Dachshund and Cat

Dachshund and Cat: Can They Coexist?

Are you thinking about getting a dachshund but aren’t sure if they will get along with your cat? Will they attack them?

Or perhaps you’re looking to adopt a cat, but you already have a dachshund and don’t know what to expect…

We want to answer your questions about keeping dachshunds and cats under the same roof 🐶 🐈

Know that it is possible to train dachshunds and cats to get along (as well as other breeds), but it doesn’t always work.

It depends on each animal’s personality, age, history, and status in the home:

It is easier to introduce a dachshund into a cat’s home than to bring a cat into a dachshund’s territory.

Do Dachshunds and Cats Get Along?

It depends on the personality of each animal and the specific situation.

Are you bringing a cat into a dachshund’s home, or a dachshund into a cat’s home? Or are you adopting both together?

It also depends on their age and background.

Here are several points and questions to consider to help you:

Personality

Because dachshunds are such cute little dogs, people often assume they are little angels too 😇

Although affectionate, this famous sausage dog breed is spirited. You must remember that they were bred as hunting dogs (and badger dogs), which means their natural instinct is to chase and attack small, furry animals.

Dachshunds are also territorial and wary of strangers (hence their barking when new dogs get too close), and can become ridiculously jealous if someone or something gets more attention than them.

Some dogs are more laid-back than others, while some can become abrupt and aggressive with cats.

If you are adopting an older dachshund, you should ask those who know them if they are comfortable around cats.

If you are doing things the other way around and bringing a cat into your dachshund’s home, you will need to monitor your dog closely and think seriously about whether they could handle having a cat in their space.

• How do they react to other animals?
• Are they tense?
• Do their ears go back?
• Do they show their teeth?
• Do they growl or bark?

If so, you will likely have a hard time introducing a cat into the home, and it might not be the most responsible choice.

Situation

The best option is to adopt a cat and a dachshund together, especially if they are a kitten and a puppy.

Socializing animals from a young age will reduce the risk of conflict in your house or apartment!

Depending on the dog, it is possible to bring a dachshund into a cat’s home. The cat has already established its territory, and the dachshund will learn to fit in.

This is much easier with puppies than with older dachshunds.

On the other hand, bringing a cat into a dachshund’s home is likely the more difficult option.

Dachshunds are very territorial and don’t like strangers encroaching on their space. They may feel the need to protect their “family” and can be aggressive toward the newcomer.

Dachshund harnesses

Age

The best time to introduce a dachshund to a cat is when they are a puppy.

They will still have their hunting instinct, but if they have been socialized with the cat from the start, they will be used to living with them and shouldn’t see them as a threat (due to their small size).

This doesn’t mean you won’t need to supervise them. They are still a dog, and you must be absolutely sure before leaving them alone with the cat.

It is much harder to train an older dachshund to live with a cat. They are set in their ways and even more independent and stubborn than a puppy; they may not tolerate a new cat…

Background

Read: Why adopt a dachshund?

If you are bringing a dachshund into your cat’s home, you absolutely must find out about their past.

For puppies, ask the breeder about their parents:

• Have there been any incidents with cats before?
• Do they have a history of aggression?

If the parents were fine with cats, there is a better chance that your little sausage puppy will be able to live with a cat and adapt without too much trouble.

If you are adopting an adult dachshund, do your research as well:

• Have they ever lived with cats?
• Have they been socialized with cats?
• Have they ever attacked a cat?

If they are used to being around cats or living with them, they will likely be fine with your feline friend.

If they have had an altercation with a cat in the past, you should seriously consider whether it is safe to bring them into your home.

Remember that some dachshunds instinctively chase cats, and you can’t really train that instinct out of them (it is a dog breed originally developed for hunting).

The reality is that rescue dogs don’t always come with a lot of information, so you might not be lucky enough to know their history.

In that case, you should discuss their temperament with the shelter staff and follow their advice on whether they think the dog could live with a cat.

How to Introduce a Dachshund to a Cat?

• Put the cat in a closed room
• Separate the cat and the dachshund with a gate
• Scent swapping
• Let the newcomer get used to the house
• Walk your dachshund beforehand
• Reward with treats
• Keep your dachshund on a leash
• Let the cat come out
• Wait for the cat to approach
• Distract your dachshund if they bark
• Be patient

Repeat the routine and don’t leave them alone until you trust them 100%.

Whether you are introducing a dachshund into your cat’s home or vice versa, here is what you should do:

Put the cat in a closed room

Choose a closed room where the dachshund will not be allowed to enter.

A bedroom is ideal.

Set up the cat’s bowl, bed, toys, and litter box.

Separate the cat and the dachshund with an expandable gate

Block off the house and access points with expandable pet gates.

These dog gates are great because they allow the cat and dog to see and smell each other without the dog being able to get to the cat.

Scent swapping

You need to get each animal used to the other’s scent.

Swap their blankets and mix their scents as much as possible, and instead of washing your hands after petting the cat or the dachshund, rub your hands on the furniture and walls in the other animal’s space.

Let the newcomer get used to the house

If you have brought a new cat into the house, you can let them out to explore while you walk your dachshund.

It is probably easier to ask a friend to help you so they can make sure the cat is safe before you return.

If the dachshund is the newcomer, walk them around the house on a short leash while the cat is confined.

Walk your dachshund

Go for an outing or take some walks with your dachshund to tire them out and help them relax.

This way, they will have (a little) less focus on the new family member.

Reward with treats

Keep treats nearby to reward your dachshund for good behavior.

Keep your dachshund on a leash

Keep your dachshund on a leash for about 10 minutes when you first come home.

Let the cat come out

Let the cat come out of their room (on the other side of the expandable gate).

Wait for the cat to approach

Let the cat show themselves to the dachshund at their own pace and give them the option to return to their room.

Distract your dachshund if they bark

If your dachshund starts barking or staring intensely at the cat, distract them and move them away.

Be patient

Let the cat decide how close they want to get and keep your dachshund in the same spot.

When you feel comfortable, remove the gate(s) but keep your dog on a leash at the very beginning and during the first contacts.

Final Thoughts

Once you are certain that your pet won’t chase the cat, take them off the leash but supervise them closely until you are 100% sure everything is fine.

If you still have questions, we recommend consulting your veterinarian or a dog trainer near you, and perhaps taking a course with a canine behaviorist.

Finally, tell us in the comments your tips for the pleasant cohabitation of these adorable pets, the dachshund and the cat 😜

The DoxieLife team – 💚 Last updated 06/01/26

Dachshund carriers

Related products

Categories

The Dachshund Shop Designed for ComfortDachshund harness and collar rangeDachshund Harnesses: All Our ModelsDachshund AccessoriesDachshund Collars: All Our ModelsFabric Harnesses for Dachshunds