Are you thinking about introducing your Boston Terrier to cat but afraid about how your Boston will react? You have nothing to worry about, Boston’s are lovable dogs who really enjoys all animals as long as you slowly introduce them like you would another dog or person.
Are Boston Terriers Good With Cats?
Yes, Boston Terriers are great with cats and other animals. The Boston breed has a good temperament with kind and loving tendencies. Also, 50 Boston Terrier owners were surveyed with this question, and the majority said yes their Boston is good with cats.
Survey Results
I have surveyed 50 Boston Terrier Owners on Twitter, and the results from the survey have been a little mixed. Mixed in the sense that it was almost an even split between Boston’s who have been exposed to cats and never exposed to cats.
The majority of Boston owners who did expose their Boston to cats experienced no problems.
Further Reading: Check out the full survey results here, 50 Boston Terrier Owner Survey Results. The questions and answers will help you gain insight into this lovable breed.
How to introduce your Boston to a Cat
Introducing your Boston to a cat should be no different than how you introduce your Boston to another person or dog, SLOWLY. Here are is the step by step process of introducing your feline friend with your canine friend.
Disclosure: Bella, our Boston, was introduced to my in-law’s cat under no supervision. Bella was allowed to run around the yard, and eventually, the two came into contact with one another. Bella simply sniffed the cat and went about her business. However, if you have a cat in your home, here is how I would approach the situation.
1. Exercise
I’m a big follower of Cesar Milan. What he teaches in all his books and videos is about animal energy levels. Before you introduce your dog to your cat, you will want to tire them out. Exercise allows you to decrease their energy level and they’ll be calmer when being introduced.
This step will need to be repeated daily if you do not physically see the two meet one another that day.
2. Slow Is Fast
Do not rush an introduction. I would simply hold your cat allowing your Boston to sniff her. In this step, you are merely showing your Boston that you care for the cat and love it. Once the sniff and introduction are complete, allow the two to go there separate ways.
3. Create Space For The Two
You will want to limit the areas your Boston can roam around in. However, the places that are off-limits to your Boston should be accessible to your cat. The off-limit areas will become a sanctuary to your cat in the case your Boston gets on its nerves.
This step helps to create a stress-free environment for your cat. Because the cat always has a safe place to retreat to in the event your Boston is playing too hard.
4. Observe
Once you have done the first three steps, the next step is to observe. You will want to ensure when your Boston is near your cat, he is nice to her. It is during this observation period that you’ll determine whether or not you can leave the two home alone with one another. Or you may find out the two must always be separated.
5. Refine
The final step is refining your process for leaving the two alone. In this step, you will want to ensure the off-limit areas are suitable for your cat as well as your Boston. You may have discovered that your cat is causing more trouble in the off-limits areas. In this case, you’ll simply change the location.
My cat growing up, used to push things off the kitchen table. You had to make sure everything was off the table, or it was going to end up on the floor.
The refining step is indefinite. You will always be finding better ways to create a space your Boston and cat can live and prosper in with one another.
What if you Boston and Cat do not get along
In the unfortunate event, your cat and Boston do not get along you may have to make a hard decision. Your three options are:
- Hire a trainer or DIY training
- Always keep the two separated
- Make the tough decision of giving one away to a loving family
If your Boston and cat are physically fighting all the time, I would first try the training on my own. Meaning I would learn what I can from dog training videos or websites. If this did not work after a couple of months, I would give my cat to a loving family.
This is how I personally would handle the situation, you may decide another course of action but the three options above are the only three you could make.
Videos of Boston’s and Cats getting along
Final thoughts…
Boston’s indeed are loving animals. In my heart, I know, given some time and proper introduction your cat and Boston will grow to love one another and get along great. Just remember to exercise your Boston before the official introduction then give the two time to meet one another on their terms eventually.