even enjoy playing with dogs.

Breeds of Cat That Tend to Be Good with Dogs

Here are some cat breeds that are generally known to be good with dogs:

• Maine Coon. These cats are large and easy-going. They love company, and they are big enough to let a dog know if he needs to back off.
• American Shorthair. These kitties are usually quiet, gentle, and easy-going. They often like to sit and relax with their humans, but they are sometimes up for a quick romp with a canine or feline housemate, too. Learn more: "American Shorthair Cats: An Interview with Fancy Cat."
• Devon Rex. These cats are clowns, and they love to play with anyone who will agree to be part of the game, including a dog. Learn more: "Devon Rex Cats: An Interview with Fancy Cat."
• Norwegian Forest Cat. Large and fun-loving, these cats often like to play with dogs.
• Ragdoll. These are among the most laid-back of cats, but they also tend to be large, so they can let a dog know if he's gone too far. Still, ragdoll cats might be so easy-going that they allow themselves to be harassed by a dog, so supervision is definitely a must until you're sure your dog is respectful.

Don't forget that each cat is an individual, so these are breed generalizations that may or may not hold true for yours.

At CatHealth.com, we advocate for cat adoption. You can find mixed and purebred cats that need homes at shelters, and you can also contact breed-specific rescue groups to adopt a cat.

For more general information about some popular cat breeds, take a look at our "Cat Breed Comparison Chart."

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