Labradors and Cats: Do They Really Get Along?
We always heard that dogs and cats are born rivals and cannot be good friends. But Labradors are proving this saying wrong because there are many homes in which labs live happily with cats.
Do Labradors get along with cats?
Labradors are great around cats. They rarely chase them and would prefer to snuggle with them. It’s important you introduce them in a way where the cat feels safe.
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How to introduce a Labrador to cats?
If you have a cat and are thinking of getting a puppy, consider a Labrador puppy because they’ll easily get along together.
The overall introduction process should not be rushed and done correctly. All you have to do is to know about the proper ways to introduce a cat to a Labrador.
1. Separation
After bringing a new cat or puppy at home, keep in mind to separate both of these in different rooms.
Make sure that both of these have their different litter boxes along with the food and water. It is crucial to mention that animals can feel the presence of other animals even when the door is closed, so make them comfortable before introducing them to each other.
Exchanging their blankets is always a good option, such as giving the dog’s blanket to your cat and the cat’s to the newly adopted Labrador.
In this way, you are introducing the scent of both animals to each other. It is a nice transition that provides ease and comfort to both animals.
If you feel that your cat is over-stressed, then you must bring a pheromone spray which provides a natural sense of security during this change.
2. Switch rooms
Moving ahead, the next step is to switch the rooms of both animals. Try to spend quality time with each of these in their rooms which should include playing and petting along with talking.
When you are doing this, start going back and forth and notice if any of them are following you or not.
Make different turns with each of them so they will not feel jealous. During this process, repetition and consistency are highly expected from the dog parents if you desire quick and proper results.
3. Introduction
Here comes the heart of the overall process, which is the Introduction of your Labrador with your cat. Now when your cat and dog are entirely comfortable with each other’s scent, they will not behave weirdly at introduction.
Although you followed the previous steps correctly, make sure to keep your puppy on a leash so that you can pull it back if it tries to chase your cat.
Never expect sweet behavior at the first introduction because your cat may hiss, and the Labrador may bark and try to jump over the cat, which is pretty natural.
As Labradors are calm and friendly, there are chances that a cat may show more aggressive behavior and as a result of provocation, the Labrador may bite or try to be dominant.
If the situation is worse than this scenario, then there is more need to keep them separate. But luckily the behavior is temporary, so you don’t need to worry.
4. Meeting
The next step after a quick introduction is the actual meeting in which both of these are going to interact face to face without restriction or any boundaries.
Again make sure to keep the interaction under control so that in case of any chasing or hissing, you can pull them back before any injury.
At the first meeting, the overall situation will be unpredictable, and there are chances that your cat may run and even hide.
This is again quite normal, so you should let it happen as it is going.
Have some courage to take your Labrador off the leash and notice if it is looking for a cat or disinterested in finding it.
Either you will know that the transition was not proper, and they are not yet comfortable with each other’s presence.
5. Train your dog
Train your dog to sit, stay, and leave it when around the cat so if they are being too rough you can quickly control the situation.
Labradors and Cats
Labradors have many traits that make them good with cats. Let’s have a look at these.
1. Friendly in nature
One of the obvious reasons is that Labradors are friendly, making them perfectly fit for cats. Almost all dog breeds can be suitable as family pets, but all are not great when it is time to live with a cat in a family.
At this time, Labradors make their parents proud by behaving well and by sharing space with cats without showing jealousy or aggressive nature.
However, it is entirely up to the parents to do a good balance between cats and dogs otherwise; they could get jealous of each other.
2. Easy to train
Labradors are smart and easily pick up new commands.
3. Social in nature
Labradors get along with most dogs and cats effortlessly. This trait makes them get along with cats easily.
