If you have selected a Goldendoodle puppy or are thinking about adding this mixed breed to your family, know that these pups are devoted to their families and delightful to be around.
However, if you also have a feline already in residence, you may be wondering if a Goldendoodle is the correct choice. Can a Goldendoodle get along with a cat, and above all, will it get along with yours?
A Family-Friendly Dog
Goldendoodles are known to be good fits for families, especially those with young children. They generally are a great choice for families with a cat already in residence because they are much less predatory than other dog breeds.
But this generalized assessment is necessarily the entire story. It’s a great place to begin when attempting to bring a canine into family environment, but you’ll need to consider the personalities of both your cat as well as the doodle.
Each animal will have likes and dislikes and individual habits. Much will also depend on how your two fur babies are introduced to each other as this can set the tone for the rest of the relationship.
Consider if your cat is high-strung or laid back, how old your feline is, and his or her activity level. A new puppy thrown together with a mature cat can set the stage for trauma.
Goldendoodle Personality and the Feline
The goldendoodle enjoys a reputation as a great dog for families, and is particularly suited to those with small children. They tend to be gentle, sociable, and loyal pups and they love to please. So, this bodes well if there is a feline family member.
Nonetheless, consider the Doodle’s personality, history, and the parents because this is a mixed breed and can easily inherit qualities of one parent or another, or perhaps both.
The Prey Drive of the Goldendoodle
Whenever you introduce a new pet into a family, it’s important to consider their prey drive. Dogs with cats, cats with gerbils, the “who” doesn’t really matter as much as their instinct to chase and capture a living animal.
Many breeds are characterized by high prey drives such as spaniels, border collies, greyhounds, and terriers.
All canines will have some degree of prey instinct. Fortunately, the golden retriever has a lower prey drive within the canine kingdom, but the Poodle is known to have a higher prey instinct.
Historically, both of these dog breeds were initially bred to be water retrievers and were very adept at gathering prey from the water and returning it to their owner in an unspoiled condition.
Domesticated poodles are known to enjoy chasing birds, squirrels, and even rabbits. Nonetheless the Goldendoodle appears to have a lower prey drive.
As both of the parent breeds have been domesticated for a number of years now, and are fully integrated into the human household environment, they will most likely prove to be less prey driven and aggressive.
They may enjoy a good game of stalking and chasing, but this also will not automatically translate into your Doodle harming your kitty. Your puppy will need some time, good supervision and training to ensure proper socialization.
My Goldendoodle Doesn’t Seem to Get Along with My Cat
If you did not program introductions properly, this may be a substantial part of the problem. This is true even when introducing a new dog to a pack. Consider these factors when you introduce your pet siblings.
Your Cat’s Personality
It isn’t just about the Doodle! Your feline’s personality, especially if more mature, will heavily influence just how well the two get on.
A self-assured, relaxed cat will tolerate your doodle at the minimum and may actually become friends. Remember that kitties, like people become less tolerant with age.
Introducing Your Cat and Dog
Introducing pets, is not like introducing people. Socializing two animals, especially different species, will require time, so don’t plan on rushing things. The slower you take things, the better chance they will be of success or at least a compromise.
When your puppy arrives, do not give it free run of the house. Confine it to an area within the house or a dog crate. This will permit your wily feline to investigate, smell, and observe while not feeling threatened.
You can also try placing your Doodle on a leash as it investigates your home. In this manner you will have control and your cat will be less worried.
When introducing or socializing the two, you must supervise. Do not leave a feline and a puppy together unattended, and both should have an escape route if they feel the need.
Your cat may jump out of reach, while your dog may run under the furniture. This will take time, so whatever happens, be patient.
Observe Body Language and Posture
It’s necessary to watch both of your pets. Both canines and felines express quite a bit through body language, so it will be apparent how they feel about the situation. Should your cat hiss, swish its tail, pin back its ears, or raise the hair on its back, he or she is signaling irritation.
Excitement and Energy Levels
One thing to keep in mind with a Goldendoodle is that they are very playful and excitable. A mature feline may not be enthusiastic about this kind of behavior.
Basic training and commands can go a long way in mitigating such encounters. A Goldendoodle puppy will be inquisitive, and your cat may not want to be investigated.
Goldendoodles may be a bit hyper as puppies but will gradually calm down as they mature. Expect a calmer canine at approximately 18 months. With good training, playtime, and adequate exercise, your dog should not exhibit any particular “hyper” behaviors.
Can Goldendoodles and Cats Be Friends?
If your two pets had a happy first introduction, you may not encounter any particular problems. In worse case scenarios, pets will generally tolerate each other and cohabitate.
In best case scenarios they will become friends and maybe even snooze together. Each pet needs to have space and dedicate equal attention to both.
Should your Goldendoodle’s prey instinct become stronger with maturity, intervene with good training and discipline to protect your feline from stress.
Canines are very good at learning and respecting boundaries, so do not hesitate to intervene in defense of your cat. Cats will respond when threatened or provoked and your dog risks getting the worst of it. Cats generally scratch and aim for the face and eyes.
If I Have a Goldendoodle, Can I Introduce a Kitten?
As you should already have a full understanding of your Doodle’s personality, you’ll pretty much know what to expect. Be patient.
Your dog should know the “leave” command and obey. This will afford extra protection to a young feline. If your Doodle has developed its prey drive, expect some problems to arise.
See also: Do Goldendoodles Get Attached to One Person?
Tips for Introducing a Goldendoodle and a Feline
1.) Feeding: When feeding your pets, do so in separate areas. Animals are territorial when it comes to food. You may want to consider feeding your kitty on a counter or table, so the dog doesn’t steal any food.
2.) Sleeping: Each pet should have its own bed and space and they should understand that a particular space and bed is theirs.
3.) Litterbox: Your cat should have its litter box in a place that is calm and protected so that it is not bothered during elimination or urination.
4.) Training: Goldendoodles need basic training. This will be the most important tool you have if playing becomes too rough. Cats like a breather, so your pup may need a hint.
5.) Shared Playtime: While they may become friends and play well together, there may be a day when roughhousing escalates. Intervene with your Doodle using basic commands.
Rescue Animals
If you are welcoming a rescue animal, get as much history as possible. Many rescues have had traumatic experiences that may involve another animal. Rescues are not always a good choice for multi-pet households, especially with differing species.
