Introducing cats to dogs can be a delicate process, especially since “most cats prefer quiet and are more solitary,” says VCA, one of North America’s largest veterinary hospital chains.
However, some breeds of cats are more compatible with dogs than others, depending on their personality.
“Despite the stereotype, many dogs and cats learn to live together peacefully. Be patient and take the induction process slowly, but knowing whether or not your pets get along also depends on their individual personality,” says the Animal Humane Society .
Here we look at some breeds of cats that get along well with dogs and other pets.
American bobtail
This laid-back breed of interactive cats gets along well with most dogs and welcomes newcomers, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), the world’s largest registry of pedigree cats.
Japanese bobtail
These energetic cats “can adapt to dogs and other animals and are especially good for children,” says the CFA.
The veterinarian Dr. Natalie Marks, a veterinary partner at global animal health company Royal Canin, told Reader’s Digest in June last year, “A loving breed is a great sibling for your house dog. “
A Japanese bobtail jumps at a press preview of the Cat Fanciers’ Association Iams Cat Championship at Madison Square Garden in New York City in October 2006.
Mario Tama / Getty Images
Ragdoll
Ragdolls “blend easily into the busy modern household” and get along well with other pets, including dogs and children, according to the International Cat Association (TICA).
“The Ragdoll can learn to walk on a leash and even take your dog for walks,” said Dr. Marks.
A Ragdoll cat seen at the Merseyside Cat Show on June 1, 2019 in St. Helens, England.
Shirlaine Forrest / WireImage via Getty Images
American shorthair
American shorthairs are known for their “sweet personality and kindness with children, dogs, and other pets,” as well as longevity and resilient health, according to the CFA.
British shorthair
British Shorthairs are tolerant of children and dogs, but they don’t like being carried around and prefer to be on the ground, says TICA.
“All types of pets were kept with British shorthairs, including dogs of all sizes, rabbits and birds,” according to the CFA.
A British Shorthair poses for portraits at the Merseyside Cat Show on June 1, 2019 in St. Helens, England.
Shirlaine Forrest / WireImage via Getty Images
Munchkin
Munchkins are an extremely sociable breed that, according to TICA, loves the company of children, dogs, and other pets.
A Munchkin cat pictured outdoors. According to The International Cat Association, Munchkins are an extremely sociable breed that loves company, including children, dogs, and other pets.
Brooks Kraft LLC / Sygma via Getty Images
Tonkinese
Tonkinese prefers not to be ignored or left alone and gets along with children, other cat breeds, and dogs.
“This breed of cats is very social and active and loves being around people and dogs. They detest being alone or being ignored. So a dog would definitely be a good companion when you are not at home,” said Dr. Marks.
Australian fog
Says TICA, “Spayed / neutered cats and kittens of this breed easily mate with other cats and dogs, a trait that is further enhanced by selective breeding.”
An Australian mist seen at the Merseyside Cat Club Championship Show on June 3, 2017 in St. Helens, England.
Shirlaine Forrest / WireImage via Getty Images
Bengal
These confident, inquisitive cats are dedicated companions and “get along well with other pets, when properly introduced, and enjoy being part of a family,” according to the CFA.
A Bengali cat posing at the 2019 GCCF Supreme Show on October 26, 2019 in Birmingham, England.
Shirlaine Forrest / Getty Images
Siberian
This personable Russian breed of cats wants to be around their owners and enjoy the company of children, dogs, and other animals, says the CFA.
A Siberian cat at the National Pet Show on November 4, 2017 in Birmingham, England.
Shirlaine Forrest / WireImage via Getty Images
Devon Rex
This social race does not discriminate when it comes to the business they run. “They get along very well with humans, other Devons (who often form a ‘Devon bunch’), cats, dogs, and even the occasional bird, ferret or rabbit,” says the CFA.
A Devon Rex cat seen at the Supreme Cat Show on October 28, 2017 in Birmingham, England.
Chris J Ratcliffe / Getty Images
Birman
“The traditional cat and mouse game is becoming a cat and dog game,” said Dr. Marks. “The Burmese love to hunt, play tag, and even fetch balls to become your dog’s best playmate.”
A Birman cat seen at an international cat show in Moshav Beit Hefer near the coastal city of Netanya in Israel on December 26, 2009.
Jack Guez / AFP via Getty Images
Ragamuffin
Ragamuffins are suitable for both pets and children. “Their calm and patient temperament is suitable for the exuberant, robust game of the youngsters,” says CFA.
A ragamuffin cat held by a jury member at the World Cat Show in Athens, Greece on March 29, 2015.
Louisa Gouliamaki / AFP via Getty Images
Norwegian forest cat
This relatively new breed in the US are relaxed, friendly, and adaptable cats. According to Dr. Marks, they adapt even better to dogs when they are raised together.
A Norwegian Forest Cat posing at the GCCF Supreme Cat Show in Birmingham, England on October 28, 2017.
Shirlaine Forrest / WireImage via Getty Images
Turkish from
This “curious and companionable” breed gets along well with dogs and other animals who “respect their right to be boss,” says TICA.
A Turkish Van Cat sitting in an enclosure at the Van Cat Research Center in Van, Turkey on February 8, 2018.
Chris McGrath / Getty Images
Abyssinian
“Abyssinians are a strange breed, and [they] want to interact with everything and everyone. A dog would be no exception, “Teresa Keiger, a judge with the CFA, told Reader’s Digest. They are not lap cats either, so they will not compete with dogs for that spot among owners, she adds.
An Abyssinian seen at a press preview of the Cat Fanciers’ Association Iams Cat Championship at Madison Square Garden on October 10, 2007 in New York.
Chris Hondros / Getty Images
Sphynx
Sphynx cats are usually found in a warm place around the house, “curled up with a dog or cat or a warm person on your computer, or they will snuggle under your covers,” the CFA describes.
“Sphynx seems to prefer human attention, but enjoys the company of dogs and all other cat breeds,” he adds.
A Sphynx seen at the LondonCats International Show and Expo in London, England on May 4, 2019.
John Keeble / Getty Images
American forest cat
These intelligent, trainable cats, often referred to as “canine”, are excellent companions for large, active families who also like dogs and other animals, “says TICA.
A Maine Raccoon seen at the Merseyside Cat Club GCCF for All Breeds on June 2nd 2018 in St. Helens, England.
Shirlaine Forrest / Getty Images
European Burmese
This loyal and very affectionate breed “quickly becomes friends with other cats and even dogs, making them the perfect addition to your family,” according to the CFA.
Turkish angora
This loving, playful, and intelligent breed is extremely adaptable and is great for families with young children and seniors. “They happily accept dogs and other animals, but their assertive natures often make them the alpha household pet,” says the CFA.
A Turkish Angora seen at the LondonCats International Show and Expo on May 4, 2019 in London, England.
John Keeble / Getty Images
Balinese
“Balinese have an extremely loving temperament” and get on well with children and other pets, TICA describes.
A pair of Balinese cats, seen at the GCCF Supreme Show on October 27th 2018 in Birmingham, England.
Shirlaine Forrest / WireImage via Getty Images
Havana brown
Getting on well with other cats, dogs and children, as well as human companionship and interaction are vital for this intelligent and loving breed, according to the CFA.
Siamese
This loyal, loving, and social breed is the “perfect pet for someone who wants lots of interaction and activity. They are wonderful with children and other pets,” according to TICA.
A Siamese cat seen at the Valencia Cup international cat show in Moscow, Russia on November 18, 2017.
Mladen Antonov / AFP via Getty Images
Cymric
These people-centered cats get on well with children and pets when properly introduced. “These well-balanced, calm cats have a lot of affection to share and prefer not to be alone for long periods of time,” says TICA.
Lykoi
Lykoi can initially be cautious in new situations, but according to TICA “quickly warm up to new people and new pets”.
