Do Pomeranians Get Along With Cats

Dogs and cats have a long and complicated relationship that is often misunderstood. As owners, we often wonder if our dogs will get along with cats. Do Pomeranians get along with cats?

Pomeranians get along very well with cats and with many other animals. Pomeranians are fun-loving lap dogs that are very compatible with cats. Due to their similar size, temperaments, and energy levels a Pomeranian and a cat may just become best friends.

Can Pomeranians And Cats Live Together

Pomeranians and cats can live happily together.

You may end up with your Pomeranian and cat being best buddies or they may just tolerate each other.

The results will depend on the personalities of the animals.

How Do Pomeranians Get Along With Cats

Pomeranians and cats get along very well overall.

Your dog and cat will have a better chance of success if they are raised together.

If the animals are introduced at a young age they are more likely to bond and like each other.

Introducing a puppy to an older cat and vise versa is a harder situation.

We’ve added our Pomeranains to our family after having our cats for over ten years. They all have adjusted well to each other. Our cats did have a history with dogs in our home when they were kittens, I’m sure that history helped with the transition of adding our puppies.

Do Pomeranians Have Good Personalities?

How to introduce your Pomeranian to a cat

Do Pomeranians Chase Cats

Pomeranians are not known for having a strong prey drive and may or may not have the instinct to chase cats.

From experience, my dog Murphy will playfully chase one of my cats into the other room. It’s sort of a game between the cat and dog.

This cat is the alpha of the entire pack.

The dogs ignore our other cat who has a shy personality.

Are Pomeranians Herding Dogs?

Can A Pomeranian Kill A Cat

It is possible for a Pomeranian to kill a cat or kitten.

An intentional or accidental death can happen very quickly.

Make sure you know the history and temperaments of both the dog and the cat before introducing them.

Watching the body language of both animals is very important and can be the critical difference in a dangerous situation.

If you notice any hostile behavior it’s best to separate the cat and dog.

Could a cat kill a Pomeranian?

Although, it’s possible it’s not likely that a cat would kill a Pomeranian.

A cat could do some major damage and severely injure a dog.

Do Pomeranians Kill Small Animals?

How To Introduce Your Pomeranian To A Cat

The first step in introducing your Pomeranian to a cat is knowing what body language you should be looking for.

Cat Body Language

If your cat is showing any of the following body languages it may not be ready to be introduced to a dog.

Pinned back ears
Swishing it’s tail back and fourth
A high tail with fur thats standing up
Panting
Holding it’s head low
Curling it’s tail under its body
Shrinking down to appear small
Growling and hissing
Dialated pupils
Intense eye contact without blinking

Look for an overall relaxed-looking cat that is showing confidence without intensity.

Dog Body Language

It may be even more important to be well aware of your dog’s body language and be prepared to remove the dog instantly at any sign of aggression.

The following body language in a dog would be concerning.

A high held tail
Hair standing up on it tail or back
Tail held between its legs
Pricked back ears
Panting
Growling
Dilated pupils
Stiff body

If you are feeling an intensity within your dog and don’t feel as if they are relaxed and happy it’s best to remove the dog and try introducing them at another time.

What Methods Can Be Used To Introduce A Dog To A Cat

There are many different methods that you can use to introduce a dog to a cat.

Regardless of which method you try first make sure you introduce each dog separately to each cat if you have a multiple pet home.

Some of the most common methods are.

Slow and steady
Face to face
Look at that

“If an introduction does not go well, step back and evalute what happened. It’s ok to try a different method at another time”

Slow And Steady Introduction

This is a great option for dogs that are a bit obsessed with the cat, a little hyperactive, or just excitable.

The goal is for the cat and dog to be slowly used to each other over time and slowly become desensitized to each other.

Select a safe room for your cat to be in. Don’t pick a room that your dog may be territorial over.
Place a baby gate in the doorway separating the cats room and the room or area of the house that your dog will be in.
Make sure your cat cant climb or get around the gate.
Make sure your cat has everything it needs in the safe room, litter box, food, water, toys, a place to rest.
If you are concerned about the introduction, I suggest having your dog on a leash.
When you are ready, let the dog view the cat in the room through the gate and then distract the dog with something else like playing with toys.
Give your dog praise and rewards for focusing on other things besides the cat.

This process may only take days or may never work.

Every dog and cat are different with some never being compatible.

If this doesn’t seem to be working try letting each animal sniff the others bedding or belongings often. Helping them get used to each other’s scent may help.

Face To Face Introduction

This is a really fast-paced introduction that I don’t recommend for any animals that you are not familiar with.

If you think both of the animals can handle this situation without stress, anxiety and injury proceed forward.

Make sure to use all of the safety precautions to make sure that the dog, cat, and people involved are all kept safe.

Review the body language cues for both cats and dogs before an introduction
Have someone watching each animals body language at all times
Make sure the cat would have the ability to freely move around and go to a safe place if it’s scared
Make sure the dog is on a secure leash
If the dog is being calm, ask your dog to sit, lay down or stay
Let the cat move around freely
Praise and reward the dog if it ignores the cat
If the dog seems fixated on the cat or lunges towards it stop this method of inroduction and try another method at a different time.

The goal for this method is for both the dog and cat to be very relaxed and comfortable, if either animal shows signs of stress or aggression end the introduction and separate the dog and cat.

Look At That Introduction

Look at that training may be a good option if desensitizing or a face-to-face introduction is not a good fit for you.

“Look at that” works by training your dog over time that not paying attention to the cat reaps rewards.

First figure out what your dogs treshold is while its on a leash, at what point does your dog notice the cat, but still responds to you when you say the dogs name?
You’ve past the threshold when your dog starts to bark, lunge or fixates on the cat
Also, be aware of your cats body language. If your cat seems uneasy or aggressive in the situation move the dog further back
Once the threshold is determine you will need a clicker for training and some training treats
When your dog starts looking at the cat, click the clicker
After the 10th time of clicking when your dog looks at the cat, give your dog a treat right after the 11th click if the dog looks at you
If your dog doesn’t look at you continue clicker training until he or she is consistantly responding
Once your dog is trained to look at you when you click, you can start slowly moving closer to the cat

This method may take a lot of time depending on your dog and cat.

The goal is to get your dog and cat comfortable enough to be right next to each other.

What to do if your Pomeranian and cat dont get along

How Long Does It Take For A Cat To Get Used To A Dog

Every cat and dog is different and how long it takes for them to get along (if ever) depends on each individual.

You can’t expect every dog and cat to be the best of friends and cuddle up together but, if they both can be in the same room together comfortably you have reached success.

Some dogs and cats will get along immediately where others it can take up to a few months.

How To Make The Best Living Situation For Your Cat And Dog

The best living situation for your cat and dog allows a private safe space for each animal to rest, eat and use the restroom.

Make sure that you are monitoring the behavior and interactions of the two animals and intervene if needed.

Ensure that your dog gets plenty of exercise so it doesn’t have pent-up energy around the cat.

Provide both of your furry friend’s lots of love and attention.

how long does it take for a cat to get used to a dog

Tips For Pomeranain And Cat Owners

Here are some tips to consider before becoming a Pomeranian and cat household.

Tips When Adding A Cat To Your Pomeranians Home

If your Pomeranian has a tendency to bark at everything it would be best to train the dog not to bark as much before adding a cat to the family
Make sure that your dog is well trained to voice commands
A kitten instead of an adult cat will adapt better into your Pomeranians home
If adopting an adult cat make sure you know everything you can about the cat and that it isn’t afraid of dogs

Tips When Adding A Pomeranian To Your Cats Home

Evaluate if you think your cat would be open to sharing it’s home with a dog
A puppy would be better than an adult dog
Let your cat smell a blanket with the dogs scent on it before hand to help it get familiar with the dogs scent

What To Do If Your Pomeranian And Cat Doesn’t Get Along

If your cat and dog don’t get along don’t push the situation.

Every animal is different and they all have different personalities and comfort levels.

It may take time or they may never get along.

Many people can successfully have homes with dogs and cats that live separate lives within the home in order to keep them safe and happy.

How Can I Get My Cat To Like My Dog

While you can’t force your cat to like your dog and vice versa, there are things you can do to make it more comfortable for your cat.

Make sure you cat has access to a safe dog free space
Make sure the dog can not get to the cats litter box
Don’t allow either animal to have access to eachothers food and water bowls
Train your dog to leave the cat alone
Only allow the dog and cat to interact under supervision

Are Dogs And Cats Natural Enemies

Dogs and cats are not natural enemies.

The phrase “fighting like cats and dogs”, does not lead us to believe that they can often live in harmony when many times they can.

Cats and dogs have some natural behavioral differences that can set them up for a failed relationship.

Many dogs have a strong prey drive and view cats as prey
Communication differences like wagging tails (means happy for dogs, angry for cats)

Between a strong prey drive and the misreading of communication cues is no wonder the many dogs and cats struggle to establish a friendship.

Can Cats And Dogs Bond With Eachother

Cats and dogs can absolutely bond with each other.

We’ve all seen the videos and pictures of cats and dogs that have become the best of friends.

These are really special relationships.

There isn’t any way to tell how well a dog and cat will get along and if they will bond with each other.

Some dogs and cats hit it off right away while others slowly grow a deep bond over time.

How Long Have Cats And Dogs Been Domesticated

It’s estimated that around 30% of families in the US have at least one cat and 40% have at least one dog.

How long have cats and dogs been domesticated?

History Of Cats

Cats were first domesticated in Egypt around 10,000 years ago. Ancient Egyptians worshiped the cat goddess and had their cats mummified with them. They also included mummified mice for the cats.

Cats are uniquely the only animal that has been said to have domesticated themselves.

When people began farming the grain attracted lots of rodents. The rodents end up attracting the cats. Cats are excellent rodent control. Once people noticed what the cats were doing they let them stay, fed them, and protected them.

History Of Dogs

Dogs were also domesticated around 10,000 years ago. It’s debatable which animal was domesticated first.

Dogs are ancestors of wild wolves and originate from Asia.

The lure of a tasty meal aided in the domestication of dogs. As people were hunter-gathers the smells of food from their camps naturally attracted the wolves and dogs.

As soon as people realized the protection that the dogs offered against predators they began feeding the dogs in return.

Dogs have been loyal ever since.

Are Pomeranians Descendants Of Wolves?

What Breeds Of Dogs Are Good With Cats

When looking for dog breeds that are good with cats it’s best to look at breeds that have been bred as companions and tend to be affectionate and sociable.

We are looking for easy-going, happy-go-lucky dogs.

Some dog breeds that fit that description are.

Bassest Hound
Bull Dog
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
Papillon
Caviler King Charles Spaniel
Pug
Pomeranian
Boxers
Dashounds
Maltese
Pekingese

One thing to take into consideration is the size difference between the cat and the dog. Pomeranians are very similar in size as a cat. Our cats are actually both larger than our Pomeranians.

What Breeds Of Dogs Are Not Good With Cats

On the other side of the coin are the dog breeds that have very strong prey drives and a lot of energy.

Greyhound
Whippet
Australian Cattle Dog
Afgan Hound
Schipperke
Fox Terrier
Schnauzer
Irish Wolfhound
Bedlinngton Terrier
Samoyed
Italian Greyhound
Weimeraner
Siberian Husky
Scottish Deerhound
Shi Tzu
Manchester Terrier
Yorkshire Terrier
Pharoh Hound
Akita
Alaskan Malamute
Besenjis
Border Collies
Bull Mastifs
Doberman Pinchers
Jack Russel Terriers
Shiba Inus
Norwegian Elkhound

* I can understand why Norwegian Elkhounds make this list of dogs that are not best in homes with cats due to their hunting and herding history. My Norweigan Elkhound Chewy was a perfect example of why these lists aren’t 100% and to look at each dog as an individual.

Chewy was the sweetest most easy-going dog he developed a bond with both of my cats and would let them rub all over him and curl up and sleep next to him.

Final Thoughts

Pomeranians and cats can get along and live in harmony within the same home.

Setting your dog and cat up for success is critical in keeping both pets safe and ensuring a peaceful existence.

When introducing a Pomeranian to a cat make sure you are aware of both animal’s body language and use the method of introduction that is best suited for the particular cat and dog.

Give it time and be patient, before long your Pomeranian and cat may be best friends (or at least live together in peace).