Havanese and Cats - Can they get along?
Many animal lovers have multi pet households which may include an assortment of different species. While no one ever questions how a new puppy will get a long with the fish; concerns over how it will get along with the resident cat arise much more frequently. It is an old myth that dogs and cats are sworn enemies. This myth has long gone by the wayside as many cats and dogs today live together in friendly harmony in shared households across the country.
So,
what about Havanese and cats? How do they get along?
It all depends on the cat,
on the dog, and on the owner.
There is no absolute answer that applies to all situations but
in general most Havanese and cats live together quite
amicably. If well planned in advance and put together with
care and responsibility there should be minimal issues. Of
course, as with any animals new to each other, there will be
an adjustment period. Well socialized puppies and kittens
adapt easily to new situations and will adjust the fastest.
Two young animals generally befriend each other very quickly. An older dog and a young
kitten tend to adjust very well too as do a dog-accustomed older cat and a young puppy. In
most cases Havanese and cats come to an understanding very quickly and in a few short
weeks may become the best of friends, often even sharing the food dish and snuggling
together at nap time. Both need to learn how to treat each other. A young dog may be too
rambunctious at first for a kitten or older cat but very quickly learns the rules. Generally, it
is best to let them work this out themselves, though some early intervention and temporary
separation may be necessary with some specific animals. Not all will become playmates
however; in a few cases, they may simply develop a mutual respect or tolerance for each
other and learn to share living space without animosity. In most instances though, a much
closer relationship develops. Ace and Oliver are best of friends and
share everything, even their bed.
Perhaps the mutual
attraction is in
part because Havanese and cats are
similar in size; though in a lot of
cases, the cat may actually be the
larger of the two. A large breed of
cat like a Main Coon or Ragdoll
can easily be double the size of an
small/average Havanese. Havanese love to play and are very
social animals. They very much enjoy sharing the
company of other animals whether it be canine or feline.
Havanese especially love games of hide and seek, tag, pounce and peek-a-boo which are also
games that many cats enjoy.
Whatever the reason, Havanese and cats seem to get along
especially well and may make delightful companions.