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Can Labradoodles and Cats Be Best Friends? Tips for a Harmonious Home

Labradoodles are crossbreeds of Miniature Toy Poodles and Labrador Retrievers. These pups are known for their curly coats and interesting personalities. 

Although their patient Labrador personality shines through most of the time, you may find flares of stubborn poodle personality rearing up now and then. That’s what makes them fantastic companions. But what about a Labradoodle and cats?

Cats, as we know, are not afraid of expressing their opinions. And your high-energy Labradoodle might not be tolerable at first. But, by understanding cat behavior and getting to know your pets, you might find that your Labradoodle and cat have become best friends.

labradoodle and cat

Contents

Can Labradoodles and Cats Live Together? 6 Tips

The short answer is yes. According to their general personalities, Labradoodles and cats should be able to co-exist in your home peacefully. Although, there are a few specifics that may influence their relationship. 

With all that in mind, we’ve put together a list of things you should know to help your cat and Labradoodle get along.

1. Introducing Labradoodles and Cats

No matter what breed of pooch you have, there is always a proper way to introduce cats and dogs to each other. While it’s best to introduce your dogs and cats while they are young and relatively new to your home, often this isn’t possible. And you may have a pet who has already established your home as its territory. 

I have a series of articles on how different dog breeds get along with cats: Can Poodles and Cats Get Along?, Shih Tzus and Cats, French Bulldogs and Cats, Rottweilers and Cats, Corgis and Cats, Golden Retrievers and Cats and German Shepherds and Cats.

labradoodle and cats
labradoodle

If you’re introducing a new kitty to the family, it’s best to keep them in one room for a little while to get used to the sights and smells of your home. During this time, you can encourage your Labradoodle to spend time with you on the other side of the door. 

This allows them to get familiar with your cat’s scent while understanding that their person and their territory aren’t being threatened.

For new Labradoodles, socialization as a puppy is critical. Exposing them to other animals and many people is vital during their early puppy months. Ideally, your puppy should have some socialization before meeting your cat. This will help them to establish that other animals are not a threat. 

Dogs, especially energetic breeds like Golden Retrievers and Labradoodles, can be a lot for a cat to handle. During their introduction, ensure your cat has an escape route if they feel overwhelmed.

calico maine coon

2. Ensure They Have Their Own Space

While you want to encourage them to share your home space, your cat and Labradoodle will also need a space to call their own. Just like any other member of the family, fluffy or not. A separate bed for your dog and your cat is a great first step. 

They’ll need their own toys for stimulation and lots of treats to enforce good behavior at first. If your cat doesn’t already have a cat tree to climb up, now is a great time to get one. A cat tree will also give them a comfy perch to escape from your busy Doodle if need be.

Cute kitten playing with colorful toy.

3. Give Them Equal Attention

That’s right, pets can get jealous too. With more than one animal in your house, you’ll need to share your attention equally. 

Labradoodles are very energetic and social dogs who need a lot of attention and exercise. Daily walks are a great way to help them burn off excess energy that may otherwise be cast onto your cat. 

While cats also love a bit of play, they spend a lot of time in their favorite sleeping positions. Sharing downtime with your cat will be as good for you as it is for your kitty. 

white labradoodle nose
white labradoodle nose

4. Supervise Your Pets 

One of the most important factors in fostering a good relationship between your Labradoodle and cat is closely monitoring them during the first few weeks. Pay close attention to how they approach and engage with each other and which one of them is most territorial.

By keeping an eye on your pets, you’ll learn a lot about how they interact with each other and their individual personalities. And, of course, you’ll be nearby if the claws come out. Remember that Labradoodle puppies are very playful. At a glance, their behavior can look aggressive toward your cat, so don’t rush in to separate them if things get a little rough.

labradoodle in profile
labradoodle

During the first few weeks, it’s best to have a human responsible for each pet. This is especially useful should you need to break up a fluffy flight. Indoor cameras are a lifesaver when you have to step out of the house. 

5. Separate Feeding Times and Locations

Food is very important to all animals. Although they are territorial, cats are unlikely to intrude on your Labradoodle’s meals. Dogs, however, tend to believe in the old “you snooze, you lose” practice when it comes to food.

After all, Labradoodles have Labrador genes, which are notoriously the greediest breed of dogs. They can and will devour anything in sight. This is due to a gene mutation in Labradors, and you don’t want your cat to go hungry because of it. 

A close view of a cat eating food from a bowl.

At the same time, both cats and dogs can feel threatened by another animal eating near them, even if they aren’t stealing each other’s grub. The best way to prevent this is by having separate feeding times and locations for your cat and your Labradoodle. 

6. Understand Your Pet’s Personality

Do dogs actually hate cats? Maybe not. This depends on your dog’s or your cat’s individual personality. While Labradoodles and cats can live together in harmony, it’s all up to them at the end of the day. 

Before adopting a new pet, it’s vital to understand your existing pet’s personality. If your pet has displayed territorial or aggressive behavior in the past, it may not be ready for a new housemate. However, some training and socialization can help this.

face of white labradoodle
labradoodle

You should do some research on your new pet’s history before bringing them home. Any information about their parents or the environment they came from will help you determine whether they are a good fit for your home.

Final Thoughts on Labradoodles and Cats

Labradoodles and cats are fantastic companions alone, but are potentially even better together. Cats and Labradoodles have all the necessary traits to become the best of friends, as long as you take care to foster a good relationship between them. 

While they are expected to get along well, it’s important to understand your Labradoodle and cat before introducing them to each other. By watching over them for a few weeks and taking note of these helpful tips, you are sure to have a happy cat and Labradoodle.

face of beige labradoodle
labradoodle

Wondering what to name your new feline? These cat names inspired by food might help you out.

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