Are Golden Retrievers Good With Cats?

Golden retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., partially because they are good with other pets. These dogs are friendly and gentle.

But relationship always depends on both parties, so the cat should also be willing to communicate and not be aggressive towards dogs.

With enough patience and dedication, you can get any two animals to live together in harmony or even become best buddies.

Do Golden Retrievers Get Along with Other Pets?

Golden retrievers generally get along well with other pets, including dogs, cats, ferrets, and rabbits – you name it. These dogs are known for their friendly, affectionate nature. They want to be friends with everyone and are rarely aggressive.

A golden retriever is unlikely to attack another animal first. They are confident and don’t need to get defensive when interacting with other animals. Golden retrievers don’t bark often, so they won’t unintentionally scare another pet.

Golden retrievers are among the gentlest dogs. Despite their high energy levels and large size, they will never hurt a child or a smaller animal.

These traits make a golden retriever the best family dog. Many people owning several pets report that their golden retrievers instantly accepted new animals into the family.

However, you should remember that friendship goes both ways. Whether your golden retriever and cat will get along depends not solely on the dog. If a cat is hostile towards the dog, they likely won’t sleep or play together.

A golden retriever won’t attack a cat that doesn’t pose a threat but will be forced to defend itself if the cat attacks first. Furthermore, goldens are sometimes goofy, and the dog may annoy a cat by trying to play with it.

Remember that every animal has its unique personality. Some golden retrievers may be jealous of the owner’s attention or have a personal dislike for cats.

Are All Cat Breeds Equally Good for Golden Retrievers?

Like dogs, cats have different temperament traits depending on the breed. Some cat breeds get along with everyone, while others should be the only pets in the house, or they may become hostile and aggressive.

Cats that get along wot dogs include Abyssinian, American shorthair, Burmese, Birman, sphynx, Japanese bobtail, Maine Coon, Norwegian forest cat, Siberian, ragdoll, Tonkinese, and American curls.

These cat breeds can be considered the dogs of the feline world. They are extraverted, never aggressive, and confident. However, that’s a generalization – genetics is only one factor affecting a cat’s temperament.

Some cat breeds, such as British shorthair and Oriental, are not suitable for households with dogs, but individual cats can get along with dogs despite their inherited traits.

If you’re only considering buying a cat and aren’t sure about the breed, choose dog-friendly cat breeds. Ideally, the cat and dog should share some temperament traits.

Since golden retrievers are active and playful, they need equally energetic companions. A Persian or British shorthair cat that loves to sleep is incompatible with a golden retriever running around non-stop.

Age

The dog’s (and the cat’s) age plays a crucial role in the relationship between your pets. As a rule of thumb, don’t get another pet until your golden retriever is at least one year old.

Dogs need time to adapt to the new environment and people. Your golden retriever puppy may appear accustomed to your home, but a new pet can trigger behavioral problems.

On the other hand, the dog shouldn’t be too old because it may be already used to living alone and struggle to accept another animal in the family.

Sometimes, senior pets perceive new animals in the family as a replacement. They may start feeling useless and unloved. The best time to get a second pet is when your golden retriever is about two years old.

Ideally, the cat and the dog should be about the same age. Golden retrievers are an active breed and retain their goofiness in adulthood. A young golden retriever may stress an old cat with constant running and playing, and vice versa.

Some people think that if a cat and dog grow up together, they will become best friends. However, buying a kitten and a puppy simultaneously has several pitfalls.

Firstly, training two pets at a time is challenging. One may say cats don’t need training, but it isn’t true. Although cats don’t need to learn commands and tricks, they should be disciplined to know the house rules.

Secondly, the pets may develop so-called littermate syndrome. Despite the name suggesting that the phenomenon occurs in littermates, it can develop in any two animals growing up together.

A cat and a dog raised together may become overly attached to each other, which leads to behavioral problems. Thirdly, the dog may get used to playing with the cat as an equal and not evaluate its biting power adequately in adulthood.

There are exceptions, of course, and you can get any golden accustomed to a new companion with enough dedication, regardless of age.

Socialization

Whether your pets will get along depends on how well socialized they are. Responsible breeders put effort into socializing their puppies, ensuring they react adequately to new environments, people, and animals.

A puppy that has never met strangers, played with other dogs, or left home, may develop anxiety in adulthood and behave aggressively towards people and animals.

In contrast, a dog that was raised in a home with a cat is more likely to get along with felines in the new house. The same applies to cats – some cat breeders also own dogs, and their cats typically acquire a dog-like personality.

If you’re planning on buying a cat but aren’t sure your dog will react adequately to a new family member, start socializing it now. Walk with your dog in public parks, invite over your friends, or attend behavior training classes.

The Owner’s Effort

At the end of the day, whether your pets will get along depends on you. If you introduce your pets correctly, avoid mistakes, and pay equal attention to both animals, you’re unlikely to encounter serious problems.

In contrast, mistakes in introducing pets can take you multiple steps back or, in the worst-case scenario, forever ruin the relationship between two animals.

Your goal is to properly socialize and train both your pets. Then, they should have no conflicts even if they don’t become best friends.

Like all dogs, golden retrievers have a wolf-like instinct to chase smaller animals. A golden retriever that isn’t getting enough exercise may run after a cat, making it anxious and stressed.

You should ensure that all the natural needs of your pets are met to prevent them from engaging in bad behavior towards each other.

How To Introduce a Golden Retriever To a Cat

Learn how to introduce a cat to a dog the right way to avoid confrontation between your pets. When you bring your new cat home, keep your dog in a crate and the cat in a carrier.

The first interaction should be short. Keep the animals at a distance – they should be able to see and smell each other but not touch.

If the animals display aggression, separate them and comfort both. Try to introduce your pets again the next day. Whenever you aren’t there to supervise your pets, keep them in separate rooms.

Take it slow. Gradually leave your pets together for more extended periods if they appear comfortable. Always feed them separately and ensure they don’t play with each other’s toys until they become friends.

Rewards are of great help in encouraging your pets to interact calmly. Give your cat and dog treats every time they interact without aggression or anxiety. Ensure that both your pets have a quiet place where they can relax and wind off.

How long it takes for a dog and cat to get along depends on many variables. You may have to repeat the introduction sessions daily for several weeks.

If your pets don’t show any progress, seek the help of a behavioral specialist because your incorrect actions may only worsen the situation.

Mistakes To Avoid

Preventing a confrontation between animals is easier than dealing with aggression, so know the mistakes to avoid when introducing pets.

Don’t rush things. If the first interaction doesn’t go well and the pets get scared, they will be less willing to interact in the future.

Don’t feed your pets together. Ideally, keep the dog’s bowls out of the cat’s reach and vice versa because pets may become protective if someone else touches their belongings. And your pets will certainly be interested in each other’s food.

Many owners pay more attention to the new at the early stages, which is understandable. However, this may lead to jealousy of the older pet and consequent aggression.

Don’t punish your pets for aggression towards each other. Aggression is instinctive, so your pets won’t understand what they’ve done wrong. Instead, comfort your furry friends and separate them until the next time.

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