Do Golden Retrievers Get Along With Cats? [What You Need To Know!]

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link & purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Are you the proud owner of a Golden Retriever, contemplating the idea of bringing a cat into your home?

You’re not alone. Many Golden Retriever owners find themselves in a similar situation, wanting to share their home with these two furry companions.

But, do Golden Retrievers get along with cats?

Can these two furry companions peacefully co-exist?

Let’s find out.

Yes, Golden Retrievers generally get along well with cats and often form close bonds with them. Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and social nature, which often extends to other animals, including cats. Their low-prey drive, tolerant nature, and playful spirit make Golden Retrievers highly compatible with cats. However, individual temperament, early socialization, training, and proper introductions are the keys to a successful relationship.

Why Golden Retrievers And Cats Make Great Companions

I’m sure you’ve seen countless photos on the internet of Golden Retrievers and cats cuddling up to each other, and it gave you a heartwarming feeling.

Well, there’s no doubt that these two furry companions can peacefully co-exist, and actually become close friends.

Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why:

Reason 1: Gentle Nature

One of the many reasons why so many people love Golden Retrievers is because they are gentle.

There really isn’t a mean bone in their body! That’s why these dogs make great family pets.

A Golden Retriever’s gentle nature helps create a calm, safe, and non-threatening environment for cats.

Reason 2: Social Butterflies

Golden Retrievers love to socialize, whether it’s meeting new people, other dogs, or other animals including cats, they want to be friends with everyone!

Cats are actually social animals as well who seek companionship, which is why these two furry friends can exist peacefully.

Reason 3: Obedient Companions

Golden Retrievers are one of the easiest breeds to train, thanks to their eagerness to please their humans and their love of food. Plus, they’re super smart.

Their obedient nature makes them easier to manage around cats.

Reason 4: Playful Spirits

Both Golden Retrievers and cats have a playful nature. This shared trait makes for some fun interactive play sessions and encourages a strong bond.

Reason 5: Affectionate Bonds

Golden Retrievers are known for their affectionate nature. They enjoy both giving and receiving affection.

Cats are highly affectionate as well, often seeking cuddles and physical contact.

It’s not uncommon to find these two furry companions cuddling together, creating a sense of safety and security in their bond.

The short video below shows a heartwarming bond between a Golden Retriever and three kittens.

Reason 6: Remarkable Patience

Golden Retrievers possess a remarkable amount of patience when it comes to their interactions with others.

I’m sure you’ve witnessed a Golden Retriever’s level of tolerance around young children and babies.

Well, the same level of tolerance can be shown towards the sometimes unpredictable and quirky behaviour of cats.

Reason 7: Low Prey Drive

With a lower prey drive as compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers are less likely to see cats as potential prey.

This contributes to a safer and more compatible relationship.

Now that we’ve explored the seven reasons why Golden Retrievers and cats make such wonderful companions, let’s shift our focus to successfully introducing the two.

Introducing Your Golden Retriever To Your Cat

Introducing these two furry companions is a crucial first step to ensuring a harmonious relationship between them.

Let’s look at some helpful tips to make the introduction a success:

1. Prepare A Separate Safe Space

If you are bringing home a new cat, be sure to prepare a safe space that is separate from your Golden Retriever.

This allows your cat to have a private area for food, water, and their litter box.

Keep both your cat and Golden Retriever separate for the first while, usually for a few days.

2. Scent Exchange

Allow your cat and Golden Retriever to smell each other from a distance by swapping out toys, or blankets.

This allows them to become familiar with each other’s scents.

3. Gradual Introduction

Start with short and slow introductions. You may want to have your Golden on a leash during the first few introductions.

Also, you may want to use a barrier such as a baby gate to keep them separate but able to see and smell each other.

Avoid holding either pet in your arms, as this may make them feel trapped.

4. Observe Body Language

Keep an eye on both pet’s body language. If you notice any signs of aggression, fear or stress, separate them immediately.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward your Golden Retriever and cat with plenty of praise and treats when they act calm and friendly during the introductions.

6. Increase Interaction Time

You can gradually extend their time together as they become familiar and comfortable around each other.

7. Supervise Playtime

Supervise their playtime together and keep them separate when you’re not home to watch them.

8. Respect Individual Boundaries

Make sure that both your Golden Retriever and your cat have a safe spot to go to when they want to escape from each other.

9. Be Patient

Building a positive relationship takes time. Be patient and consistent and don’t rush the process.

These tips and steps can help ease the introduction process and increase the likelihood of a positive relationship between your Golden Retriever and your cat.

Common Challenges In A Golden Retriever-Cat Relationship

Now that you’ve successfully introduced your Golden Retriever to your cat, let’s explore some common challenges that can occur in their relationship, and how to tackle them.

Cat Food And Cat Poop Temptations

This is probably one of the most common challenges that you’ll have to face, your Golden Retriever trying to eat the cat’s food and cat poop!

I’m sure your Golden Retriever will be successful at it at times too! Eating poop is known as coprophagia, and it’s more common than you think!

The best way to combat this is to separate your cat and your Golden during meal times and keep your cat’s litter box in a safe spot that your Golden can’t get to.

Many owners place the litter box underneath stairs where only the cat can get to, or behind a closed door or baby gate and install a cat door.

Resource Guarding

Your Golden Retriever may exhibit resource-guarding behaviour, which means they may protect their toys and food from the cat.

This can lead to tension, so it’s important to supervise and manage their access to shared spaces and resources.

According to an article on Preventive Vet, resource guarding is a normal and natural dog behaviour that can occur in any dog regardless of breed.

It also doesn’t matter whether they’re adopted from a rescue or received from a breeder.

For more information on what to do and what not to do when your dog displays resource-guarding behaviour, be sure to check out helpful tips on Preventive Vet.

Territorial Disputes

Both dogs and cats can be territorial. Your Golden Retriever might have a favourite spot on the couch or your bed that he is unwilling to share.

Or your cat may claim a designated spot as his own.

Managing each pet’s territory and providing separate safe spaces can help prevent any conflicts.

Jealousy And Attention

It’s no secret that Golden Retrievers are attention hogs! This means that they can easily become jealous when you are giving away your attention to the cat.

Always give each pet an equal amount of attention and love to prevent any feelings of jealousy and neglect.

By being aware of these common challenges and taking proactive steps, you can help ensure the relationship between your cat and your Golden Retriever is a positive one.

Signs Of Incompatibility Between Golden Retrievers And Cats

So, while there are countless heartwarming images of cats and Golden Retrievers getting along famously, that may not always be the case for you.

Sometimes these two furry companions just aren’t compatible!

Let’s take a look at some of the common signs that your Golden Retriever and your cat aren’t getting along:

Aggressive Behaviour

If either your Golden Retriever or your cat displays aggression, it’s a clear sign that there is a problem.

Signs of aggression in your Golden Retriever include:

• Growling
• Barking
• Lunging at the cat.
• Biting
• Stiff posture.
• Snapping

While Golden Retrievers are not aggressive by nature, certain factors can cause aggressive behaviour, such as fear, pain, territorial behaviour, and abuse or neglect.

The best way to avoid aggression in your Golden Retriever is to socialize them at an early age and commit to training.

Signs of aggression in your cat include:

• Hissing
• Yowling
• Swatting and Scratching.
• Ears pinned back.
• Biting
• Arched back along with raised fur.
• Tail swaying back and forth rapidly.

According to PetMD, aggressive behaviour in cats is often brought on by fear, stress, and anxiety, not by anger or spite.

Chasing Or Pouncing

Some playful chasing is normal, but if your Golden Retriever constantly chases or pounces on your cat in a predatory manner, it’s not a friendly game anymore.

Tension And Fear

If either your cat or your Golden Retriever hides, runs away, or avoids each other, it’s an indication that they are scared and uncomfortable around each other.

It’s likely more common for your cat to be scared of your Golden Retriever. But many Golden Retrievers are scared of anything new and different, including a new cat in their home.

Unprovoked Attacks

If your usually friendly dog suddenly growls or attacks the cat for no apparent reason, it’s a serious concern.

Resource Guarding

When they fiercely protect their food, toys, or territory from each other, it can lead to conflicts.

Physical Harm

Any physical injuries such as bites or scratches on either your Golden Retriever or your cat, is a warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored.

Isolation

If either one of them isolates themselves from the other, it could indicate a strained relationship.

For instance, your cat may avoid common areas like the kitchen or living room to steer clear of your Golden Retriever.

If you notice any of these signs, take them seriously. The safety and well-being of both your Golden Retriever and your cat matter most.

With time, patience, and guidance from an animal behaviourist, these two furry companions can learn to get along and feel at ease.

FAQs

The following are some frequently asked questions about owning both a Golden Retriever and a cat.

If you have any further questions, please leave them in the comments below.

1. Can I Introduce A Golden Retriever Puppy To A Cat?

Yes, introducing a Golden Retriever puppy to a cat is often easier than introducing an adult Golden Retriever.

Puppies are often more adaptable and less threatening to cats. However, it’s still essential to supervise them and ensure their interactions are positive.

2. How Can I Help My Golden Retriever And Cat Get Along?

To help your Golden Retriever and cat get along, introduce them slowly in a neutral and controlled environment.

Use positive reinforcement, treats, and praise to reward calm behaviour. Be patient, and provide each pet with separate safe spaces.

3. What If My Golden Retriever Chases My Cat?

Some Golden Retrievers instinctively chase smaller animals. If your Golden Retriever chases your cat, redirect his attention to toys or treats.

Consistent training and teaching your dog obedience commands like ‘Stay’ and ‘Leave It’ will help reduce this behaviour.

4. What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Introducing A Golden Retriever To A Cat?

When introducing a Golden Retriever to a cat you will want to avoid the following mistakes:

• Rushing the introduction.
• Not providing a safe space for each pet to be alone.
• Leaving them unsupervised.
• Not recognizing the warning signs that they aren’t getting along.
• Not seeking professional help from a trainer or animal behaviourist when things don’t work out.
• Not giving both pets equal attention and affection.

5. Can Golden Retrievers And Cats Become Best Friends?

Yes. Many Golden Retrievers and cats form close bonds and become best friends. Both animals are considered affectionate and enjoy companionship.

With time, patience, and positive reinforcement, they can develop a strong and loving relationship.

The cute video below shows a Golden Retriever becoming best friends with a kitten:

Final Thoughts

There you have it, Golden Retrievers and cats can co-exist and live harmoniously in your home.

Was there any doubt in your mind?

I mean Golden Retrievers are considered to be one of the most gentle, friendly, and sociable dog breeds out there. They truly want to be friends with everyone, including cats!

But, a Golden Retriever-cat relationship takes time to develop.

It starts with properly introducing the two, making sure they both have a safe spot to retreat to when they want to be alone, and consistent training and patience.

As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your pets feel safe and comfortable around each other and recognize any warning signs of incompatibility.

Sometimes, these two furry companions just don’t get along, and you may need to seek professional guidance.

Does your household include a Golden Retriever and a cat? How well do your Golden Retriever and cat get along? Are they best friends?

Share your thoughts and comments below. I would love to hear from you!