What Animals Do Cats Get Along With? A Guide to Harmonious Coexistence
For pet lovers or potential pet owners, one of the most frequently asked questions is, what Animals Do Cats Get Along With? Cats are famously independent creatures with differing personalities from one feline to the next. This makes it difficult to introduce a cat to other animals.
However, with patience and the right introduction, many cats will become friendly with other pets. Once you decide to add a new furry friend (be it a dog, a rabbit, or even another cat) knowing what pets your cat is likely to get along with will improve your pet’s quality of life, and the atmosphere of your home.
Idea to understand your cat’s temperament
Before we get into which animals do cats get along with it is important to remember, your cat’s personality will play an important role in determining if your cat will get along with another animal. A friendly and flexible cat has a better chance of becoming friends with many animals than a withdrawn or territorial cat. The best route may involve a more deliberate introduction.
Factors Influencing a Cat’s Compatibility with Other Animals
- Age and Temperament: Younger cats or kittens are inherently more playful and trainable, whilst older, more territorial cats may be more territorial
- Breed: Some breeds are more social than others. Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and a few others are very social. Some breeds can be more assertive, such as Siamese or Bengals.
- Socialization: Cats that are introduced to other species when they are young may be less dutiful and easier to integrate with.
How to Assess if Your Cat Will Get Along with Others
- Monitor your cat’s behaviour with different species on a controlled basis.
- You can also seek advice from your veterinarian or behaviorist.
- Introduce gradually to allow the animals to become accustomed to one another, and to move from scent exchanges to short introductions.
Making a Multi-Pet Household
The most important factors are patience and introducing gradually as appropriate. Here are a few recommendations:
- Keep new animals separated at first
- Switch bedding or toys for scent identification
- Use barriers or crates for introduction
- Offer treats and document progress when your cat behaves in a positive manner
Which Animals Do Cats Get Along With? A Deep Dive.
Next, let’s look at a few specific animals that cats tend to get along with. Understanding their natural behaviors and needs will help in building a contradiction-free interaction.
- Dogs.
What animals do cats get along with? A good common answer is dogs, especially when introduced carefully. Sure, while some cats will typically be wary of dogs, the right dog can develop strong bonds with many cats.
Best Dog Breeds for Cats:
- Labrador retriever: Friendly, gentle and sociable. Easily recognized by their laid-back nature.
- Golden retriever: Just like a lab: affectionate and tolerant.
- Pug: They tend to be playful and are normally categorized as lower energy.
- Basset hound: A laid-back dog, a little tolerant of a furry companion
Tips to introducing Cats and Dogs:
- First, smell each other through the bedding they are going to share
- Initially keep it short, supervised and importantly together.
- Make sure to start with an obedient dog with some common commands.
- Look away if the dog is being too forceful with the cat and remember that you can’t force them to like each other.
- Treats and praise work great positively reinforced shared experiences.
- Be patient, some relationships may take longer to foster.
- Rabbits.
Rabbits are generally gentle creatures and some cats can be born curious and playful, making for positive interactions.
- never leave a combination of a cat and rabbit alone, particularly in the bonding process.
- When playing with your cat, do not send the message that it is okay to chase the rabbit.
- Use positive reinforcement (such as treats) when the cat behaves quietly and gently around the rabbit.
- Be always aware of body language. You need to act quickly to address signs of stress or aggression.
- Birds
Cats and birds have a more complicated relationship because of their natural predator-prey instinct. While some cats do have a natural instinct to hunt, most cat owners are lucky enough to enjoy their birds as pets in a household with cats. With some effort and caution, you will be one of them.
How to make cats and birds co-exist
- Keep your birds in secure and escape-proof cages in areas where your cat does not go.
- You can deter a cat from going into the bird’s cage by letting the cat learn that this is a triggering area.
- Never leave cats unattended around free-flying birds, or leave them in the same room during super-active playtime where your cat can think it is time to chase their cousin.
- Use barriers to keep the cats away. For example, baby gates or glass between the two pets.
- You can start with gradual exposure to the idea that they will have to co-exist, and, don’t forget to reward them for calm! Start with scent and a visual experience.
- Guinea pigs and small rodents
While guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils may cohabit happily with cats occasionally, there are prudent precautions. Their small size means they are vulnerable to predatory instincts, so taking precautions is essential.
Tips to Ensure Compatibility
- Ensure enclosure is secure, durable and in an area inaccessible to cats
- Place small animals in multi level cages with barriers to prevent cats from reaching in
- Provide lots of vertical area for cages to provide the ability to escape
- Supervise all interactions especially the first few introductions
- Never assume your cat will leave small pets alone; be on guard
- Other cats
Which animals do cats get along with? Naturally, cats get along with other cats best, especially if they are introduced at a young age and thoroughly socialized in a timely manner
Tips for introducing cats to cats
- Slowly introduce cats with scent swapping, and then visual meetings from behind barriers
- After first initial introduction, allow some supervised interaction in neutral spaces
- Provide multiple resources (litter boxes, feeding stations, resting places, etc.) to help limit competition
- Be patient – these relationships typically develop over the course of a few days, or weeks
Animals to Be Cautioned About
While it is sometimes possible for certain animals to live peacefully alongside cats, other animals are simply not suitable companions:
- Ferrets: Ferrets are fun and playful, but they also are extremely energetic and can be very predatory towards small animals.
- Chickens or Ducks: Chickens and ducks are almost always better kept outdoors in a secure coop.
- Any other small pets: This would include hamsters or gerbils for example which they may see as prey due to their size.
Factors to Consider: Making happy and peaceful multi-pet households
When wanting to create a safe and happy environment for you cats and other animals, you should take into account the following:
Space and Environment
It is important to give each animal enough space, separate feeding areas and many places to hide to feel safe. Animals can get stressed if there is not enough space and be aggressive out of stress.
Routine and Habituation
Pets are creatures of habit and they love routine. Sticking to specific feeding times, play times and rest times will help to reduce anxiety and allow your pets to relax.
Health and Safety
Continuing vaccinating, giving treats and assessing health and safety on a regular basis is key. Regular assessments at the veterinarian can help avoid conflicts due to illness or stress of your animals.
Proper Handling and Supervision
Managing when animals meet each other for the first time is critical. Supervision is vital for small animals and animals that could be prey as accidents can happen.
Additional Tips for Establishing Peaceful Multi-Pet Households
- Patience is everything: Building some relationships take time.
- Respect to individual distance: Watch for signs of discomfort or aggression
- Positive reinforcement: Good behavior deserves a treat or praise.
Conclusion: Creating Peace Among Pets
So, What animals do cats get along with ?It’s not uncommon to wonder what animals will get along, as it really depends on the personality, age, breed and history of your cat. Cats usually get along with some dog breeds, rabbits, and small pets if introduced properly and slowly. Patience and socialization skills are important when creating a successful multi-pet household.
If you are considering an expansion or need specific advice, consult with animal behaviorists or veterinarians to create the best plan for you and your animals.
