Approximately 61 percent of U.S. households have a pet. They own a dog in 33 percent of these instances. Families pet both dogs and cats 14 percent of the time, and 11 percent go straight for cats only. So, do Poodles do well with cats?
Do you need a Poodle and a cat? Toy Poodles are friends with cats, Miniatures go along with them meekly, and Standards do not care about the cats too much. Dogs become attached to the family as a whole, and their protection benefits the feline.
However, a cat-cohabiting Poodle needs tremendous exercise, walks, and playtime. These physical workouts remove the canine aggression to found an excellent cat-dog relationship. Anyways, you must consider several issues before those furry creatures join hands in your home.
Do Poodles do well with cats?
Poodles and cats can coexist in the same place. But there could arise a personality conflict. The proper training and environmental setup are critical to pets cohabiting safely and comfortably. Poodles withstand other pets as you train and prepare them for it.
Typically, high prey drives bring out Poodle aggression towards cats and other pets. However, you can build intimate bondage between them by adequately introducing the dog to the cat and vice versa.
Do Poodles accept cats?
Yes, Poodles get along well with cats.
Dog experts point out the puppy’s protective shield in shielding the cat from outside aggression if needed. Still, Poodle is a full-grown dog with all its whimsical dog instincts.
Also, felines are notoriously disagreeable, whereas canines go headstrong. Hence, you must expect some occasional confrontations. You have to understand the dynamics of their interactions. We reveal their significant traits for you to ease through the transition.
How to teach Poodle to accept the cat?
Depth of training and tolerant personality is crucial for a Poodle to coexist with a cat. Also, cats can be dog-aggressive. Therefore, the feline must learn to avoid the Poodle. Conversely, you need to teach the puppy to ignore the cat. Thus they can peacefully live together.
Significantly, the young ones learn to accept each other. So, you can make them friends if introduced early in their lives. Do not despair, as an excellent introduction helps even older Poodle and cats get along well.
What is the best time to introduce dogs and cats?
Young age is the best time for dogs and cats to meet and greet. This is a rather delicate time as they truly miss the company of their littermates. So, they can handle socialization together and bond with each other instead, based on a shared experience of separation.
This opportune moment could yield bigtime as the Poodle will soon outgrow the cat. Dogs and cats possess almost similar strength and physical attributes in puppyhood. Therefore, accidental injuries are pretty uncommon.
You may bring the puppy and the cat at the same time. So they can grow together and adapt to each other’s presence. Such an introduction might shed territorial and possessive behavior. Ultimately, they grow up to become great pairs as lifetime partners.
What preparation involves a cat-dog introduction?
Brace yourself for a busy time with several tasks ahead of the dog-cat meeting.
Trim the cat’s nails
Cats are notorious scratchers. They like to scratch things for no apparent reason. Meeting a Poodle involves immense stress for the kitten. It might throw a flashy punch or two in the heat of a nervous moment. That’s not particularly an ideal starter for a lifelong friendship between the Poodle and the kitty.
Leash the Poodle
Flaky cats wear out a dog, not to mention a young one. You need to control and tame the dog using a leash. Also, you must not let him loose. Instead, steady the puppy right by your side. Thus the Poodle cannot hound the cat to a corner.
Observe their behavior
They are together for the first time. Keep a close watch on their moves. Neither the Poodle nor the cat is a relationship expert at such a young age. They gradually withstand each other under the same roof by becoming comfortable.
Besides, you can get a general feeling of the air regarding how comfortable or distressed they feel now. The initial impressions give you tremendous insights into the future course of action. Their body language exposes their true intentions. If threatened, feel free to intervene and disengage.
How to introduce a Poodle and cat?
Forget those stereotypes, as dogs and cats do cohabit well. However, your patience is the key to success. Also, the introduction process must be slow-paced. Moreover, their personality traits interfere with your socialization efforts. Anyway, multiple dog-cat introduction techniques can help you.
Separate the pets
Keep them apart for the first 3-4 days until vet clearance. So, they can hear and smell each other before meeting in person and growing intimacy.
Feed separately
Get them beside a door opposite each other and feed them individually. Hence, they associate this closeness with food and become habituated to other animals.
Teach basic commands
The dog must learn the basic signals and cues, including “sit,” “come,” and “down.” Short, pleasant, and rewarding sessions yield good outcomes.
In-person meeting
Now, meet them in a common area such as the backyard for a short time. Leashed dogs and free cats do just fine with lavish treats and toys rewarding their calm manners. You must distract and redirect if one becomes agitated. Finally, retreat them to their confinement zones.
Daily greetings sessions
Give them their favorite treats when they meet regularly. You should allow the unshackled cat to leave the room willy-nilly while restricting the Poodle from going hot on its tail.
Let loose & mix
As they become acquainted, you can free them inside a room with a long leash of the dog stranded down the floor. So, you can pull the leash and control the puppy if it goes wild.
What signals the dog-cat disliking?
Diverse signs tell you impending doom with a disastrous relationship in the offing. Your plan and execution do not guarantee full-proof success.
When the Poodle hates the cat’s guts —
- Barks, whines, and strains to chase the cat.
- Triggered with high prey drives seeing the feline.
- Snarling or lounging at the kitten.
When the cat dislikes the Poodle —
- Pinned back ears.
- Tail swings back and forth with an alert posture.
- Hissing, spitting, and yowling relentlessly.
These are tell-tale signs for jumping into action to separate them and start the process all over again.
How to stop my Poodle from chasing my cat?
Poodle training takes time to stop cat chasing around the block. Your regularity, practice, and consistency can make a difference, though. Once you get them on the right track, you need not worry about the dog chasing the cat. Let’s talk about how to prevent dogs from chasing cats.
- Leash the Poodle while he is in the same room as the cat.
- When the feline approaches the dog, distract the dog by calling it. Then, reward him for paying attention to your commands.
- Hold his attention with praises and treats until the kitten retreats. Chew toys and chew treats can busy the puppy for hours.
- Repeat this action, and the dog will eventually look up to you whenever the feline inches toward him.
- If the puppy can ignore the cat, it is ready for a longer leash. In case of failure, you must return to the second instruction in this list.
- Lastly, remove the leash if the Poodle responds ideally. Now, the dog knows the value of not chasing the kitty.
- Regardless, keep a close eye on their moves.
Conclusion
Poodles can coexist with cats. Interestingly, they bring a cat-compatible personality to the table. Nonetheless, two animals could erupt into friction at any moment. Anyway, your Poodle and cat will become a good couple with adequate training in the backdrop. Moreover, your alert and tactful handling intermittently shape their astray behavior to harness a peaceful environment.