Cats are generally not as social as dogs. In fact, cats naturally hunt alone and often prefer solitude. But, each breed is different and each cat is an individual. Many cats actually love company and have temperaments suited to living with other cats, children and even dogs.
Just like dogs, cats too need to undergo socialisation at a young age with people and ideally with other cats and domestic animals so that they do not feel stressed or fearful when in their company. Socialisation should include gentle petting and handling of kittens and this will also make grooming and health checks much easier.
As with all animals, cats will display aggression if they feel threatened, are in pain or unwell, are jealous or guarded about their food and territory, and will sometimes exhibit dominant behaviour. The more socialisation they have had, the greater the variety of people and animals they have mixed with and the more situations they have experienced, then the less chance your cat will react aggressively or feel stressed.
The majority of cats, no matter the breed, can live happily with other dogs or children if they have had time to become accustomed. Often a cat and dog raised together become good friends and have no problems living in the same home.
Spaying or neutering your cat will also reduce some aggressive and unwanted behaviour, particularly in male cats, and it will also make them calmer.
Each cat will have its own unique personality however there are also some breeds with characteristics that will make them more compatible to sharing a home.
If bringing a cat into a home with an existing cat, dog or lively children, then cats with the following temperaments will do better than others.
Cats with the following temperaments will be better suited to living with other cats:
Not territorial
Sociable and friendly
Easy-going
Adaptable
With dogs:
Not territorial
Sociable and friendly
Easy-going
Adaptable
Playful
Active
Robust
Intelligent and curious
Tolerance for loud noises and sudden movements
Amiable
Breeds that are generally known for the above temperaments include: Japanese Bobtail, Ragamuffin, Bombay, Chartreux, Burmese, Ocicat, American Shorthair, Maine Coon, Turkish Angora and Sphynx.
With children:
Not territorial
Docile – enjoys being handled and pet
Sociable and friendly
Calm and patient
Adaptable
Playful
Active
Robust
Intelligent and curious
Tolerance for loud noises and sudden movements
Loving and affectionate
Gentle and good-natured
Attention seeking
Loyal – easily bonding with all members of the family
Attentiveness
Enjoys companionship
Breeds that are generally known for the above temperaments include: Bombay, Ragamuffin, American Curl, Japanese Bobtail, American Bobtail, Chartreux, Burmese, Ocicat, American Shorthair, Maine Coon, Turkish Angora, Sphynx and American Curl.
Other breeds known to be sociable, calm, intelligent and playful include: Burmese, Ragdoll, Birman, Cymric, Manx, Scottish Fold, British Shorthair, Abyssinian, Singapura, Russian Blue, Oriental, Siamese, Tonkinese, Australian Mist, Burmilla, Moggie
