Cavoodles are friendly by nature, so it’s no surprise that these dogs can get along well with cats. However, first meetings among these pets may require supervision, effort, and time.
Some pet owners are unsure what to expect when introducing a new pet into their home. Will the animals get along? Will they end up fighting or hating each other? What is the best way to introduce them to one another?
In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between cavoodles and cats and provide tips for those considering adding a cavoodle to their family!
Let’s start!
Are Cavoodles friendly dogs
In general, Cavoodles are friendly, sociable, and even-tempered. Because of these traits, Cavoodles enjoy the company of other animals, including cats.
This cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle is genuinely sweet and friendly. Often dubbed as the perfect family dog, this breed is intelligent, affectionate, kind, and gentle.
The cavoodle is a dog that gets along well with everyone, so getting one will make your home even more joyful and lovelier.
However, like humans, dogs have different personalities. Some cavoodles are more outgoing and approach cats with wagging tails, while others may be shyer and more reserved around them.
As a general rule of thumb, cavoodles do well with cats when appropriately introduced and given time to adjust to each other’s presence.
For example, if you have a cat that likes to hide under the bed or in small spaces, it may take your cavoodle a little longer to warm up to them since they’ll need to earn their trust first.
Do Cavoodles chase cats
Cavoodles have a prey drive, as all dogs do. Having this instinct means they might chase small animals, including cats. However, this does not automatically indicate that they will always be aggressive or dangerous towards your feline companions.
If you are introducing a Cavoodle to your home for the first time, it is crucial to watch over them when they are around your cat. If you see your Cavoodle start to chase your cat, calmly call them over to you and show them that cats are friends, then distract them with a toy or treat.
It is also important to remember that Cavoodles, like all dogs, need exercise. Tired dogs are less likely to want to chase after a cat since it’ll be too exhausting for them. Hence, give your cavoodle plenty of time to run and play so they can burn off that extra energy.
With patience and understanding, you’ll soon see that your Cavoodle and cat can be best friends! Just remember to take things slowly at first and always be there to supervise their interactions all the time.
Could a Cavoodle live with a cat?
Yes, a Cavoodle could live with a cat. However, it is essential to remember that all dogs have a prey drive and may chase cats if you have not adequately trained them.
If you are introducing a Cavoodle to your home for the first time, it is vital to keep an eye on them when they are around your cat.
While it’s true that these dogs may chase your cats at first, you can always find ways to protect them from each other while desensitising them towards one another.
Other than preparing baby gates that may separate them for the time being, you can also prepare certain safe spots for cats, which are inaccessible to your Cavoodle in case of unwanted situations.
You can also teach your Cavoodles not to hurt their cat siblings and that doing so is unacceptable. This part often works when you’ve spent some time teaching your dog some basic commands for obedience training.
If you notice your Cavoodle being aggressive towards your cat, use the commands you’ve taught them to control interactions. Never force these animals to interact to avoid adverse results.
How to introduce your Cavoodle to your cat
Contrary to popular belief, dogs and cats can coexist harmoniously. Be patient and take things gently while introducing your pets to one another. However, remember that each pet’s personality will play a role in whether or not they get along.
Before introducing your Cavoodle to your cat, you need to prepare three things:
- A cat refuge free of dogs should your cat feel scared, hostile, and generally unfriendly towards your dog. This room may come in any size, but it must have a safe door and a ceiling for your cat to enter and stay in. A litter box, a scratching post, a bowl of water and food, and toys should also be present in this area. Make the area safe for the cat by removing toxic plants, medications, delicate trinkets, and concealing or tying up wires. You may also construct tunnels or hiding spots to make the cat feel secure.
- A space with lots of high places, such as bookshelves or furniture that your cats can hop on in case they need to get away from the dog upon introduction
- A baby gate to separate them from one another
Take note of the following steps to introduce your Cavoodle to your cat safely:
Keep your Cavoodle away from your cat for at least three to four days
Hold any contact until the new pet has received a vet visit. This crucial step is a safety measure to prevent the other from getting any contagious disease.
In addition, observe your Cavoodle’s behaviour. Although this circumstance is rare for such a gentle breed, some dogs tend to be anxious, fearful, or have a history of aggression towards other animals. If such is the case, introducing them to a cat might not be the best idea anytime soon, so you must carefully prepare and rigorously train them before allowing them to meet your cat in the future.
Associate the upcoming meeting with a positive experience
Place your new pet on a different level or in a room with closed doors, and let the animals become accustomed to each other’s presence without making direct eye contact.
Feed them on either side of the closed door to teach them to identify the other pet’s presence with enjoyable activities, like eating.
Move their food bowls closer to the closed door after every feeding time. Continue doing this until both animals can peacefully eat next to the door.
Prepare your dog to meet your cat via obedience training
Start your Cavoodle’s obedience training with simple commands like “sit” and “down.” As your dog masters these commands, you can introduce the “stay” command. After this, you may start teaching “come.” Now that your cavoodle has mastered basic commands, start adding distractions.
Once your dog can respond to commands despite all the distractions, they are most likely ready to meet the cat.
Make these training sessions enjoyable for the dog by keeping them brief, positive and rewarding.
Allow them to meet face-to-face
If everything goes well, you can open the door and let your pets gradually explore each other’s company. With a baby gate in place, start with short and supervised sessions, and see how they would react to each other.
Allow them to see, sniff, and touch each other through a baby gate by placing it in an open doorway. Let your Cavoodle see, sniff, and touch your cat through the gate’s bars. If everything goes well, you can let your cat out to explore while on a leash. Reward them with treats and verbal praise when they show calm behaviour around each other.
However, if you notice any hissing, growling, or tail-flicking on the part of your cat, or if your dog seems too excited and is not responding to commands, you should end the session and try again next time.
Note that these introductions should be held in a common part of the house only when your pets can quietly consume their meal right close to the door.
Don’t do it in a room where either animal has stayed for long periods, as they may feel territorial and perceive the other pet as a threat.
Moreover, keep the introduction brief
Keep the first meeting short to avoid untoward circumstances. Let the cat come and go as it pleases while keeping the dog on a leash.
Avoid holding either animal in your arms, as attempting to keep them restrained might cause you injuries if they start to act violently.
Reward good behaviour
Give treats to both pets when they display good behaviour upon meeting each other.
Doing this will encourage them to keep up their good behaviour towards one another.
Distract the animals if there are signs of aggressiveness
If either animal becomes aggressive, gently divert their attention and refocus them.
Get the cat to leave the room by throwing it a toy or call your dog and reward it for being attentive, then bring the animals back to their crates or confinement areas.
Repeat the same thing every day
Repeating the same steps will allow your cat and Cavoodle to see these meetings as something normal.
Save the treats your dogs like most for these brief meetings. Let the cat exit the room if he tries, but don’t let the dog go after him. If both pets display stress or aggressiveness, end the session immediately.
Try letting them meet on the loose this time
Allow the animals to interact in the room when they seem to get used to each other, but always take a precaution such as keeping your dog’s leash accessible in case your Cavoodle becomes agitated and pursues the cat.
After a few days or weeks of following the previous steps, you can remove the baby gate and let them interact with each other while supervised. Start by walking your Cavoodle on a leash around the house while your cat roams freely. If everything goes well, you can now let your Cavoodle off the leash.
Still, remain watchful to avoid a scuffle. Keep a close eye on their interactions to prevent any problems.
If a conflict arises, redo the introduction procedure from the beginning. Make sure the cat always has access to a dog-proof sanctuary.
Be careful as you go
When you’re not there to keep an eye on them, keep your cat and your cavoodle apart.
Other tips to ensure the encounter between your cavoodle and cat goes well
Here are some other tips to follow to make sure your cavoodle and your cat will get along:
Get a puppy dog
A puppy and a kitten who grow up together are more likely to form a close bond. If you have a cat and want to get a dog as a new pet, consider getting a puppy rather than an adult dog, and vice versa.
If you get a cavoodle rescue, enquire about the dog’s experience with cats and whether it has shown any aggression or reactivity towards cats in the past.
Allow interaction only while you are there
This is important especially in the first few weeks after they’ve met face-to-face, to keep your cat and your cavapoo safe. When your cat and dog are left alone, they may get hostile and injure one another.
Allow your pets to recognise each other’s scent
Dogs and cats utilise sight and scent to analyse their environment, so allowing them to recognise each other’s scent is a vital step before getting along. To acclimate them to each other’s scent, you may change their bedding or just rub your cat on a towel and set it next to your dog, and vice versa.
Desentisise your pets
The purpose of desensitisation is to diminish your dog’s sensitivity to your cat via frequent exposure and vice versa. There are times when dogs become too enthusiastic when they first meet a cat, and this reaction may make your feline feel apprehensive, making the interaction difficult. To effectively desensitise them, use a baby gate.
Allow your cat to run away if not comfortable
Enable your cat to run away during the encounter with your dog if it isn’t ready to interact with your cavoodle yet. Allow extra time for your kitty. Never try to coerce your cat and dog into interacting, as doing so can end terribly.
Use rewards
Reward and praise your dog for being friendly to the cat to encourage your cavoodle to continue behaving positively toward the cat. Also, reward your cavapoo for disengaging from the cat and for generally being calm in its presence. Do the same to your cat as well.
Make sure your pets have similar characteristics
If you have an energetic and lively dog, you may consider adopting a cat with similar characteristics if possible. This step ensures compatibility, as pets may not get along very well when they have opposite attitudes. For instance, if your cavoodle is too hyperactive while your cat likes to relax and lay back, your feline companion may find your dog annoying.
The Best Cavoodle Breeders Socialise their puppies
When searching for a cavoodle puppy to join your family, keep in mind that the best cavoodle breeders will socialise their puppies with other animals, including cats.
During the first 8 weeks of a cavapoo’s life, it will undergo periods of brain development that will impact its resilience and ability to cope with new experiences for a lifetime. If you want your cavoodle to love cats from the time you bring them home, it’s recommended you find a breeder who socialises their puppies with small animals such as cats, chickens, rabbits etc.
Conclusion
Cavoodles are great family pets. They can get along with your cats if you train them while giving adequate patience and understanding. Introduce them to each other properly and always be there to supervise their interactions, and you’ll have two of the best pets in the world.
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