Do Pugs get along with cats and other animals? If you already have other dogs or cats, you may want to know if a cat and a Pug get along. Today, we’ll look at the best way to introduce your Pug to a cat or other animals.
Most Pugs can get along with cats, but it will depend on the personality of the dog All animals have their own unique personalities and some Pugs may be scared of cats. Not to mention, some cats will not want anything to do with dogs.
Are Pugs Good Pets?
Pugs make great pets because they are loyal and get along well with other animals if they are properly trained.
They are considered categorized as a “Toy” breed but are the largest toy dogs. Pugs love kids and will not have any issues with babies.
If you are just getting a new Pug and have a cat, it’s important to make sure that you introduce them properly. I’ll share some tips that you can use to make the introduction go as smooth as possible.
But first let’s take a look at why this breed is one of the easier breeds to get accustomed to felines.
They are a small breed: As I mentioned above, they are considered a “toy” dog. When a cat sees a Pug, they usually won’t be intimidated by their size like they would with a big dog.
We had stray cats where we lived and Mindy my black Pug never tried to hurt any of them. She would try to sniff them, but that was just out of curiosity.
I was actually more afraid of Mindy getting hurt than the kittens or cats.
They have a low prey drive: Unlike other breeds like Collies, Bulldogs, Pitbulls and other dogs don’t get along with cats. Pugs don’t have the natural territorial instinct to chase cats
Most Pugs don’t mind sharing their space with other animals. In fact, it’s completely normal if your Pug acts like a cat after living with a feline companion.
Extremely docile breed: This small dog is extremely docile and they usually don’t show signs of aggression towards people or animals.
Just like any other type of dog, they can be taught to show aggressive tendencies, some even have behavioral issues that require attention.
If you do have a cat, make sure that they get along with dogs.
How to Introduce Pugs and Cats to Each Other
When introducing two animals for the very first time, it’s important to take some precautionary measures, in case things don’t go smoothly.
I’ll share some tips that will help make the process as smoothly as possible.
More Than One Person
Always make sure that you have someone around to help make the introduction. One person for each pet.
Don’t worry if you don’t have someone who can be there when you make the introduction. Most cats, won’t cause any issues unless they feel their personal space is being invaded.
That’s when they will lash out by swatting the dog on the head or making a loud hissing sound. Make sure you don’t get your Pug too close as the cat can scratch their bulging eyes and cause issues.
Make Sure Your Pug Is Trained
Before introducing your Pug to any animal, whether it’s a cat, dog, rabbit, or kitten, it’s important to make sure they are trained properly.
Your dog should be comfortable on a leash and should be able to follow the commands “sit” or “down” position without issues.
You’ll want to use those commands if the cat is scared and is getting ready to pounce.
Use A Leash
One of the best ways to introduce your pet to your cat is to put them on a leash or harness. This will give you more control over your dog.
I’d recommend investing in a retractable dog leash that prevents your dog from getting too close to your cat.
Once the feline realizes that the dog isn’t interested in bothering them, they will start feeling more secure around Fido.
Make The Introduction In A Small Area
Use a small bathroom or guest room in your home to make the introduction. You can even use a baby gate to close off a room to create a small area.
A small area will allow your cat to get acclimated to your dog’s sounds and smells.
You should make sure that the cat has a way to escape from the dog if they want to get away.
This is especially important if you leave your cat and dog alone together during the day.
Introducing A Kitten to a Pug Puppy
Kittens can be challenging to introduce to puppies. Most kittens are active and show signs of aggression when they are scared.
A small kitty tends to get scared very easily and if not introduced properly can attack your puppy.
Your puppy will naturally be curious about the unusual smells and sounds. Make sure that you’re paying close attention to the dog to ensure they don’t get too close to the kitten.
It’s much easier to introduce a puppy to an adult cat. A fully grown cat will set boundaries for your pup.
It will take time for Fido to understand these boundaries, but with time patience, and proper training they will start to realize that your cat needs personal space and will be respectful of it.
What If They Don’t Get Along?
Sometimes no matter what you do, two animals just won’t get along with each other. That’s fine, it just means that it wasn’t meant to be.
There are some dog breeds that will never get along with a cat. Here’s a list of 10 breeds that just don’t like cats.
You may have tried all the steps above and you still hear constant hissing and growling. There’s no reason to try to get your pets to get along if they are constantly fighting.
One of them will get hurt and there will be a lot of resentment between the dog and cat. Not to mention, the feline will eventually hurt your Pug.
There’s a good possibility that your Pug will eventually learn how to respect the cat. It will only take a few swats from the cat. They’ll eventually learn to back off from your cat and leave them alone.
Can Pugs and Cats Become Best Friends?
Absolutely, we’ve all seen those videos of dogs and cats sleeping and playing together. It won’t happen overnight, but if you follow these steps you can create a happy home for your Pug and your feline friend.
Give Your Cat A Safe Space
Just like your Pug has a pet bed or crate that helps them feel safe, your cat needs a place of their own. One of the best things you can get for your cat is a Cat Tree Condo Furniture.
This will give your kitty a great place to climb and get away from your dog if they don’t want to be bothered. A Pug is short and won’t be able to climb or bother your cat when they are on their furniture.
Your Cat Is The Ruler Of The Home
Unlike a dog, a cat tends to keep to themselves. They don’t crave attention like a dog does and only wants attention when they want it.
The best way to keep your Pug safe around your cat is to let keep your cat higher on the hierarchy at home. Let them call the shots and teach your dog to respect their feline housemate.
One of the best ways to do this is always to feed your cat first. Keep your Pug outside of the cats feeding area until they are done eating.
Cats Feeding Time
Your dog needs to respect the feline while they are eating. If your Pug is anything like mine was, they love eating.
Whenever I went into the kitchen, Mindy thought it was time to eat. Whenever you’re feeding your feline, make sure that your Pug respects their boundaries.
Never feed your pets at the same time. Feed your cat and then you let your Pug eat.
My sister-in-law does this with her cats. The dogs know that when the cats are eating, they are not allowed in the kitchen.
Once the cats are done eating, they are allowed to lick their food bowls clean. Check out some of the best bowls for pugs.
Conclusion
If you have a Pug, there’s no reason why you can’t have other animals living in the same house. They are docile canines that get along well with everyone.
Having more than one pet can be a great way to reduce anxiety in your Pug when they are left alone during the day. Just know that they probably won’t be friends at the very first introduction.
But don’t give up, I’ve seen some dogs become best friends with cats.
Still thinking about getting a dog and not sure which breeds get along with cats, read this article.