Are Havanese Good With Cats? | Complete Guide 2025

If you're wondering whether a Havanese can peacefully share your home with cats, you're in the right place. Havanese dogs are generally good with cats thanks to their low prey drive and friendly nature. However, successful coexistence depends on proper introductions, early socialization, and supervision.

In this guide, we'll explore the Havanese's natural tendencies toward cats, offer practical advice for owners, outline training strategies to foster harmony, and address common multi-pet household scenarios.

Understanding the Havanese's Tendencies Toward Cats

The Havanese is a small, affectionate breed known for its gentle temperament. With a low prey drive rating of 2 out of 10, they typically do not have a strong instinct to chase or harm smaller animals like cats. This makes them naturally inclined to coexist peacefully.

Their playful and sociable demeanor means they often enjoy the company of other pets, including cats. However, every dog is an individual, so some Havanese may show more curiosity or excitement around cats, which requires attention.

Practical Advice for Introducing Your Havanese to Cats

Introducing a Havanese to a cat should be done gradually to ensure both animals feel safe and comfortable. Here are some key points:

• Start with scent swapping: Before face-to-face meetings, allow both pets to sniff each other's bedding or toys.
• Use controlled meetings: Keep the dog on a leash during initial introductions to manage excitement.
• Provide escape routes: Cats should have places to retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
• Observe body language: Watch for signs of stress or aggression in either pet.

Training and Management Strategies

To help your Havanese and cat live harmoniously, try these steps:

1. Early socialization: Expose your Havanese to cats from a young age if possible.
2. Positive reinforcement: Reward calm and gentle behavior around cats with treats and praise.
3. Establish boundaries: Teach your Havanese commands like "leave it" or "stay" to control interactions.
4. Supervise interactions: Never leave your Havanese and cat alone together until you are confident they get along.
5. Maintain separate resources: Provide separate feeding areas and litter boxes to avoid competition.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

• Curious puppy meets shy cat: Keep meetings brief and calm; gradually increase time together.
• Cat hisses or swats: Give the cat space and try again later; do not force interaction.
• Havanese chases cat: Use training commands and distract with toys or treats.
• Both pets ignore each other: This is a positive sign of peaceful coexistence.

Conclusion

Havanese dogs are generally good with cats due to their low prey drive and friendly personality. With thoughtful introductions, early socialization, and consistent supervision, they can share a loving home with feline companions. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key to building a peaceful multi-pet household.

By following the strategies outlined here, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—having a playful Havanese and a content cat living together harmoniously.