Mrs. Whiskerson is precious.
She is your perfect pet, your feline friend, your fur baby. But, she needs a friend and one cat is more than enough.
You’re ready for a soft, cuddly, bundle of energy and unconditional love, and Mrs. Whiskerson is, too. At least, you think she is.
But how do you know they’re going to get along? The last thing you need right now is two fur babies constantly at odds with each other. You need them to entertain themselves, not cause more drama.
Well, we’ve got your back! We’ve found the top five dogs that are good with cats and put them all in one place for you. Keep reading to find Mrs. Whiskerson’s new best friend.
1. Basset Hounds
One of the best dog breeds for cats is the basset hound. They are an easygoing breed, extremely friendly and family oriented.
Basset hounds were originally bred for hunting in packs, so they tend to be good with other animals and other pets in general.
They are calm, gentle dogs who rarely show any kind of aggression. They can have a stubborn streak in them—especially if they have caught the scent of something particularly interesting.
But their undying affection helps to balance out their strong will.
2. Beagle
Similar to basset hounds, beagles were originally trained to hunt in packs and so generally don’t have issues getting along with other animals.
Beagles are also a wonderfully even-tempered and gentle breed, making them the perfect addition to your fur-family.
They are sociable and curious so they won’t shy away from the cat, but their calm disposition helps to reduce the likelihood of any animosity between them.
3. Golden Retrievers: Dogs That Are Good With Cats, Kids, and Everything In Between
Golden Retrievers are one of the most adaptable dogs to grace this earth. They are easy to train and thrive on lots of exercise and mental stimulation, making them excel at whatever job they are given.
As a result, they are often used as guide dogs and bomb detection dogs. They are extremely intelligent and eager to please, making them reliable, trustworthy pets.
They are sociable and affectionate, which makes them a great fit for families with children and other pets.
4. Papillon
At about the same size as a cat, papillons are another type of cat-friendly dogs to add to your list of possibilities.
They are small, highly trainable dogs that are bundles of positive energy. They are active and inquisitive creatures who make great companions and will get along well with your cat as long as they’re socialized early.
5. Pug
Small in stature but big in personality, pugs are intelligent, fun-loving dogs that are unlikely to show aggression, and thus are unlikely to intimidate or pose a threat to your cat.
Pugs just want to give and get love, so as long as they get plenty of exercise and attention, they’ll fit seamlessly into you and your cat’s lives.
Your cat could be overwhelmed by its high energy levels, however, so just be sure to put a harness or a leash like the ones over at 2 Dogs Paws to maintain control during your cat’s introduction to the new dog.
Why Can’t We Be Friends
As long as you do your research ahead of time, finding dogs that are good with cats shouldn’t be a problem.
While the success of your pets’ relationships does eventually come down to the individual dog and cat, taking the time to look for the most cat-friendly of breeds will put you in the best position for finding Mrs. Whiskerson’s new best friend.
For more information on how best to care for your cat, check out our Cat Health and Behavior page!