8+ Cat Breeds That Pair Well With Dogs (2024)

Are you a pet lover who wants to add another pet to your household? If you already have a dog and are considering getting a cat, or vice versa, this is for you! While cats and dogs may seem like natural enemies in cartoons, they can become great friends if introduced properly.

Some cat breeds are known for their friendly nature towards dogs.

In this article, We will look at 13 cat breeds that pair well with dogs and could make the perfect addition to your family.

13 Cat Breeds That Pair Well With Dogs

Cats and dogs can coexist in the same home, especially if the introduction is done correctly. That being said, below are 13 cat breeds that can pair perfectly with dogs;

1. The Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is a famous cat breed with a friendly and outgoing personality. They are known for their massive size, with males weighing 18 pounds and females weighing 12 pounds.

Their thick fur coat comes in various colors: black, white, brown, silver, and red. Maine Coons are great companions for dogs because of their social nature. They love being around people and other animals alike. This makes them ideal pets for families with cats and dogs at home. 

Apart from being friendly creatures, Maine Coons have an intelligent mind that enables them to learn tricks quickly. They enjoy playing fetch games with their owners like dogs do. If you’re looking for a feline companion that gets along with your furry friend at home, this breed might be perfect for you!

2. The Ragdoll Cats

The Ragdoll is a large and friendly cat breed that can be a great dog companion. They got their name from their tendency to go limp when picked up, just like a ragdoll. These cats have soft, plush coats that require a special grooming brush or combs and striking blue eyes. 

Ragdolls are known for being affectionate and docile. They love to follow their human family around the house and often seek attention. This makes them an excellent match for friendly dogs who enjoy having cat companionship.

Unlike many other cat breeds, ragdolls love water and play in it. If you have a dog that enjoys swimming or playing in the pool, then a ragdoll is the perfect match for your household.

They are also very adaptable and will get along well with other pets in the home. They have a gentle nature that indicates that they’re unlikely to react aggressively if approached by an overly enthusiastic pup 

3. The Birman

The Birman, also known as the “Sacred Cat of Burma,” is a gentle and affectionate breed that can make great dog companions. Birmans have a calm demeanor and are known for their loyalty to their owners.

With striking blue eyes and a soft white coat, the Birman’s appearance will catch anyone’s attention. They are medium-sized cats with a stocky build and short legs, but don’t let their size fool you – they are quick on their feet.

Birmans are not overly demanding of attention but enjoy being near their owners. They are “people-oriented” cats who thrive on human companionship. The Birman could be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a friendly cat that will get along well with your dog! 

4. The Siamese Cats

The Siamese is a popular cat breed known for its distinguished appearance, vocal nature, and intelligence. Siamese cats are known for their outgoing and social temperament, making them a perfect breed to pair with dogs.

Siamese cats are affectionate and loyal pets that enjoy being around people and other animals. They are also highly curious creatures that love to explore their surroundings, making them an ideal match for dogs.

Siamese cats can be chatty and have distinctive voices. You will not have to stress about caring for and taking care of the Siamese breed; looking for a cat with high energy to match your dogs? Then the Siamese is the one for you.  

5. The Sphynx

The Sphynx, also known as the Canadian Hairless, is a unique and distinctive cat breed due to its lack of fur. Despite their unusual appearance, they can be great companions for dogs.

Sphynxes are always ready to engage you and are energetic, reflected in how they play and relate with other pets, including dogs. This makes them the right companion for your dogs.

They thrive on attention and affection from both humans and animals alike. If you have a social dogs breed like Golden Retriever or Labrador at home, then a Sphynx will fit right in.

If you’re looking for a friendly cat that pairs well with dogs, consider getting a Sphynx! With their high energy levels, affectionate personalities, and unique appearance, they make excellent additions to any household.

6. The Oriental Shorthair

The Oriental Shorthair is one of the most active and playful cat breeds that can quickly get along with dogs. This breed has an outgoing personality, making it an ideal companion for humans and other pets.

Oriental Shorthairs are highly intelligent and enjoy learning new tricks or playing interactive games with their owners. They also love attention, so they will likely follow you around the house seeking your company.

One trait that makes this breed stand out is its ability to adapt quickly to new environments. So if you have a dog at home, introducing an Oriental Shorthair should be relatively easy as long as proper introductions are made gradually. This cat breed is your go-to if you’re looking for a friendly match with your dog.

7. The Devon Rex

The Devon Rex is a unique and quirky cat breed that may surprise you with its compatibility with dogs. With their large ears, curly fur, and playful personalities, these cats are sure to complete any dog-loving household.

The Devon Rex is known to love and crave human attention, which makes it follow its human family around. This trait makes them ideal companions for dogs who enjoy being close to their humans. 

The Devon Rex’s energetic nature also means they won’t shy away from playtime with your furry canine friend. Their agility and high energy levels mean they can keep up with even the most active dog breeds. If you want to bring in a cat to live with you and your dogs, then Devon Rex might be what your household needs. 

8. The Cornish Rex

The Cornish Rex is a cat breed with a unique and distinctive appearance. These cats have soft, curly hair that stands out from other breeds. Their fur feels like silk, and they are often called “velvet cats” because of their luxurious coat.

In addition to their striking looks, Cornish Rexes are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They love attention and will follow their owners around the house seeking affection.

They are also very playful and enjoy interactive toys or games with humans. Despite being energetic, Cornish Rexes do not require as much exercise as other breeds due to their high metabolism rates.

This makes them great companions for dogs who may need more activity than they do. The Cornish Rex could be an excellent choice if you’re looking for a social and fun-loving feline companion who gets along well with dogs!

9. The Scottish Fold

The Scottish Fold is an adorable cat breed that can get along well with dogs. They are known for their unique folded ears, which give them an owl-like appearance. These cats have a calm temperament and are generally friendly towards other pets.

Scottish Folds are affectionate and love to be around people, making them great companions for families with both cats and dogs. They also have a playful side, so they can keep up with energetic dogs who enjoy playing.

They may require more attention than other breeds due to their social nature. They may become destructive or bored when this attention is not given, or they are left alone for a long time. The Scottish Fold is a beautiful addition to any household looking for a friendly cat breed that gets along well with dogs.

10. The Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair breed is popular for its unique appearance and friendly nature. They are the perfect cat to pair with dogs who need a low-energy feline companion.

One of the most notable traits of this breed is their flat, round face which gives them an adorable teddy bear-like appearance. Their short coat comes in various colors and patterns, making them visually appealing.

They have a calm and relaxed personality, which makes them great lap cats and ideal for households with children or other pets. The Exotic Shorthair tends to be more laid back than their Persian cousins but still enjoys some daily playtime.

We love that the Exotic Shorthair has a sweet demeanor and an easy-going nature, making them the right companion for humans and dogs.

11. The American Curl

The American Curl is a unique cat breed that gets its name from the distinct curling of its ears. This breed is known for being friendly, playful, and easy-going, making them an excellent dog companion.

This cat is moderately active and enjoys interactive playtime with their human family members. They are also quite adaptable to different living environments and can thrive in both small apartments and large homes.

You and your dogs will love the American curl because they are affectionate to humans and other animals. If you’re looking for a cat breed that pairs well with dogs due to their friendly nature and adaptability, then the American Curl could be an excellent choice for your household.

12. The Peterbald

The Peterbald is an interesting breed of cat that originated from Russia. They are known for their hairlessness, but not all Peterbalds are completely bald; some have short and soft coats.

These cats are highly intelligent and social creatures who love being around people and other animals. We love the slender, long body of the Peterbald cat.

Due to their friendly nature, they get along well with dogs making them perfect companions for households with cats and dogs. They also tend to bond closely with humans and enjoy cuddling up in laps or being held close.

Despite having little to no fur, you may need to groom the Peterbalds from time to time because oil from the skin can accumulate, causing skin problems if left unattended.

However, this grooming process is relatively easy compared to other breeds because they lack fur, eliminating shedding issues. The Peterbald is an excellent option for those seeking an affectionate cat companion who thrives on attention, whether from humans or animal friends alike!

13. The Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail is a highly intelligent and friendly cat breed that can easily form strong bonds with dogs. These cats are known for their distinctive bobbed tails, which add to their unique appearance.

Japanese bobtails are known for being playful and active. They love attention from humans and other animals, making them great companions for dogs who enjoy socializing.

The Japanese Bobtail is an excellent choice for dog owners looking to add a feline friend to their family dynamic. With their friendly personalities and unique appearance, these cats will surely charm you and your dogs.

Final Thoughts

Cats and dogs can live together harmoniously and even develop strong connections. To create a pleasant home for both pets, it’s crucial to pick a cat breed that gets along with your dog.

The list of cat breeds above will guide you on which ones are great with dogs.  Cats and dogs can live together peacefully if given time, proper introductions, and lots of love and care from their human family members. 

Remember that each animal has a distinct personality and way of acting, so watching how they connect is essential.