Dachshund and Cats

When Harvey first met Caitlin’s family cat, Misty, it was like watching two diplomats negotiate a fragile peace treaty in our living room. Harvey, nose twitching, stood just far enough away to show respect but close enough to sniff every detail of Misty’s fur. Misty, perched on the back of the couch, gave him a slow blink — the kind cats give when they’re deciding whether you’re a threat or an ally. That moment was the first step in proving that a dachshund and cat best friends scenario wasn’t just something you see on YouTube.

While dachshunds and cats can form strong bonds, the question “Do cats and dachshunds get along?” doesn’t have a simple yes-or-no answer. It depends on personality, history, and how their introductions are managed. Dachshunds, bred for hunting, come with a prey drive that can be triggered by fast-moving animals, but they also carry a loyalty and warmth that can extend to feline housemates when trust is built.

According to the American Kennel Club, successful dog-cat relationships start with gradual introductions, controlled environments, and respecting each animal’s comfort zones. Over the years, I’ve found that with patience, the right setup, and a few clever management strategies, a dachshund can not only tolerate a cat but actively enjoy their company, sometimes even curling up together for an afternoon nap.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to introduce dachshunds to cats, signs they’re becoming friends, how to manage natural prey instincts, and ways to keep the peace long-term.

When Caitlin and I first talked about adding a cat to our home, my mind instantly went to Harvey’s personality. He’s a loyal little shadow, but like most dachshunds, he’s also hardwired with a prey drive. This instinct — the same one that made his ancestors brilliant at flushing out badgers — can sometimes make life with smaller animals, like cats, a challenge.

That said, I’ve also seen plenty of dachshund and cat best friends living together in perfect harmony. It all comes down to understanding the breed and knowing that “do cats and dachshunds get along?” isn’t a simple yes or no.

Dachshunds are naturally curious and alert. They notice everything — the rustle of leaves outside, the clink of a food bowl in another room, or the swish of a cat’s tail. For some dachshunds, that tail is just another fascinating thing to observe. For others, it’s an invitation to chase. This is where early training and controlled introductions make all the difference.

In our case, Harvey had never lived with a cat, but we’d worked on impulse control from an early age. That foundation helped when he first met my sister’s cat, Millie. She was cautious, keeping to high shelves and watching him from a distance, while he learned that “leave it” meant exactly that. Within a week, they were tolerating each other. Within a month, they could share a sunny patch of carpet without fuss.

According to the RSPCA, successful cohabitation between dogs and cats hinges on slow, structured introductions. That means giving both animals time to adjust to each other’s scent before they meet face-to-face, using barriers like baby gates, and rewarding calm behaviour on both sides.

For anyone starting fresh, my advice is to treat those early days like a series of micro-introductions. Let them see each other from a distance, swap bedding so their scents mingle, and always supervise. Over time, you’ll get a clear read on whether your dachshund is more likely to become a cat’s best mate or a respectful roommate.

Introducing a dachshund to a cat isn’t something you rush — it’s something you stage, a bit like setting up two very different personalities on a first date. The goal is to build familiarity without forcing contact, because if things go wrong in those first meetings, you’ll spend far longer repairing the relationship.

When Caitlin and I helped a friend settle their new kitten into a home with their dachshund, we followed a process that the RSPCA and other animal behaviour experts recommend:

1. Start with scent, not sight
   Dogs experience the world through smell, and dachshunds are no exception. Swap blankets, toys, or bedding between your dachshund and your cat before they meet. This allows them to form a mental picture of each other without the intensity of a face-to-face encounter.
   
   
2. Create safe zones for both animals
   Cats need vertical space — shelves, cat trees, or the top of furniture — where they can retreat if they feel cornered. Dachshunds need their own quiet space too, ideally somewhere away from the cat’s core territory.
   
   
3. Controlled visual introductions
   Use a baby gate or a crate so they can see each other without the risk of chasing. Keep these sessions short, just a few minutes at a time, and reward both animals for calm behaviour.
   
   
4. Supervised meetings on lead
   Once your dachshund shows relaxed body language — soft eyes, no lunging, no whining — you can allow closer contact. Keep them on a short lead at first so you can gently redirect if needed.
   
   
5. Watch for stress signals
   Cats may flick their tails, flatten their ears, or retreat. Dachshunds might freeze, stare, or tense up. These are cues to give them space and try again later.
   
   
6. Build positive associations
   Have treats ready for both animals during and after each session. Over time, they’ll start associating the presence of the other with good things — a classic behaviour shaping approach that works well for “do cats and dachshunds get along” scenarios.
   
   

When done right, this process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. The important thing is not to rush — Harvey might warm up in a matter of days, but another dachshund might take months to fully trust a feline housemate.

When we first introduced Harvey to my friend’s tabby, Willow, the air was thick with curiosity — and a little suspicion. Harvey’s tail wagged in slow, measured sweeps, and Willow perched high on the arm of the lounge, eyeing him like a chess opponent deciding her next move. Over the weeks, that cautious dance evolved into something gentler, and eventually, the unmistakable signs of a dachshund and cat becoming best friends began to show.

Here’s what to look for if you’re wondering whether your own dachshund and cat are starting to get along:

• Relaxed body language – No stiff tails, raised hackles, or tense ears. Instead, you’ll see loose, natural movements and perhaps even your dachshund lying on their side while your cat sits nearby.
  
  
• Mutual curiosity – They seek each other out without signs of aggression. This might look like your cat approaching the dog bed just to sniff around, or your dachshund following your cat into another room without barking.
  
  
• Play behaviour – Gentle paw taps, mock chases that stop as soon as one party looks unsure, or your dachshund dropping into a playful bow while the cat flicks her tail in response.
  
  
• Shared spaces – Choosing to nap in the same room (or even the same couch) is a big milestone. If your cat willingly curls up within a metre of your dachshund, you’re on the right track.
  
  
• Comfortable eating proximity – While they don’t need to share bowls (and shouldn’t), eating in the same room without tension is a strong sign of trust.
  
  

In my experience, the real breakthrough moment is subtle — it’s when you walk into the lounge and realise you’ve interrupted nothing more dramatic than a dachshund snoozing while the cat grooms herself a few feet away. At that point, you’re not just managing cohabitation; you’re watching a genuine friendship form.

Once you’ve spotted the first signs that your dachshund and cat are getting along, the goal is to keep the momentum going. Friendships between pets can plateau if they aren’t nurtured, so a little intentional effort on your part can turn casual tolerance into genuine companionship.

Here are a few strategies that have worked for us and other dachshund owners:

• Create neutral “hangout” spaces – Choose rooms where neither pet feels territorial, and place beds, blankets, or cushions for both. This way, time together isn’t tied to defending “their” spot.
  
  
• Synchronise positive experiences – Offer treats, meals, or playtime when they’re in the same room. Over time, your dachshund and cat will begin associating each other’s presence with good things.
  
  
• Use scent-swapping – Even after they’ve met, occasionally swap blankets or toys so they keep building familiarity with each other’s scent.
  
  
• Control the energy levels – If your dachshund is excitable, give them a walk or a bit of training before intentional time with the cat. A calmer dog is less likely to trigger defensive behaviour in your cat.
  
  
• Play referee during games – Interactive play can be wonderful, but keep sessions short and end on a positive note. If you notice your cat flattening her ears or your dachshund barking too much, it’s time for a reset.
  
  

The biggest takeaway is to let their friendship grow at their pace. Forcing constant interaction can backfire, but regular, low-pressure opportunities often lead to stronger bonds.

If you’d like to see how dachshunds adapt to different household companions, our article on Owning a Dachshund explores their temperament in multi-pet homes and the kind of personality traits that make for a harmonious pairing.

• Dachshund for Apartment Living – Practical tips and lifestyle tweaks for keeping a dachshund happy and healthy in smaller spaces.
  
  
• Dachshund Daily Routine – A look at how to structure your dachshund’s day for balance, health, and plenty of joy.
  
  
• Dachshund in Bed – Exploring the pros, cons, and quirks of sharing your bed with a dachshund.
  
  
• Owning a Dachshund – What to know before (and after) you bring a dachshund into your home, from temperament to lifestyle fit.
  
  
• Dachshund and Cold Weather – How to keep your dachshund warm, safe, and active when the temperature drops.
  
  
• Do Dachshunds Like Water – Why some dachshunds love a splash while others prefer to keep their paws dry.
  
  
• Dachshund and Cats – Strategies for harmonious living when your dachshund shares the home with a feline friend.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.