Are Ragdoll Cats Good With Dogs

Are Ragdoll Cats Good With Dogs?

The old idiom “to fight like cats and dogs” has truly cemented the idea in our heads that dogs and cats can never get along. But that’s not necessarily the case!

It’s certainly true that the two animals have many differences that can make them incompatible, especially since cats tend to have limited tolerance for the energetic playfulness and natural strength of dogs.

But there are some breeds of cats that can get along well with a canine companion.

Are Ragdoll cats one of these breeds? Read on to learn if ragdoll cats are good with dogs!

Are Ragdoll Cats Good With Dogs?

Yes, Ragdoll cats are renowned for getting along well with dogs. In fact, they tend to get along with most other animals and have a high tolerance for the shenanigans of other pets. 

This is also why they’re such good breeds for first-time cat owners, or those looking to bring a cat into a pet-filled home – they get along with most animals and people. Some even say that they’re puppy-like in temperament!

Traits Of The Ragdoll That Help Them Get Along With Dogs

It’s not unusual for cats to learn to live with dogs, but Ragdolls seem to take to that with pleasure. What sets Ragdolls apart from other cats in this context?

Here are some traits that are likely at play!

1.   They’re not territorial

Ragdolls don’t get up in arms – or paws – about their territory. They do have boundaries, but they don’t react with aggression when those boundaries are crossed.

This means they have a much higher tolerance for bumbling, overly enthusiastic dogs that keep invading their personal space.

2.   They’re sturdy

Ragdolls are hardy cats. They have a decently high pain tolerance and it takes a little bit more force before they consider something uncomfortable.

With a large frame and a strong body, Ragdolls can withstand the rough and tumble, rowdy playstyle of many dogs with ease.

3.   They like attention

Ragdolls need a lot of affection and attention, and they can get lonely if not showered with sufficient love. A dog can provide that companionship to them, and Ragdolls aren’t picky about the species of mammal that lavish them with love!

4.   They love making friends

Ragdolls are very friendly and love to wander around, greet people, and make new friends. They’ll befriend total strangers and all sorts of animals if they’re left to wander.

This means that, when faced with a new canine companion, they’re predisposed to wanting to befriend them from the get-go.

5.   They’re adaptable

The chaos of an energetic dog can be very stressful for many cats. But Ragdolls are great at quickly adapting to new situations and are eager to be along for the ride.

6.   They’re dog-like

If you’ve ever met a self-declared dog person who eventually came around to realize cats were great, a Ragdoll may have helped them in that journey!

Ragdoll cat outside playing

Ragdolls share a lot of similarities to dogs in terms of temperament and behavior. They’re often called puppy cats as a result.

This allows them to have more in common with dogs naturally.

7.   They’re chill

Above all else, Ragdolls are pretty relaxed cats. They’re laid back and don’t take things too seriously, so they’re not usually bothered by the presence of a dog and all its chaos.

Reasons Why Some Ragdolls May Not Get Along With Dogs

All cats are unique. They have distinct personalities and experiences that can shape the way they interact with other animals.

If your Ragdoll doesn’t like dogs, there could be any number of reasons behind it.

The most obvious possibility is a simple one: a cat who has had negative experiences with dogs in the past may not want to be around them.

Similarly, a cat who has been in an abusive or tense environment may be easily frightened and unable to cope with the high energy and boisterousness of a dog.

Some Ragdolls who feel especially protective of their home may also be uncomfortable with the addition of new dogs. They might feel like their space is being invaded and that the newcomer poses a threat. 

Certain dog breeds may also be prone to pushing an unfamiliar cat too far. Constant barking, boundary-breaking, and overly aggressive behavior can cause a Ragdoll to dislike a dog entirely.

At the end of the day, individual Ragdolls may just not be suited to a life with dogs for any given reason.

Their personality or temperament may just render this impossible, and that’s okay!

6 Steps To Helping A Ragdoll Get Along With A Dog

If you want your Ragdoll to get along with a dog, patience is key. First impressions will set the stage for the rest of the potential friendship, and you need to take these slow and steady.

Even though Ragdolls are easily likely to get along with a dog, you can’t predict how the first few meetings will go. It takes one negative experience to completely ruin the chances of an interspecies friendship!

Here are the steps to take when first introducing these animals to each other:

●      Step 1

Start by setting up the new pet’s stuff at home. They should be given a personal area that’s just for them that is out of the direct physical grasp of the existing pet.

●      Step 2

Bring the new pet to their enclosed personal space. Do not introduce the pets yet. Allow the new pet to get used to their new environment.

●      Step 3

When the new pet is more curious and less frightened, start to introduce both pets to each other’s scent.

Give them an item of the other’s to sniff and leave that item with the opposite pet. This will let them get used to how the other smells.

●      Step 4

Set up the first meeting. First, put up a gate barrier of some kind, then bring the pets to meet each other on either side of the gate, so they’re separated.

If the interaction goes well or neutrally, reward them both with treats and return them to their personal spaces.

●      Step 5

Set up a face-to-face meeting. If the above steps have all been completed with success, you can finally bring the cat and dog face-to-face.

Keep the dog on a leash and ensure that the cat can easily escape to high ground or a private space if desired.

●      Step 6

For the next several weeks, keep a close eye on both the Ragdoll and dog as they interact with each other.

Gradually increase the amount of time they spend face-to-face, gauging the length of that time based on the success of past interactions.

Eventually, they’ll be able to hang out all the time – just stay patient in the meantime! 

Conclusion

Ragdoll cats are great with dogs. Their laid-back, gentle, adaptable, and friendly temperaments make them a great fit for the louder, more excitable pets, and their hardy bodies allow them to withstand rough play.

While not all Ragdolls will be good companions for dogs, a good introduction can facilitate a loving, friendly bond between them!