As a Boston Terrier and a cat owner, let me tell you that these small dogs can be very loving family members and will form lasting bonds with other animals.
Boston Terriers typically get along well with cats and won’t normally attack or chase them. But it’s important that you don’t rush the introduction phase, which forms the foundation of the relationship. Learn how to gradually socialize and train them, so they accept each other.
Read on to find out how Boston Terriers react to cats, whether they can be trained to be kind to cats, how to conduct the introduction, and some signs that the two animals won’t get along well.
How Do Boston Terriers React to Cats
The answer to this question is that it really depends on the individual dog. Some Boston Terriers will get along great with cats, while others may be a little more hesitant. It is important to remember that every dog is different and that you should never force your dog to interact with another animal if they are not comfortable. Here are some recorded Boston Terrier reactions to cats:
Excitement: One Boston Terrier was so excited to meet the family’s new kitten that he started barking and wagging his tail frantically.
Hesitation: Another Boston Terrier was a little more hesitant when meeting the family’s new kitten. He sniffed her cautiously and then slowly started to approach her.
Friendly: Some Boston Terriers are immediately friendly when they meet a new cat. They will approach them, start sniffing them, and even try to play with them.
Aggressive: In rare cases, some Boston Terriers may be aggressive towards cats, especially when the dog feels threatened or if the cat has done something to bother the dog.
Can I Train My Boston Terrier to Be Kind to Cats?
Yes, you can train your Boston Terrier to be kind to cats. Just like any other behavior, teaching your dog this new behavior will take time and patience. Your success will largely depend on how you introduce your Boston Terrier to the cat. So, your next concern should be how to introduce my Boston Terrier to your Cat:
How to Introduce My Boston Terrier With Cats?
The key to a successful introduction lies in early training. So, here are some tips for introducing your Boston Terrier to your cat:
Avoid Face-to-Face Meetings in the Beginning
When you first introduce your Boston terrier to your cat, avoiding face-to-face meetings is important because both animals may see the other as a threat and could become aggressive. Instead, try to introduce them while they’re both in different rooms or on different levels of the house.
Exercise Them Before Introduction
It’s also a good idea to make sure both your Boston terrier and your cat have had a good amount of exercise before you try to introduce them. A tired dog is less likely to be as energetic and excitable, which can make the meeting go more smoothly.
Use a Leash
When you finally introduce your Boston terrier to your cat, make sure he’s on a leash, so you stay in control of him if he gets too excited or aggressive.
Let Them Smell Each Other First
Another important tip is to let them smell each other first, so they get used to each other’s scent and could make the introduction process a little bit easier. You can do this by letting your cat sniff your Boston terrier’s fur or by placing a towel that your Boston terrier has been lying on near your cat’s food or bed.
Supervise All Meetings
Whenever your Boston terrier and cat are in the same room together, it’s important to supervise them closely to ensure that neither animal gets too agitated or aggressive. If you see any signs of aggression, such as growling, hissing, or raised hackles, separate them immediately and try another day again.
Give Them Both Plenty of Space
It’s also important to give both your Boston terrier and cat plenty of space, that is, having separate food and water bowls, beds, and litter boxes. Their own space will help reduce tension and make them feel more comfortable.
Let Them Play Together on the Floor
Once your Boston terrier and cat have gotten used to each other’s scent, you can start letting them play together on the floor. Allow them to exercise together and burn off any excess energy. Just make sure you supervise closely to make sure things don’t get too rough.
Be Patient
Finally, patience is important when introducing your Boston terrier to your cat. It may take some time for them to get used to each other, but eventually, they should be able to coexist peacefully.
In some cases, no matter how cautious you are, the Boston Terrier will not get along well with a cat. Let’s study some signs indicating such a scenario:
Signs that Your Boston Terrier Doesn’t Get Along With a Cat
If you notice any of these signs, avoid forcing your Boston terrier to interact with the cats:
Growling: If your Boston terrier is growling at the cat, it’s a sign that he is feeling threatened or doesn’t like her.
Chasing
If your Boston terrier is chasing the cat, it means he sees her as prey. It clearly means that the cat is in grave danger, so it’s important to nip this behavior in the bud.
Barking
If your Boston terrier is barking at the cat, he likely wants to play with her. However, some dogs bark out of aggression, so it’s important to watch your dog closely to see what his intent is.
Snapping
If your Boston terrier is snapping at the cat, it’s a sign of aggression and can prove harmful. For obvious reasons, you can’t tolerate this.
Mounting
If your Boston terrier is mounting the cat, it signifies dominance. The behavior can be upsetting for the cat and should be discouraged.
Summing it up
As you can see, Boston terriers make great pets for those who also own cats. They are gentle dogs that get along well with other animals and love to play. Hence, if you already have a cat at home, it’s never too late to add a Boston terrier! How well the dog gets along will depend on your quality of introduction.
Boston Terriers normally do well with cats. It is dependent on how soon you introduce them. If they are raised together and gently encouraged to get along with your cats, it will work out for them to co-exist together.
However, there are some rare cases when a Boston Terrier will refuse to accept a cat, and forcing them into interaction can prove detrimental for the cat or the dog itself. Yet, we hope this guide helps you learn how to help your pets get along in a Boston Terrier with cats home.
