Ever heard of the saying, people are social animals? Well, this adage was coined based on the idea that animals are social creatures. (duh!)
So, what animals do cats get along with? And how can you, as a pet owner, make sure that they coexist in harmony? Get ready to have all your questions answered in this detailed guide about feline companionship.
Step 1) Get to Know Your Cat’s Nature & Preferences
Before you even begin to pair your cat up with any animal, you must unwrap its personality.
Is your cat overly hyperactive and ebullient? Or are they cantankerous and unsociable? Perhaps they have a well-rounded nature with attributes that aren’t too overbearing.
Observe your cat and note down the way they act and react in certain situations. Every cat is unique, so don’t be fooled by any breed-specific qualities.
Step 2) Choosing the Right Companion: Pets That Get Along Well With Cats
Once you’re certain that you’ve rounded up the most conceivable and concealed traits of your cat, it’s time to choose an animal with whom they can cohabitate. Ideally, cats do exceptionally well around small animals with similar temperaments.
Here’s a bunch of brilliant animals your cat’s gonna love!
Fish
Despite cats’ inherent tendency and urge to let their curiosity run wild, fish can actually be a brilliant friend!
In most instances, cats have a significant prey drive against multiple animals, including fish. But sometimes, even the calmest of cats can succumb to their curiosity and knock over your fish bowl.
To prevent this, invest in a small fish tank or any other dwelling for your fish that has a tight-sealing and sturdy lid. Place it high enough to prevent your kitty from scratching the glass or knocking it over.
Ferrets
At first glance, it’s easy to see why and how ferrets can be perceived as wonderful household pets. They’re balls of energy with slinky movements and unlimited enthusiasm.
These creatures can coexist in harmony with almost any animal, including your cat. Despite their picky and recalcitrant behavior, cats, too, tend to make exceptions when it comes to befriending a ferret.
Another Cat
As it turns out, smaller animals aren’t particularly ideal for companionship with your cat. So, what about getting another cat instead?
Don’t forget to get one with more mellowed-down prey instincts. A neutered cat or one that’s the same gender as your existing one will save you the trouble of keeping them away from each other to prevent them from starting their own family.
The need for training applies in this case, too. To make sure they do well together, inform your existing pet about its new animal housemate. Additionally, you should gradually introduce them to each other and supervise their body language along the way.
Dogs
Contrary to popular belief, cats and dogs get along quite well depending on the breed. To enable a positive and peaceful living experience, make sure to choose a dog with minimal hunting instincts.
To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of dog breeds that tend to get along well with your feline friends:
Golden Retriever
Basset Hound
Labrador Retriever
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Beagle
Pug
Poodle
However, to ensure this, owners must harness the correct approach to properly introduce them to each other and avoid any and every hiccup along the way.
Use positive reinforcements the first time your pets meet to convey to them that socialization is a good thing. Don’t force the first interaction and let them move at their own respective paces. If your dog growls or cat hisses, separate them ASAP.
Once your cat’s certain that the your dog means no harm and vice versa, you can rest assured that both of them have got a friend for life!
Animals That Should NOT Live With Your Cat
But what if you already have a pet that isn’t that good of an option when it comes to companionship for your cat?
Remember, every cat may have certain suppressed predatory and territorial instincts that tend to kick in whenever they lay their eyes on an animal they see fit for their consumption. Here’s a list that includes a few of them.
Rabbits
Small Rodents Like Mice & Rats
Large Rodents Like Guinea Pigs & Hamsters
Birds
Reptiles Like Lizards & Chameleons
Here’s How You Can Ensure That They Live Together in Harmony
Since most felines are natural hunters, it’s essential to maintain close supervision whenever they interact with another animal that’s considered their prey.
Even though the animals on this list aren’t preferred as companions for your cats, having them around isn’t a deal breaker.
Cats are inquisitive and may try their best to try to take a closer look, so beware! This is why you should keep the smaller animals away from your pet’s destructive little paws. For animals like birds, use bird cages or have perches built high up.
Moreover, you should also start training them to be more sociable and accepting of the new norm. This makes it more likely that your pets will be able live peacefully in the future.
Neutering: Is It The Right Thing to Do?
Some breeders and pet owners spay or neuter their cats in an attempt to abate their vehement impulses to hunt and kill. Whether or not this is the ideal thing to do is debatable.
Many activists believe that both of these practices are cruel and repugnant because they invade animal rights. However, medically speaking, these medical procedures can be quite advantageous to their overall health and well-being.
Cat owners who have gone ahead with these procedures have always assured others that their pets have gone on to live a longer and more fulfilling life, a fact clearly backed by scientific research. This is because it helps prevent them from developing a miscellany of cancers and tumors related to their reproductive organs.
Ultimately, I’d like to encourage you to see what’s best for you and your pet. If the notion of spaying or neutering doesn’t contravene your moral beliefs and standing, go ahead! Remember, the contentment and well-being of your pet are in your hands.
Pair Your Cat With A New Pet & Watch Their Relationship Flourish
And that’s all we have to offer to help you look for a friend for your cat. Remember, getting a new pet to accompany your whiskered friend might seem like a grueling task, especially if they seem relatively irritable and unsocial. But once you understand the nature of your feline friend and begin to take the first few steps in the right direction, you’ll begin to see how easy it actually is.
Remember, kittens usually do exceptionally well around almost any small animal out there. Thus, early socialization is key to ensure cordial and amicable relationships between your pets.
