Looking to add another animal to your dog-loving home? These cat breeds get along with dogs, according to the pros.
12 Cat Breeds That Get Along Well with Dogs
Updated on Jun. 23, 2025
American shorthair
Easygoing and affectionate, American shorthairs are known for their brotherly (or sisterly) love for dogs. “This breed is considered very social, confident and playful, and once boundaries are established in the house, they love to play with housemates, including the family dog,” says Dr. Marks.
As far as cat breeds that get along with dogs go, American shorthairs are a great pick for anyone who wants a longer-term family member. They can live 15 years or longer.
Japanese bobtail
There’s no mistaking Japanese bobtails, thanks to their trademark pompom tails. These cats consider themselves part of the family and want to join in on all the activities—whether that’s curling up next to you and your pup on the sofa, helping you send emails or greeting company at the door.
“You might see the Japanese bobtail right in the mix, retrieving toys next to his canine housemate in the home,” Dr. Marks says. “Or he might be next to the water bowl, playing and splashing. This fun-loving breed is a great sibling to your resident dog.”
Siberian
“This cat breed hailing from Russia is very hearty and incredibly confident around other cats and dogs in the home and, in fact, may end up being the leader of all pets!” Dr. Marks says. Maybe it’s their size—which goes up to 17 pounds—or their luxurious waves that give this rare cat breed such confidence. But even as the “mayor” of the feline world, the Siberian is also a cat breed that gets along with dogs quite well.
Maine coon
Throw a ball for a game of fetch, and your dog and Maine coon might compete to see who gets to it first. This cat is native to America, specifically Maine, and has the esteemed honor of being the official cat of the state. Maine coons are sturdy and built for activity, but they’re also easygoing and get along well with other furry members of the family.
“Some pet parents find incredible similarities between the Maine coon and a canine, as this breed typically loves to fetch and walk on a leash,” says Dr. Marks. Here’s another fun fact about this cat breed that gets along with dogs: While most cats hate water, many Maine coons are happy to take a dip.
British shorthair
This breed’s laid-back demeanor isn’t the only characteristic that makes it well-suited to being a dog’s buddy—its physique makes a difference too. “Their heavy, muscular body means that they’d be up for a bit of physical play with your dog,” says Keiger.
Plus, they’re unlikely to take offense at the goofy stuff your dog does. “Nothing much bothers them,” she says. Well, except when you make the classic cat owners’ mistake of picking them up. These cats were once celebrated for their strength and hunting skills, so can you blame them for thinking being carried is beneath them?
Birman
If you’re worried about your pup being lonely while you’re at work, you might want to add a Birman to the family. Given their posh appearance and luxurious fur, you might not think they’d be the perfect playmate for your pooch, but Birmans love dogs.
“The traditional cat-and-mouse game becomes a cat-and-dog game with this breed in your house,” Dr. Marks explains. “Birmans love to chase, play tag and even fetch balls, becoming the best playmate for your dog.”
Norwegian forest cat
Next on our list of cat breeds that get along with dogs: the Norwegian forest cat, which is a relatively new breed in the United States. It hails from Norway (naturally), where it’s made its home for thousands of years.
You might confuse it for a Maine coon—they’re similar in size and appearance—but the Norwegian has almond eyes and a straight profile. Their personalities are similar too; both breeds are relaxed, friendly and adaptable. Dr. Marks says Norwegian forest cats are more likely to get along with dogs if they grow up together, so adopting both at the same time is your best bet.
Abyssinian
“Abyssinians are a curious breed, and [they] want to interact with everything and everyone. A dog would be no exception,” says Keiger. They’re not lap cats, so your dog won’t have to compete for that coveted spot. But that doesn’t mean they’re not into humans—quite the opposite, in fact. Abyssinians are very people-oriented and want to be near you and know what you’re doing so they can “help.”
Since Abyssinians are always on the move, they’d be the perfect companion for a dog that thrives on mental and physical challenges. The only downtime Abyssinians seem to want is when they are eating or sleeping.
Tonkinese
The Tonkinese gets its striking looks from its Burmese and Siamese roots (two of the smartest cat breeds around). Like the Siamese, the Tonkinese is quite vocal and may even chime in on some barking sessions with your pooch!
“It may be the only cat breed to rival the fetching skills of a golden retriever,” Dr. Marks says. “This cat breed is super social and active, and it loves being around people and dogs. It detests being alone or ignored, so a dog would definitely be a good companion for when you’re not home.”
Ragdoll
Ragdolls act a lot like dogs, and maybe that’s why they get along so well. They’re excited to greet you at the door and welcome you home, then follow you around until they get some lovin’. They’ll even camp out on your bed and snuggle with you all night long. Their interest in other species isn’t limited to humans; they love dogs too. “The ragdoll can learn to walk on a leash and could even go for joint walks with your dog,” Dr. Marks says.
Turkish Van
If you have a dog that would rather live in the water than on land, the Turkish Van could be your pup’s water buddy. These felines sport water-resistant, cashmere-like coats that make swimming a breeze, and they’ve been dubbed “the swimming cats” in their native regions of central and southwest Asia.
“They love to be around and play in the water, and they can live harmoniously with dogs in the home, even playing games of fetch and retrieval too,” Dr. Marks adds.
Turkish angora
“The trickster of the cat world, this breed is hilariously funny and even loves playing pranks on resident canine siblings,” Dr. Marks says. Highly sociable and affectionate, Turkish angoras happily welcome other furry roommates, including dogs.
Fair warning, though: Your dog may not be the pack leader when a Turkish angora is in the house. These cats tend to have an assertive nature and a commanding presence that makes them the “alpha” pet in the household.
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Sources:
- Natalie Marks, DVM, small animal veterinarian
- Teresa Keiger, editor at Cat Fanciers’ Association
- Purina: “Siberian”
- Government of Maine: “State Cat – Maine Coon Cat”
- The Cat Fancier’s Association: “Norwegian Forest Cat”
- The Cat Fancier’s Association: “Turkish Van”
- The Cat Fancier’s Association: “Turkish Angora”
