Are Goldendoodles Good With Cats?
Have you ever wondered if Goldendoodles are good with cats? Our mini Goldendoodle Lexie has always been extremely gentle with our kids and around other animals. A few weeks ago, a neighbors cat decided to make our back patio it’s temporary play area. Instantly my two daughters wanted us to get a cat.
While I am not to sure about adding a cat to the mix, it did get me thinking… are Goldendoodles good with cats? I’ve never had a cat, so I had to do some research and this is what I found.
After a bit of research, I found some interesting information about Goldendoodles and cats. Please read on to find out what I discovered.
Are Goldendoodles good with cats?
Are Goldendoodles good with cats? Yes, Goldendoodles are a breed of dog that quickly makes friends with everyone. Their personality and temperament are welcoming to all, including cats. They are gentle by nature and love to spend time socializing with others, especially kids and cats.
The size of a mini Goldendoodle won’t likely make them a threat to a housecat, and their playful nature will have them looking to interact with almost any creature.
The Goldendoodle also loves to relax and lounge on the couch, which will likely be a favored activity between these fast friends. The Goldendoodle is a breed of dog that tends to have a calm personality.
This calmness can work well on those days when the housecat is less than thrilled by their presence. Warm and loving, this breed of dog has a heart of gold that even a cat will likely find it hard to resist.
For families that already have a cat or a Goldendoodle, blending the two will probably take a little finesse at the beginning. Once this initial introduction is done, it should be smooth sailing afterward.
The Goldendoodle is a modern crossbreed of dog. They are two dog breeds and offer a wealth of beautiful traits for those who welcome them into their home and call these fur babies family. They were bred to be a companion dog, and if Lexi is any indication, they are quite successful at this occupation.
Our Goldendoodle Lexi is a very welcoming and loving dog. If you want to sit on the couch, she will happily join you. Should you wish to go for a walk, she will be more than happy to tag along on your adventure. This breeding as a companion dog makes her and other Goldendoodles excellent for families with multiple people, and possibly other animals.
Goldendoodles won’t judge a cat, well, because it’s a cat. Their personality is generally all welcoming and accepting regardless of who it is.
This attitude can be a plus for Goldendoodle owners that dare I say it, want a cat! Or still already have a cat and decide to adopt a Goldendoodle. While most families with dogs can struggle with unforeseen issues between their dog and cat, families with a Goldendoodle should have absolutely no problem at all.
Are there any instances where a Goldendoodle will not get along with a cat?
Yes, there are always instances where a Goldendoodle and a cat will not get along. This disharmony isn’t characteristic of the companion dog breed, but it can happen.
If a Goldendoodle is adopted, there are certain instances where they may struggle with getting along with others, including a cat. If the Goldendoodle has been mistreated, neglected, or abused can affect their ability to be loving, friendly, and gentle.
This type of situation would be real of any dog, regardless of breed. If the Goldendoodle is mistreated in any way, this will affect the dog’s ability to bond with anyone. This difficulty will not be limited to a cat, either. An abused or neglected dog will have trouble connecting and bonding with anyone, human or animal.
When selecting a Goldendoodle, it is best to adopt from a reputable breeder or rescue. Potential Goldendoodle parents are less likely to encounter a so severely troubled dog; they cannot bond and form close relationships.
While our baby Lexi isn’t considered a senior dog, another instance where a Goldendoodle may have trouble getting along with a cat is if they are aged or unhealthy. Older dogs and dogs suffering from health issues can sometimes struggle with forming close relationships with others because of how they physically feel.
This situation is less likely to be a problem for a gentle and loving Goldendoodle by nature. Their advanced age or existing health problems will likely make them more interested in snuggling on the couch with the napping cat.
Does the cat’s temperament affect the relationship they have with a Goldendoodle?
Yes, a cat’s temperament and personality will always play a role in how successful the relationship will be with a Goldendoodle.
Cats have a very different personality and temperament than a dog. They are independent and often prefer to keep to themselves. While they can be energetic at times, playing with toys and chasing creatures in the yard, they are generally more reserved than dogs unless they are a kitten.
Depending on the existing house cat or cat that will be adopted, the Goldendoodle may struggle with making friends. Some cats may not be friends with anyone, including humans in the household. They are very selective of who they befriend.
Thankfully our Goldendoodle Lexi has a personality that is so friendly and kind. We believe it is unlikely that if we adopted a cat, it would be able to resist our dog’s charm and character.
I must tell you from my research it is best to be forewarned. Cats’ moods can change rapidly. Therefore the once Goldendoodle friend can become a foe. On the flip side, it also appears that the Goldendoodle that was a foe can suddenly become a friend one moment or day.
While some dogs might see the cat as a chew toy or something to chase, we don’t believe Lexi will be one of them. While she loves toys, the cat isn’t likely to be one of them! Especially with those claws and should, the cat hiss, Lexi is more likely to steer clear until the mood has changed.
This is the most often seen relationship between a dog and a cat, regardless of breed.
What is the best way to introduce a dog and cat?
While we haven’t selected a cat or kitten, we discovered a particular way to introduce them together, which can make it easier for them to get along.
The basic idea is that the newcomer into the house is to be kept separate in the beginning. In our case, this would be the new cat. The cat would be held in their carrier or a different room. This step is highly crucial since cats can climb!
With supervision, the Goldendoodle and cat can be introduced while the cat is in the carrier or separate room. It allows the dog and cat to get to know each other without anyone getting hurt. This activity might likely seem like a fun game to our precious girl!
After a few hours or days, the cat carrier or separate room door can be opened periodically. This time should be short and also supervised.
If the Goldendoodle and cat seem to get along, all is well, but they should continue to be supervised since cats can be unpredictable at best! A surprise attack can happen at any given moment if the cat suddenly decides the dog is too close.
Suppose the Goldendoodle and cat don’t seem to get along, no matter whose fault, they should again be separated. We are almost sure our cute fur baby will be a perfect hostess!
This situation can continue for as long as it takes for the cat and dog to get along and be friendly. Again, it can’t be stressed enough; life with multiple pets, especially of different breeds, can be unpredictable at times.
Understanding that each pet is an entirely different species with different personality traits will help pet owners get through this process. Patience, persistence, and time are usually the recipe that brings success.
What can be done if a Goldendoodle and cat can’t get along?
There are a few things that can be done if the Goldendoodle and cat can’t get along. This first would be to find another home for the cat. At the same time, this isn’t the most desirable if the family wants a cat too, but it can be best for both pets.
It usually isn’t necessary, though, animals tend to adapt quickly to their living situation. Depending on the home they live in, a cat will adapt more rapidly by keeping to one section, area, or room where they can be away from the annoying dog.
If the human family is persistent, this will happen naturally if the home is big enough to accommodate the Goldendoodle and cat.
In Conclusion
Goldendoodles are loving and gentle by nature. Bred as a companion animal, they almost always get along with everyone, including what can be a sometimes moody and reserved cat.
While breed characteristics make a pet more welcoming and friendly, each dog and cat is an individual. Time and patience are necessary for any friendship to form.
This is never more true than between a dog and a cat. Thankfully, the Goldendoodle has the right personality for the job of a friend to a cat!