Why Farm Sleepover Dogs Need to Be Truly Cat-Friendly
Respecting the Cats Who Call the Farm Home
When dogs come to stay at our farm for a cozy overnight visit, they’re stepping into a home that already belongs to two very important residents: our cats.
These two farm cats are more than just passing shadows on the porch, they’re confident, curious, and completely at ease in their home territory. They’re used to the comings and goings of visiting dogs and are not likely to run and hide. In fact, they’ll often stand their ground if a dog approaches, and once they feel safe, they may even want to get to know the dog better. That’s why it’s absolutely essential that any dog staying at the farm is truly cat-friendly.
What Does “Cat-Friendly” Really Mean?
Many dog parents say their pup is fine with cats, maybe because their dog hasn’t shown obvious aggression or because they haven’t had many encounters. But for a dog to stay here safely, “cat-friendly” means more than just tolerance or indifference. It means:
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No prey drive toward cats – Dogs who chase or bark at cats, even playfully, can create an unsafe environment. Our cats will not run away, and they will stand up for themselves if they feel threatened.
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Calm body language – We look for dogs who show relaxed curiosity or disengagement around cats, not stiff posture, staring, or intense focus.
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No history of cat aggression or incidents – If your dog has ever snapped, growled, or lunged at a cat, even once, they are not a good candidate for a farm stay.
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Able to be redirected – If a cat walks through the room, your dog should be able to focus elsewhere if gently asked.
Safety Comes First
Although I never allow dogs and cats to be unsupervised together, the reality of farm life is that brief, unplanned interactions can happen. A door may be opened, a cat may stroll past the yard gate, or a curious whiskered face might peek around a corner.
This is the cats’ home, and I believe strongly in protecting their space and their well-being. That means any visiting dog needs to be respectful and safe around them, even in unpredictable moments.
A Peaceful, Safe Stay for All
My goal is to provide a safe, loving, and low-stress environment for your dog while also honoring the animals who live here full time. If your pup is truly cat-friendly and enjoys the company of other animals, a farm sleepover can be a wonderful experience, full of fresh air, new smells, and soft beds.
But if you’re unsure how your dog might react to cats, we can talk it through and meet-and-greet with the cats nearby (but safely separated) can help assess comfort levels before booking a stay. Because when everyone, canine, feline, and human, feels safe, the farm becomes the magical, peaceful place it’s meant to be.
Ready to see if the farm is the right fit for your dog? Contact me today to schedule a meet-and-greet! Let’s make sure your pup is comfortable, happy, and ready to be part of our peaceful pack, cats included.
