Historically known as incompatible pets that fight at every given opportunity, modern pet owners know that some dogs and cats can in fact get along and even make the best of friends. While socialization from a young age is crucial, breed plays a factor in how dog-friendly a cat is too. Let’s take a look at some of the most dog-friendly cat breeds out there. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a breed you fall in love with!
The 10 Cat Breeds That Get Along Well With Dogs
1. American Shorthair
| Weight: | 6–15 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 15–20 years |
The American Shorthair comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns but generally shares an easygoing, loving temperament. They’re very social, outgoing cats and get along with humans, cats, and dogs alike but do best with animals they were raised around from a young age. American Shorthairs aren’t picky about playmates and will gladly play chase or toys with a dog, provided you socialize them well.
2. Maine Coon
| Weight: | 11–25 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
The Maine Coon is a large and furry breed with a dog-like personality that makes them great companions for canine family members. They’re known to play ball and even cuddle up to dogs they’ve been raised around, and they don’t have a strong territorial instinct at all. Maine Coons are one of the most affectionate cat breeds you can own, and your dog will appreciate their thick fur coat when they snuggle in the winter.
3. Abyssinian
| Weight: | 8–12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 9–13 years |
This subtly gorgeous and gregarious ticked tabby has a friendly, inquisitive spirit that makes them great friends with other cats and dogs alike. Abyssinians may look like a wildcat but have a dog-like eagerness to please you once you’ve bonded with them.
Don’t expect much in the way of downtime, though. These kitties are always in motion when they’re not taking cat naps. The good news is that it makes them a very engaging playmate for even the most energetic dog breeds out there, but they’re definitely good with other cats too.
4. Birman
| Weight: | 7–12 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
Birman cats are charming, gentle felines with a sweet demeanor, becoming more attached to their people than more reserved cat breeds. They have a special fondness for playing with all types of objects around the house, from plastic bags to toilet paper rolls. They’ll certainly get along with the average dog in that regard but display a unique jealousy that you’ll have to train out with desensitization techniques.
5. Japanese Bobtail
| Weight: | 5–10 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 15–18 years |
The Japanese Bobtail is famed for their short tail that ranges from pompom-like to 4 or 5 inches long, but also for their playful, dog-like personality. They’re more outgoing than the average aloof cat but generally let your dog run the show around your house. An intelligent breed, the Japanese Bobtail is nearly as trainable as dogs and might even show up unprompted to your dog’s training sessions to get some tasty treats for themselves.
6. Devon Rex
| Weight: | 6–9 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 9–13 years |
The Devon Rex is a talkative, hyperactive breed known for a short, nearly hypoallergenic coat and bubbly zest for life. They love exploring alone or with other animals, and don’t discriminate between felines and canines as long as they match their exuberant energy. The Devon Rex needs its solitude like any cat but has a well-deserved reputation as a Velcro cat that loves to follow all the family members around.
7. Bengal
| Weight: | 8–15 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–16 years |
They might look like a wild cat, but the Bengal isn’t as snobbish toward dog housemates like some other cats. Bengals have a highly social personality and fare poorly without someone to play with throughout the day. They make great friends for any dog, but make sure they don’t get into too much trouble together! Bengals strike a perfect balance between regal feline independence and family-oriented goofball, and you’ll be endlessly amused by your dog chasing a little leopard lookalike around your home.
8. Bombay
| Weight: | 8–15 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–18 years |
Bombays might look like the stereotypical black cat but are much more than meets the eye. Closely related to the Burmese, these bombastic little kitties were bred for their sleek panther-like look. They’re among the most social cat breeds and definitely not one you want to leave at home unattended all day. Bombay kitties need company to play and cuddle during the day, and both cats and dogs are fair game.
9. Norwegian Forest Cat
| Weight: | 9–16 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
Norwegian Forest Cats are another fluffy breed like the Maine Coon that has a dog-like personality that helps them blend in with your other four-legged family members, and their placid temper is perfect for children too. Adaptable by nature, Norwegian Forest Cats take a while to warm up to dogs and, like other breeds, do best when socialized from a young age around other well-behaved pets.
10. Ragdoll Cat
| Weight: | 10–20 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 9–15 years |
Ragdoll cats have sweet faces and personalities, known as furry gentle giants everywhere. They’re a relaxed breed that gets their name from the funny “ragdoll” pose many of them adopt when held. Ragdoll cats are tolerant of all family members, from kids of all ages to other cats and even dogs if raised together. These cats do best with more laid back dogs, as higher-energy breeds can overwhelm them.
Conclusion
Lots of people think cats and dogs are natural enemies, but there are plenty of friendlier cat breeds that get along famously with man’s so-called best friend. From the elusive and exotic Bengal to the large Maine Coon, you have no shortage of dog-friendly breeds to browse from in your search for the most family-friendly kitty.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
