Boxers are big dogs, and they can look intimidating. They are also pretty high energy. With all that in mind, you might think that they are a poor choice for multi-pet households. But the truth is that Boxers are one of the best breeds of dogs to have around cats! They tend to be friendly and easygoing with minimal training.
Although some Boxers will initially want to chase cats, this can usually be trained out. If you want both dogs and cats, a Boxer is a good choice for the dog.
Best Age to Introduce Boxers and Cats
It isn’t surprising that the age you introduce Boxers and cats matters. There are different pros and cons for each age pairing, but most of the time, the easiest way to help Boxers and cats get along is to raise them together. If you introduce a boxer puppy and a kitten, they will almost always get along perfectly by adulthood.
The next best option is to introduce a kitten to an adult Boxer. Adult dogs are less energetic and more even-tempered than puppies, so they are less likely to have behavior issues. Kittens can quickly learn to be comfortable around dogs and might never even realize that they should be scared.
It can be harder to introduce an adult cat to a new dog or puppy, but not impossible. This works more smoothly if the cat has spent time around dogs before, but a proper introduction can overcome that. Some cats will always be scared of dogs or uncomfortable around them, but in most cases, they can learn to tolerate a well-trained dog even if they don’t become best friends.
Tips for a Smooth Introduction
If you are planning to have both dogs and cats, first impressions are very important. Start out by keeping the new pet(s) in their own space, like a bathroom or spare bedroom. Give them occasional chances to explore the house while the other pet isn’t there. Eventually, consider letting your dog and cat smell under the door or smell a blanket belonging to the other pet. This gives both pets a chance to get used to the others’ smell before meeting.
Once you are ready to introduce them face to face, it helps to take your boxer on a long walk, especially if he’s high energy. Keep him restrained during the meeting and remove him immediately if he shows signs of aggression. Also make sure that your cat has someplace safe to escape to if she feels uncomfortable. You might need to have several “playdates” before both pets are completely unbothered by the other’s presence. Watch for signs of stress and anxiety from both pets.
Depending on how the first meetings go, eventually you can start to let your dog off the leash. Ideally, your pets will exist in the same space without stress or worry and might even begin to show interest and affection towards each other. Don’t try to force your pets to interact and don’t leave them unsupervised together until you are sure they are both comfortable.
Last Thoughts
Boxers make great pets, and many are good with cats, but multi-pet households still take work. Putting in the groundwork for a good relationship is key to making sure that your home is successful. If you rush things in the first few weeks, it can be difficult or impossible to repair the damage, so take your time and be alert to your pets’ needs.
Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
