Has your Siamese cat been feeling lonely these days? You’ve been wanting to get a dog to keep her company, but you can’t help but wonder “Do Siamese cats get along with dogs?”
You’re probably familiar with the phrase “to fight like cats and dogs.” For as long as I can remember, these animals carried the reputation of being serious enemies. But why is that so? What’s stopping them from being friends?
Well, this is a common misconception. Even though it’s in their instinct to have an antagonistic relationship, cats and dogs are surprisingly more than able to be on good terms with each other.
The secret of their friendship lies in proper socialization. If their owners try hard to socialize them properly, cats and dogs can end up being pretty good friends. But if not, they will probably get into many fights with each other.
My parents had a dog named Benny for almost 9 years. One day, my dad noticed a stray cat hidden behind some garden tools in their backyard. He fed her for a few days, and she decided to stay.
Benny and she had some pretty awkward first interactions. She would bristle at the sight of him, and he would be so excited and eager to sniff his new buddy out. This lasted for no more than a week, after which they became inseparable.
It’s not impossible to make cats and dogs like each other since they both have some pretty amazing personality traits.
So, if you are wondering whether your Siamese cat will accept a newcomer or not, you don’t have to worry much. We’ll bring you a lot of interesting information that will answer your question, “Do Siamese cats get along with dogs?”
The personality of Siamese cats in a nutshell
Maybe your situation is different. Maybe you already have a dog and are considering getting a Siamese cat. If that’s the case, here is a brief summary of the Siamese cat’s personality.
Siamese cats are beautiful, long, elegant cats with mesmerizing blue eyes. But besides their irresistible appearance, they are also incredibly intelligent and highly sociable. They are very sporty and enjoy playing with their owners. But they are also great cuddle-buddies.
Siamese cats love to be the center of attention and don’t do well when they are left alone for too long. If left by themselves with no toys to play with, they tend to find ways to cause trouble. But apart from that, they can also develop separation anxiety and depression.
They are also famous for being mean, but this information has to be taken with a grain of salt. They can get a bit jealous and aggressive if they don’t get what they want, but that’s nothing that cannot be controlled.
These cats are also said to have a dog-like personality due to their both affectionate and playful nature. So, we can expect Siamese cats to get along with dogs quite well.
What are dogs like?
Dogs have been the proud bearers of the “human’s best friend” title for years. Which is pretty unfair, if you ask me. However, I am willing to acknowledge where that’s coming from.
Healthy and well-trained dogs are usually friendly towards people, both children, and grown-ups. They also have a kind and curious attitude toward other dogs and animals in general (including Siamese cats).
Unlike cats, they are willing to play by their owner’s rules, and they don’t tend to be stubborn and rebellious. They rarely cause trouble (at least not intentionally).
Dogs can be affectionate without being too needy, and although it’s not advisable to leave them alone for too long, they will typically take it better than cats. They will adapt to changes fairly quickly, for example during redecorating or moving, while cats on the other hand will struggle to get used to it.
Dogs are not overly fearful and easily startled, and they are able to calm down in a second. They are easily trained and willing to listen to their owners every time. And what matters the most, they make excellent guardians and cuddlers.
Do Siamese cats get along with dogs?
Since they both share similar personality traits, the answer is – yes, Siamese cats do get along with dogs!
Siamese cats are one of the dog-friendliest cats out there. Their playful and outgoing personality goes great with many dog breeds. They adore fun and adventures and enjoy many games usually associated with dogs, which makes them purrfect play buddies.
Siamese cats are also extremely vocal and interactive, which dogs might find amusing. They hate to be alone and their dependency and desire to always have someone around serve as a perfect balance to dogs’ natural ability to tolerate loneliness. It’s like a match made in Heaven!
There’s no doubt your Siamese will get along with a dog you desire to bring home. However, you do have to consider what kind of dog you’re about to get. Whether it is a puppy or an already grown-up dog, there are some characteristics of his temperament you should consider.
Ideal dog temperament for Siamese cats
For Siamese cats and dogs to get along, they have to share similar personality traits.
Dogs can’t be aggressive. All cats are pretty particular with the kind of behavior they tolerate and can hardly stand sudden and aggressive reactions. It’s easy to startle them and that can cause them to develop anxiety issues.
Therefore, dogs have to be taught how to behave. Since they are usually bigger than cats, their sudden unintentional movements can be harmful to cats. In a way, they have to learn how to be gentle giants.
Dogs also have to be willing to socialize and share their space. Both cats and dogs can be pretty territorial and react angrily if another animal invades their space, but they can be taught to respect each other and share. After all, sharing is caring!
How to introduce a Siamese to a dog?
Now that we’re sure your Siamese will get along with any dog, we should establish some ground rules. No cat likes to be forced into something. And that includes a forceful introduction to anyone, both humans and other pets.
Cats like to do things slowly and carefully and prefer peaceful and calming characters (something dogs are not usually famous for). Dogs are more like, “Oh wow, is that a new friend?! Let me jump there in front of him right now and sniff him from head to toe!”
Believe me, no cat would enjoy that. That might even cause some serious stress and anxiety issues for them. So, to avoid that, here are several tips you can follow to make sure your Siamese cat and a new dog have a great first interaction, so they could get along great in the future.
1. Prepare cat accessories
Cats are sensitive little fluffballs, and even if they do get along with dogs, they still need their own space to escape stressful situations and feel safe.
If you haven’t already, stock up on some important cat accessories for your Siamese beauty.
First, get your cat a cat tower. Cats usually like tall spaces, and I’m sure your Siamese cat is just the same. Climbing to a high area will ensure your cat has her much-needed privacy where she could groom herself in peace or watch upon every potential threat.
Make sure the cat tower is tall and sturdy, so your dog cannot reach her or knock it over. This one by Amazon Basics is amazing since it’s affordable but durable.
Another thing you can consider installing is cat shelves. These are good because they can serve both as a nice hiding place for your cat and also as a great decorative piece in your home.
And lastly, if you’re willing to make some more drastic changes in your home, you can add small cat doors to your existing doors. This way, your cat will have a way to run away from any unwanted in-your-face dog energy even when the doors are closed.
2. Keep them separated for a few days
Cats are highly sensitive to changes in their routine. They can react badly if you move the furniture in your home, let alone if you bring home a dog. Therefore, it’s important to keep them separated for a few days.
Your cat and your dog should at first be in separate rooms. You could start by leaving a cat blanket in your dog’s room or vice versa, so they could get accustomed to each other’s smell.
The smell is essential to both cats and dogs. By letting them smell something of their belongings, when they meet each other in person, they would already be halfway there to becoming friends.
3. Have them leashed
As we already said, dogs can be overly energetic, especially when they want to meet someone. Cats are usually not like that. Even if they are in their hyper phase, they will probably not be so eager to sniff the dog out.
So, the best thing to do is to keep the dog on the leash. You can also consider putting your Siamese cat on a leash, but you can save that one for their second or third encounter. For the first one, your cat can perhaps be in her carrier.
That way she would be safe from the unwanted dog energy, and the dog would be safe from potential cat punches.
4. Slowly but surely let them get closer
You cannot keep your Siamese cat and your dog away for long if you want them to get along. At one point, you will let them get closer to each other.
This is the time to take your Siamese out of the carrier in the dog’s presence. If she’s usually aggressive, you can put her on a leash as well or even have her in your arms. That way you will be sure she won’t cause any trouble.
But if she’s a calm kitty, you can let her approach the dog at her own pace.
It’s important for both of them to get closer to each other. You surely don’t want to have them leashed forever. However, you do have to keep an eye on them. You cannot just leave them alone in the room and went to work or something. For several first encounters, you have to be present, cautious, and vigilant.
5. Let them get to know each other without the leash
Once you notice your Siamese cat and your dog are starting to get along without any problems, you can take them off the leash. This sense of freedom is very important for them both because that’s the best way for them to feel independent and unconstrained.
You should also cautiously monitor this stage since you never know how they might behave now that they’re free. Our pets can be very unpredictable; they get perfectly along one minute and become the worst enemies in the other. That’s all a part of them becoming friends.
You shouldn’t leave them like this for too long, at least not until you’re one hundred percent sure they will behave themselves properly.
6. Allow them to be closer to each other
Once they get through all the stages, your Siamese cat and your dog will surely become best buddies.
Make sure you are not overly cautious! Find the perfect balance between ensuring they won’t hurt each other and letting them get to know each other. Both of them would much prefer to become friends on their own terms. Letting them be them is the key for your Siamese and your dog to get along.
7. Love them equally!
And last but certainly not least, make sure you love them equally! Don’t show an abundance of affection to one while neglecting the other. This can cause serious trouble, especially for your Siamese cat, who is famous for her jealousy.
It’s completely natural to have certain preferences and to consider yourself more of a cat person than a dog person (and vice versa). But, if you have made a conscious decision to be a parent of them both, you have to take full responsibility and love them the same.
Benefits of a dog company to Siamese cats
Despite their adversary nature, Siamese cats and dogs can get along. Moreover, Siamese cats can even benefit from this special friendship.
For example, a dog can be a great way for your Siamese to deal with her separation anxiety, and potentially even overcome it. Since you cannot be there all the time, a new dog will step into your place and be there to entertain and love your kitty.
The dog’s presence will help your cat to cope with loneliness and attachment issues and will improve her social life. While you’re away, they can explore every nook and cranny of your home, they can play, snuggle and take a nap, and come up with a plan to welcome you once you’re back.
Your dog will help your Siamese spend the energy she has, so she will not have to wake you up during her night zoomies.
All in all, your Siamese and your dog will keep each other occupied, entertained, and far from boredom and unhappiness.
Best dog breeds for Siamese cats
Now that we have determined that Siamese cats get along great with dogs and that we know how to properly introduce them, it is time to discuss what are the best dog breeds for Siamese cats.
We know that the picture is not really black and white and that every cat is different. While my Siamese cat might get along great with German Shepherds, for example, yours might dislike them. It all depends on the personality of each individual cat, and also on the way they were raised.
Nevertheless, some dog breeds generally get along better with Siamese cats. So, take a look if your dog is among them. Or if you are still deciding which dog breed to opt for, here are some suggestions.
- Golden Retrievers – friendly and social dogs, non-aggressive toward people and cats, and extremely easy to train
- Beagles – social and interactive dogs, soft and playful with both people and cats
- Pugs – social and gentle dogs with timid and quiet nature; will only be aggressive in situations when they feel threatened
- Cocker Spaniels – gentle and easygoing dogs, very affectionate and hardly ever aggressive. They are playful and energetic, and good with both people and cats
- Boxers – intelligent and friendly dogs, very loyal and extremely playful. Their energy is said to match perfectly with Siamese’s
- Maltesers – laid-back and relaxed dogs, very playful and fun, but not overly annoying
However, do not take this list as a general rule. If you have set your eyes on a different dog breed, don’t worry! As we have said, the secret of a good cat-dog relationship lies in you.
If you work hard on their proper introduction, your Siamese cat and dog will get along just fine.
Final thoughts
I hope you no longer worry about whether Siamese cats get along with dogs. Both animals are easily manageable if they are properly socialized with one another.
Get to know your cat’s nature and what she does and does not like. And work according to her preferences. Also, understand your dog, his limits and needs. At the end of the day, it’s all about the perfect balance.
The most important thing I would like for you to remember is this: approach this new friendship with a lot of patience. You cannot force anything onto your cat, since they usually do not take it very well. And even dogs do not prefer to do anything under pressure.
Try to be calm and patient and do not expect results overnight. You might have to invest weeks or even months into building their friendship, but believe me, eventually, your Siamese and your dog will become besties. I am sure of it!
And once they start to get along with each other, show them equal amounts of love. Love changes both people and animals and is truly miraculous. Loving them equally will make the infamous myths of cats’ and dogs’ enmity a thing of the distant past.
Read more: The 24 Worst Dog Breeds For Cats: Which Pups To Avoid
