Yes, it is possible for dogs and cats to live peaceably together, however there are some factors that can make that peaceable kingdom more or less easy to achieve. Those factors include the breed (or predominant breed in a mix) of the dog, the age of the cat or dog when first introduced to each other, training, the way they are introduced, and the individual personalities of the cat and dog.
No one factor is a showstopper, but a combination of unfavorable factors can be. Some dog breeds, such as the various Terrier breeds, have been selectively bred for an instinctive drive to chase, catch, and kill small mammals. To overcome this instinct, Terriers must be exposed to friendly cats as young puppies and learn to accept them as family members. Even then, a Terrier will still consider non-family cats (i.e., the neighbor’s cat) as fair game to chase and kill. Herding dogs, such as Collies and Cattle dogs, will naturally try to herd other animals (and children). Although a herding dog is not likely to do more than nip at a cat’s heels, being herded may be a tad traumatic for a cat. Racing Greyhounds are trained to chase after objects that resemble small furry animals. A retired racing Greyhound may have difficulty overcoming this training.
A well trained dog that readily focuses on and responds to its owners in all situations has a better chance of learning to leave a cat alone than a wild, untrained, rambunctious dog. All animals are more accepting of other animals of their own and other species when they are very young. The older an animal is when first exposed to an animal of another species, the less accepting they are likely to be. Puppies and kittens that grow up together are more likely to be accepting of each other’s species as adults. Slow, controlled, safe introductions of cats and dogs are more likely to be successful. Introducing a loose cat to an unleashed dog is a recipe for disaster.
The American Humane Association has a good article on introducing cats and dogs:
https://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/dog-behavior/introducing-dogs-to-cats.html
Personality is a big part of successful dog-cat relationships. Calm, confident, friendly, laid back dogs and cats have a good chance of hitting it off. A playful, energetic dog and a shy, timid cat (or vice versa) are less likely to be successful.
A successful multi-species family can be very rewarding. Our dogs and cats have been great friends. They curl up together on cold winter evenings and hunt mice together in the woodpile. On the other hand, we once fostered an older Border Terrier mix, who after a month of our best efforts to teach her otherwise, still chased and tormented our cat. Luckily she found a good cat-less home.
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