Cats and dogs—sworn enemies, right? Not always! While some cats treat dogs like annoying roommates, others happily share their space, toys, and even their naps.
Some breeds are natural peacemakers, ready to befriend a wagging tail with a slow blink and a confident purr. Others? Let’s just say they’d rather rule the house alone, no canine interruptions allowed.
If you’re dreaming of a home where cats and dogs live in harmony (or at least tolerate each other), choosing the right feline friend makes all the difference.
From the surprisingly social to the fiercely independent, here are 17 cat breeds that can handle—maybe even love—life with a dog…and a few that absolutely won’t.
Maine Coon
Maine Coons are renowned for their gentle and friendly demeanor, making them an ideal companion for dogs. Known for their large size and fluffy tails, these cats possess a laid-back attitude that helps them adapt well to living with dogs.
Their sociable nature ensures they don’t shy away from a curious canine and, more often than not, they’ll initiate playtime. Due to their intelligent and affectionate behavior, Maine Coons often form strong bonds with dogs, creating harmonious households.
If you’re looking for a cat that can coexist peacefully with dogs, the Maine Coon is an excellent choice.
Ragdoll
Ragdolls are famously affectionate and known for their docile temperament, making them perfect companions for dogs. Their striking blue eyes and silky fur add to their charming personality, which is mirrored by their relaxed approach to life.
They often enjoy being around other animals, including dogs, and are not easily perturbed by a dog’s energetic antics. Ragdolls are also known for their tendency to follow their owners and canine friends around the house, showcasing their social nature.
This breed’s gentle disposition ensures a calm environment when sharing a home with their four-legged friends.
Sphynx
The Sphynx, known for its hairless appearance, is an incredibly social breed. Despite its lack of fur, this cat has a warm personality that makes it compatible with dogs. Its craving for attention means it doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight with canine companions.
Sphynxes are energetic and playful, often engaging in games with dogs, forming strong bonds. Their curious nature leads them to explore alongside their furry friends. However, they need warmth, so ensure cozy resting spots are available.
Their lack of fur requires regular skin care, but this unique feature adds to their charm.
Scottish Fold
Scottish Folds are gentle and adaptable, making them great companions for dogs. Their unique folded ears add to their endearing appearance, and they have a reputation for being easygoing.
This breed enjoys the company of others, often forming close friendships with dogs. They thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention and stimulation.
While they might appear aloof at times, their affectionate nature becomes evident when they nuzzle against their canine friends. Regular grooming maintains their plush coats, adding to their overall appeal.
Bengal
Bengals are known for their wild appearance, resembling miniature leopards. Yet, they possess a friendly temperament, often enjoying the company of dogs.
Their high energy levels mean they love participating in playful activities, often alongside their canine pals. Bengals are curious and intelligent, making them engaging companions.
They require regular interaction and mental stimulation. Their short, sleek coats are low-maintenance, perfect for busy households. Keep an eye on their adventurous nature, as they might lead your dog on playful escapades.
American Shorthair
The American Shorthair is a versatile breed, known for its calm and friendly demeanor. Its adaptability makes it a suitable companion for dogs, and it integrates well into various household environments.
This breed is sociable, often seeking out its canine companions for playtime or relaxation. Their easygoing nature ensures they get along well with other pets.
American Shorthairs have a sturdy build and a love for exploring. Regular exercise and interaction foster their bond with dogs, creating a harmonious multi-pet household.
Siberian
Siberians are known for their large size and dense, fluffy coats. Despite their imposing appearance, they have a gentle and friendly disposition.
This breed is highly social, often forming close-knit bonds with dogs. Their playful nature and intelligence make them delightful companions.
Siberians enjoy interactive play, which often includes their canine friends. Regular grooming is needed to maintain their luscious coats, especially during seasonal changes. Their loving nature ensures they thrive in family settings.
British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are known for their plush coats and round faces, exuding a calm and reserved demeanor. They are independent yet enjoy companionship, making them suitable for households with dogs.
This breed appreciates a stable environment, where they can coexist peacefully with canine friends. Their relaxed nature ensures harmonious interactions.
British Shorthairs have a gentle playfulness, often joining in on games initiated by dogs. Regular grooming keeps their coats in top condition. Their presence adds a touch of elegance to any home.
Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a unique breed with a short, wavy coat and an outgoing personality. Known for their playful antics, they often get along well with dogs.
Their high energy levels mean they thrive in active households, where they can engage in games with canine companions. This breed loves attention and will often seek out interaction.
While they require minimal grooming, their curious nature demands mental stimulation. Cornish Rexes are entertaining and affectionate, making them delightful additions to multi-pet families.
Abyssinian
Abyssinians are sleek, agile cats known for their playful and inquisitive nature. They have an adventurous spirit that pairs well with energetic dogs.
This breed thrives on interaction and loves exploring their environment, often with their canine counterparts. Their sociable nature ensures they form strong bonds with dogs.
Abyssinians have a short coat that requires minimal grooming, making them low-maintenance companions. Their lively presence adds excitement to any home, as they engage in playful antics with their furry friends.
Balinese
Balinese cats, with their long, silky coats, are known for their elegance and intelligence. They enjoy interactive play, often forming friendships with dogs.
Their social nature means they thrive in environments where they receive attention from both humans and pets. Balinese cats have a playful side that complements energetic dogs.
Regular grooming keeps their coats pristine, enhancing their graceful appearance. Their affectionate and friendly demeanor ensures they fit well into diverse households, where companionship is cherished.
Norwegian Forest Cat
The Norwegian Forest Cat is a robust breed with a thick, water-repellent coat suited for adventurous settings. Despite their wild appearance, they have a gentle and friendly demeanor.
This breed is known for its intelligence and enjoys forming connections with dogs. Their playful nature makes them great companions for active canines.
Regular grooming maintains their impressive coats, especially during seasonal shedding. Their adaptability ensures they thrive in dynamic environments, making them excellent additions to multi-pet households.
Burmese
Burmese cats are known for their sleek, shiny coats and affectionate nature. They have a strong desire for companionship, making them ideal for homes with dogs.
This breed thrives on interaction, often seeking out their canine friends for cuddles and playtime. Their sociable nature ensures they fit well into multi-pet households.
Burmese cats are easy to groom, requiring minimal maintenance. Their loving presence and playful spirit create a warm and enjoyable atmosphere, as they bond with their furry friends.
Devon Rex
The Devon Rex, with its curly coat and mischievous eyes, is known for its playful and affectionate nature. This breed thrives on interaction and often bonds well with dogs.
Their energetic personality ensures they engage in playful antics, creating a lively environment. Devon Rexes are intelligent and curious, often exploring alongside their canine companions.
Regular grooming keeps their unique coats in good condition. Their friendly demeanor and love for companionship make them wonderful additions to multi-pet households, where they spread joy and warmth.
Japanese Bobtail
Japanese Bobtails are known for their distinctive short tails and spirited personalities. This breed is highly social and often enjoys the company of dogs.
Their playful nature and curiosity make them engaging companions, as they explore their surroundings with their canine friends. Japanese Bobtails adapt well to different environments.
Regular interaction and mental stimulation are essential for their well-being. Their short coats are easy to maintain, and their charming presence adds a unique touch to any home, fostering harmony among pets.
Tonkinese
Tonkinese cats, with their stunning aqua eyes and sleek coats, are known for their sociable and affectionate nature. They form strong bonds with dogs, often seeking out their companionship.
This breed loves interactive play and thrives in environments where they receive plenty of attention. Their playful antics entertain both humans and pets alike.
Regular grooming keeps their coats shiny and healthy. Tonkinese cats are adaptable, making them suitable for various household settings. Their presence adds vibrancy and joy to multi-pet homes.
Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is renowned for its striking spotted coat and graceful demeanor. This breed has a playful and affectionate nature, making it a great companion for dogs.
Maus enjoy interactive play, often engaging in games with their canine counterparts. Their intelligence and curiosity lead them to form strong bonds with other pets.
Regular grooming maintains their beautiful coats, enhancing their regal appearance. Egyptian Maus thrive in environments where they receive attention and love, adding a touch of elegance to any home.