Alright, let me tell you about the time I tried to introduce my bulldog, Brutus, to a new cat, Mittens. I’d heard that bulldogs are generally chill and good with other pets, so I thought, “Why not?” Plus, Brutus has always been a gentle giant, never one to chase squirrels or bark at the mailman.
First off, I did a bit of reading online. Seems like the key is to take it slow and let them get used to each other’s smells. So, before Mittens even came home, I got a blanket and let Brutus sniff it, even sleep with it a few times. Then I swapped it out and let Mittens have a go at a blanket that smelled like Brutus. I figured it was like a little “getting to know you” through scent.
When the big day came, I made sure Mittens had her own safe space. I set up a room just for her, complete with a litter box, food, water, and a cozy bed. Brutus couldn’t get in there, no matter how much he tried to squeeze his big body through the door.
The first meeting was… well, uneventful. I kept Brutus on a leash and let Mittens roam free in the living room. They just looked at each other from across the room. Brutus wagged his tail a bit, and Mittens just stared. No hissing, no growling, just a lot of cautious observation.
I kept doing these supervised visits for a few days, gradually letting them get closer. I’d give Brutus treats when he was calm around Mittens, and I made sure Mittens had plenty of escape routes if she felt uncomfortable. It took a while, but they started to tolerate each other. Sometimes, I’d even catch them napping in the same room, though always at a safe distance.
One day, I walked into the living room to find Mittens rubbing against Brutus’s leg. I nearly dropped my coffee! Brutus just stood there, looking slightly confused but not bothered. After that, they started hanging out more often. They’d play together, with Brutus being surprisingly gentle, and Mittens even started grooming Brutus’s face. It was pretty darn cute.
So, are bulldogs good with cats? In my experience, yeah, they can be. Brutus and Mittens became the best of buds. It took patience and some careful planning, but it was totally worth it. Now they’re like an old married couple, always together, whether they’re napping in a sunbeam or sharing a snack.
Of course, every dog and cat is different. Some might take longer to get along, and some might never be best friends. But with a little effort, you can create a happy home for both your bulldog and your cat. I sure did, and I’m glad I gave it a try. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear the sounds of a certain bulldog and cat duo getting into some mischief in the other room. Time to go play referee!
