Do Persian Cats Get Along With Dogs? Answers Here


More Meows is an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Persian cats, also known as the princesses of the cat world, can be rather high maintenance and need a lot of company, as they crave companionship. This may lead you to wonder if you should possibly get another pet to keep your princess company, perhaps a dog? But do Persian cats get along with dogs?

Persian cats do get along with calm dogs that are known to befriend felines. Persian cats are very calm animals who enjoy company but do need their own space. Persian cats will get along with dogs that are not intense and do not invade a Persian cat’s personal space.

Read on as we explore more about Persian cats getting along with dogs!

Pro-Tip:  If you are thinking of buying a cat or are a cat owner already, then you should be aware that taking care of the litter box can be a real chore.  In this age of smart products, an automatic litter box has been created that actually makes life easier with taking care of the litter box.  If you want to make your life much easier with a litter box that means you’ll never have to scoop litter again, check out the best automatic litter box on the market (in my opinion) on Amazon. 

Persian Cat

Can Persian Cats Get Along with Dogs?

Yes, Persian cats can get along with dogs. Persian cats are low energy cats so they get along best with lower energy dogs that will respect personal space. Persian cats are lap cats so they like dogs that maintain their distance and dislike dogs that disturb their naps.

Whether or not your Persian cat will get along with a dog will depend entirely on the dog you are introducing your cat to. Persian cats are known for being docile creatures. They enjoy being calm and staying close to their humans, which means that if an animal of any kind disturbed that environment, your Persian cat most likely would not enjoy being around that animal.

Are Persian Cats OK With Dogs?

Yes, Persian cats are OK with dogs. Persian cats are best with dogs that respect the space of a lap cat. Persian cats spend a lot of time sleeping so they get along best with dogs that will keep their distance and allow the cats to continue sleeping. Persian cats are lower energy felines so they will get along best with lower energy dogs.

Persian cats sleep on the couch a lot but you might also catch them sleeping on your bed. Don’t be surprised to catch a Persian cat sleeping just about anywhere. This means that if you have a dog in the house that dog needs to be respectful of that Persian cat’s personal space. If a dog respects a Persian cat’s personal space they will stand a much better chance of being OK with each other.

Are Persian Cats Good With Dogs?

Yes, Persian cats are good with dogs. Persian cats will be good with dogs especially if the dogs come from a lower energy dog breed. Persian cats spend the majority of their time sleeping so they need safety and personal space. Persian cats will be best with dogs that respect the quiet personal space they need for their rest.

Persian cats probably will be good with your dogs; however, if these are dogs that are constantly sticking their face in your Persian cat’s face, that could be a problem. If these are dogs that will greet your Persian cat but mainly leave them alone to do Persian cat things (like sleep) then Persian cats will be really good with these dogs.

Do Persian Cats Get Along With Other Cats?

Yes, Persian cats get along with other cats. Persian cats get along with other Persian cats and other cat breeds. Cat breeds that are best to get along with the Persian cat are the Ragdoll, Maine Coon, and Domestic Shorthair. Persian cats will love cats that cuddle them and allow them to sleep in peace.

Persian cats are lap cats that sleep a lot but they do get along with other cats. Another cat can provide your Persian cat with companionship. Additionally, a Persian cat is a good companion for many cat breeds because a Persian will leave them alone quite a bit while still being around. This could help reduce separation anxiety in other cats because they will have their Persian cat friend nearby.

Are Persian Cats Friendly With Dogs?

Yes, Persian cats are friendly with dogs. Persian cats will develop friendships with dogs that treat them nicely. Persian cats value their sleep the most so dogs that respect their personal space will be the dogs that Persian cats become friends with. Persian cats are friendly cats that have low energy so they will be better friends with dogs that have lower energy.

Persian cats are friendly cats, even with dogs. However, if you hear a Persian cat hissing at a dog it is probably because that dog stuck its face in the personal space of the Persian cat. Persian cats will hiss and react negatively when they are afraid so that is important to keep in mind if you choose a dog to be your Persian cat’s friend.

Can Persian Cats Live With Dogs?

Yes, Persian cats can live with dogs. Persian cats are more than capable of living with dogs in a healthy environment. Persian cats live best with dogs that are also lower energy and that will respect their personal space since Persian cats sleep so much. Persian cats will live best with dogs that don’t bother them all the time.

Persian cats can like dogs just like many other cats. In fact, they can live with dogs too. Just remember that Persian cats will sleep all the time. This means if a dog is coming over and sticking their face in the cat’s space and then licking them it is going to bother the Persian cat. The Persian cat might hiss at the dog. Instead, a low energy dog will live best with a Persian cat.

Are Persian Cats Well Behaved?

Yes, Persian cats are well behaved felines. Persian cats are well behaved lap cats that will spend their time sleeping on their owner’s lap. Persian cats love spending time near their owners while laying down and taking naps. Persian cats exhibit good behavior from a low energy cat breed that loves to sleep.

Persian cats are well behaved and will be good cats for an owner. That being said, any cat can experience issues that might be considered bad behavior. In this case it is best to consult your veterinarian. Usually Persian cats will be quite well behaved and incredibly enjoyable to be around.

Persian Cats and Dogs

Persian cats and dogs are known to get along when the dogs involved are lower energy animals. Persian cats themselves are lower energy cats that spend much of their time sleeping. This means they get along best with dogs that will leave them to their sleep and respect their personal space.

Because Persian cats are such calm animals, they would need another calm animal as their companion. Any high energy animal would not be well suited for a Persian cat.

If your Persian cat is introduced to a dog that has a very calm temperament and is gentle-natured, there is an incredibly good chance that your cat will get along well with the dog.

Persian cats do enjoy company, and if their humans are out often, they may very well enjoy the company of a sweet, calm dog.

Persian cats are also known for their love of cuddling, so if they meet a kind and calm dog who also enjoys a good cuddle, as most dogs do, they may be a perfect fit for each other and could very well end up being the best of friends.

Your Persian cat will most likely get along well with any dog that likes cats and is calm and kind with them.

If your cat learns to trust their new doggy friend, they may even eventually initiate some gentle playing. Persian cats do enjoy some light play but will generally only play with people or animals that they trust.

Here are some of my favorite cat products

In addition to checking out some other More Meows articles, I hope you’ll check out some of my favorite cat products as well.  These are affiliate links, so if you end up using them, I’ll get a commission at no extra cost to you.  These are the products I really do find most helpful.

Litter Box:  I started out with normal, traditional litter boxes for my cat.  Then, I tried this automatic litter box on Amazon (affiliate link), which helped reduce the litter upkeep.  Finally, I am now a believer in the Litter-Robot 3 Connect on Amazon (affiliate link).  This robotic litter box is not for everyone based on the price tag, but for me the benefits (very little upkeep, works efficiently, clean, mobile app) far outweighed the cost. 

My Cat’s Litter-Robot 3 Connect (with night light on) – See the link above the photo!

Cat Tree:  I have purchased a couple of this Amazon Basics Cat Tree on Amazon (affiliate link).  My cat spends a lot of time on and around this cat tree, which I position near my sofa.  She uses the scratching posts on this cat tree multiple times a day, which means she is not scratching the sofa instead.

Cat Water Fountain:  I love this cat water fountain on Amazon (affiliate link).  There are three main benefits to having a water fountain like this for your cat.  The first benefit is that it keeps water running so that your cat doesn’t need to drink still water.  The second benefit is that it filters the water.  The third benefit is that it will keep your cat hydrated!

Why Would a Persian Cat Not Get Along with a Dog?

Persian Cat

As we just discussed, Persian cats are calm, peaceful animals. They enjoy the quiet and do not enjoy loud, busy environments.

If you have a dog who is loud, energetic, loves to bark, often chases other animals, and does not respect personal space, chances are your Persian cat will not be caught hanging around it.

Persian cats do not get along well with busy animals. In fact, having a lot of things going on around them and having a lot of busy energy in their environment can make them feel so uncomfortable that it can even cause anxiety in these docile creatures.

Persian Cat Personality

Persian cats are known to be quite calm and loving towards humans and other animals. Persian cats enjoy cuddling and sleeping on laps, which means they are affectionate felines. Persian cats can be clingy with people they trust and are often quiet cats.

As calm as Persian cats are, they are known for having high stress levels, which, if they are not handled well and kept an eye on, can quickly turn into anxiety.

This means that an intense dog with high energy levels that loves to jump and wants to play with your Persian cat is not well suited. There is a high chance that your Persian cat will not get along with this kind of dog.

Are Persian Cats Moody?

Persian cats are not moody even though their natural look appears to be upset. Persian cats have an expression on their faces that does not actually indicate their mood. Persians are known to be exceptionally lovable and friendly cats to people and animals they trust.

If you have a Persian cat that does not like dogs and decide to take that Persian cat outside, I strongly urge you to keep control over your Persian cat with a leash and harness, cat backpack, or cat stroller.  Check out these articles to learn more:

  • To learn about cat harnesses and if they are cruel: Click Here.
  • To learn more about cat backpacks and if they are humane: Click Here.
  • To learn more about cat strollers and if cats like them: Click Here.

Introducing Persian Cats to Dogs

It is important to be careful when introducing Persian cats to dogs. Persian cats are lower energy cats so they may get scared around higher energy dogs. When introducing a Persian cat to a dog it is best to keep the dog in a crate so that the Persian cat can approach the dog and check it out.

There are two situations when it comes to introducing a dog to a Persian cat: Introducing an adult dog to your Persian cat and introducing a puppy to your Persian cat. These two situations need to be handled differently from each other.

Introducing your Dog to a Persian Cat

The best thing you can do when introducing an adult dog to your Persian cat is to have just two people, and the two animals in a calm closed-off environment, like a garden or a bedroom. Always make sure one person has a good hold on the dog, and then let the other person have a good hold on the cat. Don’t be afraid to keep the dog in a crate for the first meeting.

Adult dogs have natural instincts than puppies do when hunting smaller animals, which is always the main reason you need to be careful while introducing your Persian cat to an adult dog.

This is not to say that all adult dogs will instinctively want to hurt your Persian cat, it is just to say that nature is nature, and you do not know how all dogs will react to a cat.

Put your Persian cat on the floor in front of the dog, but not within its reach, and pay attention to the dog’s body language. If their ears are up and their tail is wagging, and they are excited and curious but not fixated, those are particularly good signs that the dog will not be aggressive towards the cat.

If the dog behaves this way, try bringing your Persian cat a bit closer for your dog to sniff and see how the two of them like each other.

If the dog’s ears are pushed back, their tail is slightly moving from side to side (not a wag) or making any whining or growling noises, these are not good signs. If the dog has become fixated on the cat, this is also not a good sign.

If this is how the dog reacts, you should not try and pursue any further contact or interaction between the two, as the dog will most likely become aggressive with your Persian cat.

If your Persian cat appears nervous it is probably best to keep the dog in a crate for the first few meetings. This will allow your Persian cat to sniff and check out the dog in safety.

Introducing a Puppy to your Persian Cat

The best way to introduce a puppy to a Persian cat is by keeping it in a crate so that it can see the cat and the cat has the chance to sniff the puppy. Then, move to one person holding the puppy and another holding the cat so that they can be near each other but not at odds. At all times monitor interactions between a Persian cat and puppy closely.

To introduce the two, once again, it is best to be in a calm, closed-off environment with two people and the two animals.

Sit the puppy down on the ground in front of your lap and keep a hold of their collar. Then bring your Persian cat close to the puppy and let the two animals sniff each other.

It is very unlikely that the puppy will try and hurt your Persian cat, as they will more likely want to play with this new animal rather than hurt it.

However, if the puppy does snap at your Persian cat or do anything that seems aggressive, once again, discipline the puppy but continue to let the two interact, as this will teach the puppy that this cat is a friend that they need to treat kindly.

As was mentioned previously, it is far easier to introduce a puppy to a Persian cat than an adult dog, but this does not mean that you will not be able to find a kind adult dog who will be a great companion for your Persian cat.

What Dogs Do Persian Cats Get Along with Best?

Persian cats get along best with dogs that will respect their boundaries, especially when Persian cats are sleeping all the time. Three of these dog breeds are the Basset Hound, Bulldog, and Golden Retriever. These dog breeds are known to be especially well behaved towards Persian cats.

Since Persian cats do get along with well-behaved dogs, what is the best breed of dogs that will fit this description and work well with a Persian cat? Here are just two examples of breeds that would suit your Persian cat:

Basset hound

Bassett Hound

Basset hounds are known for being good dogs for training. They are generally very calm, kind, and patient animals, which means that if they have been well trained to be kind to cats and other animals, it makes them a perfect companion for your calm Persian cat.

Bulldogs

French Bulldog

Not only will your cat enjoy a bulldog’s company, but the bulldog will enjoy your cat’s company too. Bulldogs are known for their gentle and quiet nature, and on top of that, they naturally love other animals and companions. Talk about a match made in heaven.

Golden Retriever

Everyone knows how Golden Retrievers are gentle animals. So, it should come as no surprise that Golden Retrievers are great dogs to have around Persian cats. These calm dogs should befriend your Persian cats and it wouldn’t surprise me if they both took a nap near each other.

There are many more breeds of dogs that would suit your Persian cat just fine; however, the Bulldog, Golden Retriever, and Basset Hound are three of the best.

Conclusion

Video: Persian Cat With Dog

Persian cats do get along with dogs if those dogs are kind and respectful to them. The secret to your Persian cat getting along with dogs is to make sure you have found a dog with the same temperament as your Persian cat. If your Persian cat has a dog that is gentle and calm with it and will be respectful of your cat’s boundaries, your cat will most likely really enjoy having a furry companion to waste away time with.

Certain breeds of dogs will naturally have the right temperament for your Persian cat. However, if any dog is trained well enough to be kind to cats, they will most likely still work well together anyway.  Remember to introduce dogs carefully and in a controlled environment to ensure the safety of your sweet Persian cat.

If you enjoyed this article, check out a couple of fun articles on Persian cats:

Christopher Carlson

I have an Domestic Shorthair Tabby named Charlotte. She is full of energy when she isn't sleeping most of the day. I share what I learn about cats on this site.

Recent Posts