Are Goldendoodles Good With Cats?
Yes, Goldendoodles are good, even great with cats. Part of the reason is that they inherit cat-friendly traits from their parents, namely the Golden Retriever. They do not take very long to build bonds of friendship with just about anyone, regardless of whether it is a human or a fur-ball. So, for a groodle, a cat is just another playmate.
If you are a cat and a dog person rolled into one, Goldendoodles could be the answer to your prayers. This is one of the hybrid dog breeds that will enable you to realize your dream of having both a dog and a cat as pets without worrying about traditional rivalries.
Not only can a groodle coexist with a cat, but the equation between the two can also evolve into a lifelong companionship if handled well.
Much of the onus on how the Goldendoodle-cat interaction goes would lay with the owner. To this effect, in case you are wondering how to proceed, the following are some insights that could prove to be useful –
Goldendoodles’ Prey Drive
Every dog has an innate prey drive, and Goldendoodles are no exception to this rule. For the benefit of those unaware of the jargon, prey drive refers to the instinct that causes dogs to hunt, stalk or chase smaller creatures, such as squirrels, birds, and of course, cats.
Naturally, this aspect is the leading cause of worry for pet owners, particularly in the safety of smaller pets.
The good news is that Goldendoodles have a lower prey drive as compared to other dog breeds. Because they believe more in friendships than hunting or chasing, their chances of getting along with cats are higher than several other dog breeds.
A lower prey drive might imply that your groodle may not measure up to being a perfect watchdog. On the flip side, it would certainly work in your favor if you have multiple pets of varying sizes.
From the Cat’s Perspective
Anyone who has spent some time with cats would admit that if there is anything that these feline creatures value, it is their personal space. Needless to point out, even the slightest violation can draw a strong reaction from the cat, no matter how quiet or good-natured it might be.
Cats may not be averse to dogs, but there is a good chance that they would get irked on being chased or stalked relentlessly. While they may enjoy a brief playing session, they like to be left alone and undisturbed after a certain point.
In such a situation, an energetic or pushy pup might inadvertently trigger a sharp reaction, and that might start a fight between the two.
Given their wild nature, Goldendoodles might unknowingly hurt/irk a cat companion. Training and timely interjection could help diffuse the situation and save the day for all parties concerned.
Goldendoodles and Cats – Introduction Tips
When you bring together a Goldendoodle and a cat, there are numerous directions that the interaction could take. Your objective is to ensure that the two pets make a good start and develop a positive attitude towards each other.
The idea is to lay a strong foundation of friendship so that both the groodle and the cat develop sufficient mutual understanding and evolve into lifelong companions.
How you introduce the two would go a long way in determining their acceptance levels, and some tips in this regard entail –
- Arranging for a meeting beforehand wherein the groodle and the cat would get an opportunity to size each other up;
- During the first meeting or even the subsequent interactions, do not force the groodle and the cat to interact and get along; instead, let them take their time to get used to each other;
- Closely supervise the first few interactions so that you can help them understand each other; for example, train the groodle to grant the cat privacy when required, and teach the cat that despite being hyperactive, Goldendoodles mean no harm;
- Ensure that the first few interactions are relatively short, and gradually increase the time only when you receive a positive vibe from both pets;
- For a long time, do not leave the groodle and the cat alone, even if they seem to get along, because things can escalate quickly and get out of hand;
Which Combination Works Best?
Although there is nothing set in stone regarding Goldendoodles and cats’ age groups, putting some thought into the matter certainly helps in the long run. Chances of Goldendoodles and cats getting along are higher if –
- Both are brought home at a very young age, wherein the groodle is a pup, and the kitten is about as old;
- With a more senior cat present at home, the Goldendoodle should be a pup that is flexible enough to be taught to respect the cat’s boundaries;
- Families that have dogs must opt for a kitten so that it evokes the caring instincts of the adult dog rather than irking it;
On a rare occasion, when the groodle and cat make up their minds not to get along, it is time for you as the owner to take charge of the situation.
Under the circumstances, the best thing would be to keep them apart as much as possible and have another person help you supervise one of the pets while you handle the other.
Final Thoughts
Getting along with cats is not too much to ask of Goldendoodles since they are already open to new and exciting friendships. It would be best to consider how the relationship between the two would evolve and how quickly they will warm up towards each other.
If you already have a Goldendoodle at home and intend to adopt a cat, pick a kitten for the best results. Likewise, go for a groodle pup if there is already a cat present at home.
Ideally, adopt a Goldendoodle pup and a kitten and then train them both at the same time. On the one hand, it would save you the anxiety of them getting along, and on the other hand, both will have found a companion in each other.
Once that happens, you don’t need to worry about disharmony in the house, although the absence of an alert watchdog might become apparent.