Right now, you might be thinking of adding a new kitty to your family, and perhaps you have chosen a Siamese because of the breed’s beauty and amazing personality. However, you are not sure if this breed will get along with your family dog.
Good news! Siamese cats are generally known to get along well with dogs. Due to their sociable, dog-like personalities, these cats are full of energy and enjoy the company of other household pets. Any sociable dog can become a playmate and even best buddies with a Siamese.
Aside from being interactive and playful, Siamese cats are also affectionate, making it easier for them to form a loving relationship with a dog. With all of these amazing traits, we can truly confirm the compatibility of a Siamese and a dog.
However, there are several factors you need to consider before having both pets under your roof. Since Siamese cats and dogs are both territorial animals, it might be challenging to introduce them at first. The initial meeting might lead both pets to aggression or, worse, the dog chasing and scaring the cat away. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent these violent confrontations.
You also need to consider the dog breed, since not all dogs will get along with cats, especially those that are predisposed to hunt and kill small prey. These dog breeds are listed in this post, so read on to learn more.
Do Siamese cats get along with dogs?
Siamese cats are loved by many for their striking blue eyes and beautiful, pointed coat, and they have become one of the most popular household cat breeds. Aside from their unique and majestic appearance, Siamese cats are well-known for their friendly personalities. They are very vocal about their likes and dislikes, and enjoy having long conversations with their fur parents. Since these cats are sociable and enjoy the company of other people and pets, it is easy for them to form a good relationship with dogs.
Moreover, Siamese cats are intelligent and easily adapt to sharing a household with a dog. However, they can also be aggressive if anyone tries to invade their space. These cat breeds can also be demanding. If they want attention from their humans, they do not want other pets to have the same demand. With this in mind, you need to make sure that both your furry pals receive the same love and treatment from you.
The ideal dog temperament to get along with cats
We have all seen it in the movies or cartoons: cats and dogs are often portrayed as natural enemies. That is because some dog breeds are inclined to hunt, chase, injure, and even kill smaller animals like cats. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do to prevent this inherent prey-driven behavior.
Despite this, it is still possible for dogs and cats to live in harmony, provided they are raised together and trained at a young age. Some dog breeds are also gentle and friendly even if introduced to cats at a later age.
So, before you decide to add a Siamese to your family, there are certain canine traits you need to consider to be sure that both your fur babies can live in peace under your roof. These dog traits are summarized below:
- Your dog must be willing to share his territory with another pet. As we all know, both cats and dogs are territorial animals and can become aggressive if other animals try to trespass their own space.
- Your dog must not have an aggressive nature.
- Your dog must be sociable toward other people and animals.
- Your dog must have a similar personality to your Siamese. The two pets can happily coexist if they share similar traits.
- Some dog breeds can be violent due to their hunting instinct. If your dog is known to have this kind of behavior, then adding a Siamese to the family might not be the right decision.
Cat accessories you need to prepare
Cats are highly sensitive animals. Even if they can get along with a dog, it is still important to give them their own space to escape the stress from their larger companion, especially if playtime becomes too rough.
- Consider having a cat tower at home. Climbing to a high area will help give your feline a sense of privacy when he needs to be alone. It should be sturdy and tall enough to allow him safety while observing his territory.
- Cat shelves are another great option to give your Siamese a private space away from harm. You can use a traditional bookshelf tall enough for your cat to escape to whenever he needs to get away.
- If you are willing to make changes to your home, you can also add a cat door. This safe option gives your Siamese immediate access to another room when he needs to escape a stressful situation.
Introducing your Siamese cat to the family
If you are confident that your dog has the right personality to live with a new sibling, then it is time to introduce your Siamese to the household. Depending on the personalities of both pets, you may need a couple of weeks or even months for them to get accustomed to each other. The most important thing is for you to be patient. You also need to be cautious – you do not want any of your pets to get hurt in the process.
The following steps will guide you to introducing your Siamese to your dog:
1. Separate the cat and dog for a few days
Both cat and dog should have enough time to adjust to each other. To facilitate this, keep your pets in separate places for a few days. Let the dog meet the cat first through his scent that will be imprinted on various belongings. This way, the dog will be able to familiarize himself with the new household member.
2. Have your pets leashed
The first introduction might cause varying reactions from both pets. Most likely, your cat will begin to arch or hiss when he sees the dog, or the dog will bark and become aggressive. These reactions are very common and normal, but you can intervene early to correct such behavior. For example, if the dog starts to chase or bark at the cat, you can swiftly jerk the leash to discourage him.
3. Gradually allow the pets to meet closer-up
With your furry companions on the leash, allow them to come closer to each other. Be mindful of their reactions – if the dog starts to become tense and aggressive, carefully move him away to avoid striking the cat. If the dog starts to calm down and relax, repeat the process. Gradually decrease the distance between the two pets until they are comfortable with each other’s presence.
4. Let them meet without the leash
Once your dog and Siamese are starting to get along well and without aggression, you may give them the freedom to get closer to each other. Only allow this for a few minutes and under your supervision. Our furry friends are very unpredictable and one might still attack the other at any time. Be prepared for this possibility and never leave your two pets alone until you are confident that they are getting along absolutely fine.
5. Allow your them to get to closer to each other
If you have noticed that your Siamese and dog are comfortable with each other’s presence, allow them to get to know each other more. By this time, both your pets should be properly settled already. Make sure that you give them equal love and attention, and never allow one of them to feel insecure or threatened by the other.
Dog breeds that go well with Siamese cats
Even though cats and dogs have long been known as archenemies, they can actually coexist happily and become best friends. It may be difficult at first, but with the right training and supervision, your Siamese should be able to adjust and socialize with your dog.
However, not all dog breeds are good with cats. Dogs that are generally bred for hunting and have a strong impulse to kill smaller animals are not good companions for cats like Siamese. With this in mind, having the right dog breed with a good temperament is very important.
Here are some of the dog breeds that go well with Siamese cats:
1. Beagle
Beagles are a friendly breed of dog who can bond easily with any family member, including cats. These happy-go-lucky dogs are bred to hunt in packs, making them sociable and easy to get along with for other animals. Although they have the instinct to chase due to their hunting background, Beagles can be loving companions for your cat as long as there is a proper introduction. These dogs are soft and will likely treat your cat like a member of their own pack.
2. Cocker Spaniel
Spaniels are friendly, active, easy-going dogs. These bundles of fluff are cheerful and love to play with cats, provided they are properly socialized at an early age. Cocker spaniels also possess a very light temperament and do not have issues sharing their space with other pets. They are also affectionate and love interaction, making them a great companion for Siamese cats.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are among the best dog breeds to get along with cats due to their empathetic and friendly nature. This classic dog breed does not discriminate against any family member, even if it is a cat. He will love and protect his family members from danger and other predators. As long as they are trained well by their owners, Golden retrievers are high in energy yet gentle with cats, making them the ideal playmate and furry companion for your feline.
4. Pug
Pugs are not only loved for their wrinkly, short-muzzled face, but also for their gentle and friendly temperaments. Due to their small size and loving nature, pugs can be the perfect cuddle mate for your kitty. Unless threatened, this adorable pup does not behave aggressively. Moreover, pugs are known for their playful and quiet nature that perfectly complements a sociable cat like the Siamese.
Keep in mind that Siamese cats can sometimes exert their dominance and territorial behavior. Since some pugs are timid and docile, they can easily fall victim to an aggressive Siamese.
5. Boxer
Despite their strong predatory drives, boxers are friendly to other animals and can get along well with cats, provided they are socialized early. Since these dogs are playful and energetic, they will likely love to play and wrestle with your Siamese. They are not only admired for their intelligence, but also for their loyalty, making them a wonderful family pet.
6. Bichon Frise
If you prefer a smaller companion for your Siamese, then consider adding a bichon to your family. These happy dogs can mix well with cats, especially if your whiskered friend is a playful one. The bichon frise is also a cuddle-loving pet, and if raised together with your Siamese, this cute ball of fluff can become your cat’s best friend.
7. Maltese
For first-time dog owners, the Maltese breed is probably the best dog due to its small size and laid-back nature. These small lap dogs love to relax and just hang around without bothering other pets. They would rather mind their own business and prefer to ignore your cat’s activities. Despite their calm personalities, Maltese can also play and have fun with another pet, as long as they are about the same size. If you prefer an easy-going, chilled doggo to live with your Siamese, then the Maltese breed might be a great choice.
Wrapping it up
Siamese cats can be great companions with dogs, provided that both pets are well-socialized and trained. Introducing them for the first time can be tricky, however, since you can never predict how your furry friends will react to each other initially.
There are a few things you need to consider before pairing your pets, and in this post we have summarized everything you need to know to help your fur babies coexist without issues.
With your supervision and patience, you can expect your Siamese cat and your dog to form a loving, life-long relationship.
Image: istockphoto.com / cynoclub