Do Pugs Get Along with Cats? Tips to Introduce Pugs to cats

If you’re thinking of introducing Pugs and cats, it’s normal to wonder, do Pugs get along with cats?

After all, we usually think of dogs and cats as sworn enemies. But don’t be put off.

You’ll be pleased to know that Pugs and cats can, and do, get along.

In this article, I’ll show you how.


Do Pugs Get Along With Cats?

Pugs and cats can get along. Pugs are one of the best breeds for cohabitation with cats due to their small size, low predatory drive, and docile nature.

The most important thing to remember is that there is no one-size-fits-all rule.

Though most Pugs get along with cats, at the end of the day it will come down to your Pug’s individual temperament and environment.


How to Introduce A CAT To A Pug

Whether you’ve already got a cat at home or you’re introducing a kitten to your family Pug, it’s important not to rush the process.

We’re going to outline all the necessary steps and precautions.

By following this guide you’ll improve your chances of a successful introduction.

Step 1: Match Making

Increase your chances of a successful union by matching both animals’ personalities. Make sure the new pet has been exposed to other species already.

  • If introducing a Pug to a cat-family, avoid pups with a penchant for chasing or rough play.
  • If you’ve already got a Pug at home who likes to play rough, growl, or lunge, think carefully before bringing home a cat.

Aim to match personalities and choose an incoming animal that is calm and confident if you can.

Step 2: Preparations

Before the introduction, prepare yourself and your environment. You can do this by ensuring the cats have at least two safe spaces available to them at all times.

  • You can keep laundry as a safe spot, and use a baby gate for the cat to get in while keeping the Pug away.
  • Remove any dangerous items and equip the safe spaces with a litter box, scratching post, food, water, and toys.
  • Make sure the Pugs cannot get in the cat spaces before they get used to each other.

Top-tip:

Never take your existing pet to the animal shelter with you. This might seem like a good way to start introductions but it increases health risks and can cause trauma or stress.

Step 3: Gentle Introductions

It’s a big day. You’re ready to bring your new pet home. Remember to take things slow.

  • Keep the animals separate for at least 3 to 5 days to accommodate veterinary check-ups and avoid unnecessary stress.
  • Let your new pet get acquainted with their “safe” room.
  • Pay attention to the Pugs, teach them to focus on you instead of the cats.
  • Rotating which animal is in confinement each day gives them a chance to investigate each other’s scent.

Top-tip:

Feed your pets on opposite sides of a closed door. Your pets will hear and smell one another even without face-to-face contact.

If this causes extreme excitement or aggression consider hiring a professional trainer to help with the introduction.

Step 4: Leashed Interactions

It’s time for the real introductions.

Start with a brief, daily, leashed interaction in a communal area of the home.

Ask your Pug to sit and let the cat approach in their own time and try to end the session before any signs of aggression or stress from either animal.

If you do notice signs of aggression, allow your cat to leave the room or separate them. Repeat interactions in this way until both animals remain calm throughout.

Top-tip: offering favorite treats will positively reinforce good behavior.

Step 5: Loose Interactions

Once both animals remain calm consistently, allow them to interact off-leash.

You will still need to supervise at this point. Make sure your cat has clear access to their safe space and never leave the animals unsupervised when you’re not around.

If loose interactions are unsuccessful at first, return to step 4 and proceed gradually.

Top-tip: Keep your Pug’s leash attached so that you can grab it if necessary.

Step 6: Unsupervised Interactions

Unsupervised interactions should only take place once you are confident Pug and cat will not hurt or intimidate one another.

Supervised loose interactions should remain amicable for at least a month before allowing unsupervised interactions.


Warning Signs to be Aware of

You need to be ready to intervene at any point throughout the introductory process. Animals can seem unpredictable, but more often than not they give warning signs when under stress.

Being aware of these warning signs will allow you to intervene before things get too heated. Here are some crucial behaviors to look out for.

1. Staring

Intent staring is a sign of aggression. Behavioral signs to look out for in your Pug include:

  • Staring at the cat intently
  • Staring at the door between them and the cat
  • Lunging when the cat moves
  • Completely ignoring you

If you notice your Pug staring more than usual, try a distraction technique. Avert your Pug’s attention with a soothing voice, toys, and favorite foods until no longer focused on the cat.

2. Attack behaviors

When a cat attacks an otherwise calm dog or vice versa, this is a sign of aggression.

If you notice these behaviors in your cat or dog before bringing a new pet into the home, it’s worth considering if your existing pet is ready for a new family member.

If the relationship between your existing cat and dog is outwardly aggressive, like this, you might need to separate the animals permanently or consider bringing in an animal behaviorist.

Examples of attack behaviors include:

  • Growling
  • Snapping
  • Lunging
  • Pouncing
  • Hissing

3. Signs of unhappiness

Not all cats will be comfortable living with a dog at home – even if there are no outward signs of aggression from either party.

Changes in everyday behavior are a sign that something’s up.

If your cat refuses food and water, stops using the litter box, or becomes antisocial, this could mean they are anxious or unhappy.

You could bring in a behavioral specialist to try and resolve the problem but, sadly, rehoming is sometimes the best solution in these cases.


Fostering Friendliness Between Pugs and Cats

Sometimes dogs and cats hit it off right off the bat. But encouraging friendliness consistently will make life happier for everyone in the family.

Luckily there are simple steps you can take to create an environment perfect for harmonious cohabitation. Let’s take a look.

1. Create safe spaces

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. It is super important that your cat has a place where it can seek solitude, away from your Pug.

It doesn’t matter if the space is big or small, as long as it is completely private and easily accessible (to your cat only).

Creating a small elevated area for your cat in each room will make them feel safe and secure.

2. Teach clear commands

One of the most useful tools to have up your sleeve is obedience. Teaching your Pug to stop on command is the best way to stop them if or when they get tempted to do some chasing.

You can read our obedience training guide to learn how to train your Pugs.

3. Establish a hierarchy

Establishing a clear dominance hierarchy is a great way to avoid interspecies conflicts.

Assert your cat’s dominance by feeding them first. This way they can keep to themselves without being bothered by your curious pooch.

Top-tip: animals can become territorial over their food, so make sure you’re supervising feeding time.


FAQ

1. Do Pugs hate cats?

No, Pugs do not hate cats. In fact, Pugs can and do get along very well with cats.

Pugs are one of the safest dogs to introduce to a cat due to their small size and famously loving temperament.

But remember all animals have their own unique personalities, so it’s important to supervise any inter-species introduction closely and follow the necessary precautions.

2. Can a pug kill a cat?

It is extremely unlikely that a Pug would want, or be able, to kill a cat.

Pugs are typically affectionate, small-statured, and lacking in agility. In contrast, cats are pretty self-reliant animals and extremely agile.

 


Pugs and Cats: A Match Made in Heaven?

Do Pugs get along with cats?

Yes. Pugs and cats can, and do, get along like clockwork most of the time.

But animals are animals. They have their own unique characteristics and personalities.

As such, it’s always best not to make any assumptions when introducing different species to one another.

By monitoring your pets carefully and looking out for the warning signs, chances are your Pug and cat will be living in harmony in no time at all.