Do Bulldogs Get Along with Cats?
I decided I wanted to get another pet; I already had a cat so I decided a dog would be perfect. The Bulldog seemed to have a friendly and fun personality but wasn’t too big for me to handle. As a cat owner, I needed to know if a Bulldog would get along with my cat.
After some research and reading, I got all the answers I needed.
Do Bulldogs Get Along with Cats?
Do Bulldogs Get Along with Cats? Yes, Bulldogs do get along with cats most of the time. With their easy-going nature and friendliness towards others, this breed will likely become fast friends with the family cat. Occasionally a Bulldog may have trouble with cats, but the Bulldog breed is most often open and easily accepting. Should you want a dog that will blend well with others, the Bulldog is just that dog!
The Bulldog is a dog breed that has a kind and loving nature despite their historical background. While breeding isn’t the only factor that determines the temperament of a dog, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have a good start.
Many things determine whether a dog will get along with a cat that includes health issues, age, their environment, their social skills, and training as well as the nature of the individual cat.
A cat’s personality and temperament can be hard to determine. Each cat is unique and special in these areas with complex emotions and thought processes that vary from one to the other.
Considering the household cat before selecting a dog of any breed is the most important issue. Their age, health, and prior social skills with other pets including dogs will set the tone for how well they and the new Bulldog will get along.
The best way to determine this is by introducing the house cat to other dogs. If a friend, neighbor, or family member has a dog this can help determine how accepting the cat will be.
Should the housecat be indifferent or friendly to the dog then it is likely that the Bulldog will have no problem.
However, if the housecat becomes aggressive, stressed, agitated it might be best to wait and try socializing the cat more later.
There is no sense in bringing a Bulldog home to a household where the housecat might cause physical harm.
Training and social skills are important for a Bulldog, or any dog to get along with a cat or other pet. If the Bulldog is trained in proper behaviors from an early age, with a repetitive daily review they will grow up to understand what is expected of them in various situations.
This takes time and patience on the owner’s part so a daily review is important to continually reinforce good behaviors. This can help the individual Bulldog that may decide they don’t like the house cat or other pet.
Generally, a very social breed the Bulldog may seem like they have all the social skills they will ever need but this isn’t the case. Each Bulldog has a unique personality. Socialization goes hand and hand with obedience training and should be experienced as early as possible.
They might not have a problem socializing but this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t participate since they can learn some very vital skills by being exposed to cats early on.
The household environment also plays a part in whether a Bulldog and cat will get along. Animals naturally pick up on the good and bad energies in humans, therefore if we are stressed, angry, or upset they will notice.
If we can maintain a relaxed demeanor around our pets it will positively affect their personality. This can help them to get along despite their differences.
The health and age of the individual Bulldog are important factors in determining if they will be a good fit in a household with a cat.
While a younger Bulldog, or perhaps a puppy will become good pals with any other pet in a household, older dogs might not.
Bulldogs are known for their brawn but also their health problems. Older dogs that have aches and pains or other mild or severe health issues may find it hard to tolerate the presence of another animal in the household.
This can add strain to the aging Bulldog and the cat; therefore, considerations should be made when deciding to get a Bulldog for a household with a cat.
If we remember that each pet, dog, or cat has their unique personality we can better understand the relationships between them and why they do or do not get along. While the breed of the Bulldog can shine a little light on their personality, each dog is still their own.
Why Might the Bulldog Have Trouble Getting Along with a Cat?
The Bulldog generally has a welcoming and friendly personality, if for some reason they don’t get along with a cat it could be caused by the cat themselves or territorial issues.
A cat-like the Bulldog will have their personality traits that are brought into the friendship. Depending on the cat, these traits can either make or break the friendship.
If the cat is very social and friendly it is unlikely that they will have issues. If, however, the cat is territorial and aggressive there could be problems even for the friendly and happy go lucky Bulldog.
If the Bulldog doesn’t get along with the cat it could be related to their territorial issues.
While most Bulldogs are relaxed and easy-going some get territorial and can have trouble with other dogs or cats. Proper training and socializing can minimize this issue.
Do Bulldog puppies get along with cats better than other dog breeds?
No, not necessarily. All puppies regardless of breed background can get along with and socialize with a cat or anyone else for that matter.
To get along is primarily a learned skill that needs to be taught. Socialization during the puppy stage is very open, friendly, and happy since everyone other than mother is probably considered a playmate at this time!
What are some ways I can help the Bulldog and Cat get along?
If for some reason you find yourself with a Bulldog and cat that aren’t getting along there are a few steps you can take to help foster a good friendship. The first step should come before they meet each other.
Ensuring that each pet has been trained and socialized as much as possible should be the first thing to do. These steps that happen before they meet and learn to live together promote a better relationship from day one.
Once this has been established the first introduction should be short and sweet. A quick meet and greet that is no pressure where they can see each other but not feel threatened by the other. This is likely more for the cat than the dog.
They should never be forced into sniffing each other or having physical contact. This should come from them in their own time. After this first introduction has been completed, they should be separated within the house so that they are both safe and have their own space to adjust to the other.
These little snippets of time together can be gradually increased as time passes. The owner can sit down and share treats and affection with both pets, which will minimize jealousy and hopefully create a comfortable, safe, and loving environment for both the Bulldog and cat.
This process can be very lengthy depending on the cat or dog’s personality and how they react to each other. Time and patience on the owner’s part are necessary for success.
They should also each have a safe spot where they can hide or seek refuge should trouble arise, as well as their area to eat. This creates security and minimizes territorial issues concerning food.
Food should always be fed at the same time along with affection, treats, and playtime to reduce any jealousy issues that may develop in either animal.
If all these steps have been implemented and issues still arise with the Bulldog and housecat not getting along perhaps consulting a veterinarian or trainer can help pave the way for a harmonious relationship between cat and Bulldog.
What type of issues can come up between a Bulldog and a cat?
Any number of issues can arise when two pets live together in the same house. Territorial and aggression issues are perhaps the worst with each animals’ unique personality clashing with the other for control or superior ranking.
Luckily, the Bulldog is by far a happy go lucky, friendly breed of dog. If aggression or territorial issues arise it may be the cat. Cats can be nasty when they feel threatened, biting and scratching are just a few problems that could arise.
A Final Thought
It is common knowledge that throughout history dogs and cats haven’t generally get along. Their different backgrounds make it hard for them to relate to and understand each other.
This isn’t always the case with a Bulldog and cat in the same household, but it is a possibility therefore steps should be taken before introduction.
Thankfully with their amazing personality, it is unlikely to be the Bulldogs fault!