Few people have the notion that cats and dogs cannot co-exist.
Well, under the right conditions, many cats and dogs can live together if they are given time to know each other comfortably.
We are either a cat or a dog person; others cannot live without both of them. Certain dog breeds display a kind of natural behaviour that may affect their coexistence with cats. This may stir up the question, what is the best dog for cats?
As it mentions in SmartCatLovers, cats can have fun-loving relationships with dogs, but there are a few breeds that top the list of the friendliest.
The following 5 popular breeds will easily become best buddies with cats.
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Golden Retriever
A very gentle, friendly dog that always wants to please. The breed is easy to train and can master anything, even living amicably with your feline buddy. Their size might be intimidating to the cat, but golden retrievers are always eager to make new friends.
Golden retrievers have a strong sense of smell. They will easily smell a cat without even having to see it. It is best to keep them in separate rooms for a day. They will have sensed each other, then introduce them in neutral territory. Be patient, and their relationship will grow organically.
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Beagle
Beagles are so playful and cute, always wagging their tails. They never want to be alone. Traditionally beagles hunted in packs may be the reason they get along with any animal.
Unlike the golden retriever, it may be challenging to train a beagle because of its stubbornness. Offer them something they like, especially food, and they will do anything.
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Pug
Just like their curious-looking face, pugs are a curious and intelligent breed. They love attention. Introduce a pug to a cat properly, and they will lack the tendency to bother or even chase a cat. Once a cat accepts them into their territory, they can bond so easily and play alongside each other without your supervision.
Their small size will give you an edge in introducing them to a cat. Cats will not feel intimidated or threatened. It is very normal for a scared cat to act irrational, erratic, or even vomit when they are in high-stress situations.
However, as pugs are so lovable and kind to other creatures, they are a great breed to choose if you have a sensitive cat.
Train the pug to respect and be nice to the cat, and they will be the best of friends.
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Poodle
A poodle is one of the breeds with three different sizes: Standard Poodle, miniature poodle, and the toy poodle. The latter is smaller or the same size as a cat. All three poodle sizes can co-exist with cats. However, the standard poodle has proved to make the best companions to our feline friends.
It is a clever, lovely, and protective dog that becomes extremely attached to his family. These protective instincts extend to the cats, too, if they become part of the family.
Just like the golden retriever, they are highly trainable and eager to please. They are full of energy.
It is important to give them the exercise they need, twice-a-day, and they will less likely become wild to your cat.
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Basset Hound
Naturally, Basset Hounds are hunters, though they hunt for food and not our feline friends. Their sweet, gentle, kind, and naturally well behaviour allows them to be cordial towards other animals, cats included.
They can easily become best friends with cats; however, allow an adjustment period for both parties. Just like the beagle, they are stubborn to train but are highly motivated by food.
Still, agonising what is the best dog for cats is? The above 5 popular breeds have proved to live together in harmony with cats.
All you need is a proper introduction for both parties and strict supervision in the first few days.
Written by Amy of SmartCatLovers.org
