Are Goldendoodles good with cats? Managing Prey Drive

Goldendoodles are known for their friendly nature. They get along with kids and family and become an irresistible love for everyone. But what about that Garfield at your home? Could there be a good relationship between Goldendoodle and your cat? Well, this subject needs some attention.

In this article, I am going to present you with some personal tried and tested tips and tricks to create a sense of harmony between a Goldendoodle and a cat. Once you are done with this article, you’ll have a clear mode of deciding whether to take your Goldendoodle into your home with a cat or vice versa. Let’s get started. 

Do Goldendoodles get along with cats?

Goldendoodles are genetically programmed to behave well with humans and other pets. You won’t see them chasing cats like huskies or bloodhounds nor you are going to see any unpromising behavior toward your cats. The general perception of instinctive rivalry between cats and dogs is not 100% true in every situation. 

But there are some factors based on which the relationship between your Groodle and Feline can be affected. Even though they don’t like chasing cats, it doesn’t mean that they cannot harm each other. You will have to train them to follow your command. 

The very first step in this context could be doing a formal introduction of your Goldendoodle with your cat. This has to be gentle and smooth. Both animals should be given equal space so that they can accept each other as a forever companion. 

To do all this in a better way, let’s a detailed look at the general nature of both pets. 

Goldendoodles & Cats: A Comparative Analysis

Literally, there are zillions of factors based on which we can compare a Cat with a Goldenoodle but I will constrain this discussion to the most important aspects like appearances, personalities, temperaments, and exercise needs.

Size and Appearance

Goldendoodles come in different sizes like Toy, Mini/Miniature, Micro Mini, Standard, etc. They are considered hypoallergenic and generally have low-shedding curly coats that come in different colors. 

On the other hand, there are more than 50 different breeds of cats. There is a wide array of colors and textures for coats as well. They are found with straight, curly, or even hairless coats. 

Temperament and Personality

Goldendoodles are very adaptable and can survive in small places and unpromising conditions as well. They are good with all the family members from different age groups. They are more likely to get around with humans and don’t like roaming alone.

On the other hand, cats love to be independent. They are equally playful and affectionate for humans but they have this introverted quality in them which Goldendoodle hardly possesses. Cats develop a strong bond for a long-term relationship whereas Goldendoodles are very energetic and enthusiastic. 

The overall aggression level of both of these pets is very low and with a little effort can develop a conformance. 

Exercise and Enrichment

As mentioned earlier, out of all the traits of Goldendoodle, being energetic and aggressive is the most prominent. They are always on the move and demand attention. Therefore, they have an extensive need for mental and physical stimulation. For that, you will have to conduct regular exercise sessions or at least a brisk walk for an hour every day. 

On the other hand, Cats are not as energetic and enthusiastic as Goldendoodles. They also want mental and physical stimulation but the requirement of such activities holds a pivotal significance in the context of Goldendoodle’s health. You will provide a variety of toys, and puzzles to both for their mental exercise. Keeping both of them engaged is an imperative need for their overall well-being. 

Know Your Goldendoodle’s Prey Drive

What Is Prey Drive?

Prey drive is a natural instinct in dogs. It is passed down from their wolf forebears. It serves to drive them to chase and catch smaller creatures. Yes, your Goldendoodle may not be accepted by this instinct. This behavior was crucial for the dog’s survival in the wild. 

Factors That Affect Your Goldendoodle’s Prey Drive

A Goldendoodle’s prey drive can be affected by a few different things:

Tips to Manage Goldendoodle Prey Drive and Introducing it to a Cat

Now that you know which traits your Goldendoodle and cat share with each other and in what ratio, let’s discuss how you are going to introduce your Cat to your Goldendoodle or vice versa. Here are some useful tips that I have implemented and found to be useful. 

Create a safer space for your cat

Even if your Goldendoodle is the same height and size as your cat, it is going to be big in the future. The cat will also look smaller and may feel threatened. It will have the fear of being attacked or subjugated. Therefore, you should create a dedicated space for your cat to avoid any unpromising interaction. You should provide food, water, toys, and all the essentials to that specific place. Such space would be a space for your cat’s shelter if any threatening element appears other than a dog as well.

Encourage them to be Familiar

Before you ask them to meet and “shake hands” with each other, let them use each other’s stuff. If they could sniff each other toys and bedding would be good. Smelling each other is a formal way for pets to greet each other in the animal kingdom. This would make the interaction smoother. 

Dont leave them on their own

I would highly recommend you supervise their first interaction. Pets are not as intelligent as humans. It is quite possible that your cat might not have seen a dog in its life before and vice versa. They may fear, run, or even attack each other in rare cases. Allow the animals to approach each other and greet but keep an eye on their meeting so that they may not harm each other. 

Reward positive behavior

If any one of those responds very well to each other, you should offer a reward. That could be in any form. Even if you kiss, hug, and cuddle your puppy or feline, it would be an appreciated gesture. Promote positivity at every level of their interaction.

Monitor and Adjust Feeding Times and Locations

There is a high chance of an unannounced competition between the two which can lead to potential conflict. For that, I will advise you to feed your pets separately at different times at the start. Keep them within their vicinity. Keep an eye on their behavior during the feeding. Make sure both pets enjoy a peaceful meal time. 

Keep it slow and simple

Do not expect them to develop a strong bond very soon. Even if their first interaction is good, they may not be the same in the second meeting. Once again, animals do not think the way humans do. They may have forgotten each other. They need to realize that the other fellow is now going to be their permanent part of the family like their own self.

Keep it simple and keep it slow. Do not just rush into the process. Never get them to a place where you feel that they can fight each other. For example, you should never expect them to behave formally in a bathroom. 

Try to create equality

Goldendoolde is sensitive in terms of their behavior. They not only go through separation anxiety but could also be jealous of any other pet.

The same goes for your feline as well. If you are going to reward one of those, it would be better to reward the other as well. They will reinforce the positive stuff they do. Give them equal time and level of attention. 

Do not let the energy of your Goldendoodle overshadow your cat’s love for you. If your cat cannot approach your shoulder, you should bother to lift it and love it the same way. Let’s keep the Tom and Jerry drama at bay. 

Let them roam after being a friend

It may take some time in some cases but once you feel that both of those have become good buddies, provide them some private time to roam around each other. You will find them playing running and doing a lot of stupid stuff. Let your feline friend and the wagging tail share their toys and food as well. 

Foster a Friendly Bond with Joint Activities

Help your Goldendoodle and cat get along better by involving them in activities they can do together, like playing under your watchful eye or training sessions where both participate. Doing this helps them link each other to fun times, which can boost their friendship.

How to Address Potential Health Concerns

Caring for your Goldendoodle and cat goes beyond just food and love. Here are some essential tips to ensure they’re both happy and healthy:

Regular Vet Visits for Both Pets: It’s super important to keep up with your Cat and Goldendoodle’s health. Make sure they get their shots, dental care, and overall health check-ups regularly.

Spot and Tackle Stress or Anxiety: Keep an eye out for signs of stress or anxiety in your pets, like too much grooming, hiding, or not eating right. If something seems off, chat with your vet or an animal behavior expert for advice and a plan.

Grooming and Cleanliness are Key: Keep both your Goldendoodle and cat well-groomed. Brush your Goldendoodle’s fur to avoid tangles and trim their nails for safe play. For your cat, clean their litter box often and groom them regularly to prevent hairballs and keep their coat shiny and healthy.

Conclusion

Fostering a healthy relationship between your Goldendoodle and cat may require some patience.

It needs some technical understanding, and a bit of strategy to create harmony.  Remember, every pet is unique, and their journey to friendship can vary.

By introducing them properly and gradually you will be avoiding unpromising incidents. You should keep on monitoring their interactions. Make sure that their individual needs are met. You should create a peaceful and loving environment for both.

Provide them some space and respect their attitudes and concerns. Regular health check-ups, addressing any signs of stress, and maintaining good grooming and hygiene are also significant to foster a good relationship.

With time, patience, and loving guidance, your Goldendoodle and cat will form a bond that will be manageable and heartwarming for all of you. 

Frequently Asked Questions