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My new cat hisses at dogs. Can they learn to get along and be happy?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 8 months and 8 days old | 12 lbs

We just recently rescued Simba and he doesn't like our dogs very much. When they come near him he hisses and arches his back. When the dogs are sleeping he comes up to them and sniffs them and will lay close by. He even likes to drink out of there water bowls and lay in there beds when they aren't on them. Do you think Simba has the possibility to be happy around the dogs (even when they are awake and roaming the house)? He is perfectly healthy and I just want him to be happy and the dogs too.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 17th, 2017

Congrats on your new cat! Yes, I do think that he has the possibility to be happy around the dogs but it will take time. Moving into a new home is stressful for a cat, and getting used to the current occupants is also stressful especially if he hasn't been around dogs before. It's normal behavior to arch and hiss when the dogs come near to Simba, and as long as he isn't reacting aggressively (trying to hit or bite them), then do not discourage this behavior. He is letting them know his boundaries and what he is comfortable with in regards to them. Give him time to adjust and his relationship with the dogs should improve over time :-)
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