Can a cat get pregnant by dog?

Fact Check: Can A Dog Get A Cat Pregnant? (With Video)

A dog can’t get a cat pregnant. And vice versa. They’re from different groups of species – Canidae and Felidae. Plus, they also don’t have the same number of chromosomes. So their genes are way too incompatible with each other. And these make it impossible for the 2 of them to produce any offspring.

What would happen if a dog and cat mated?

If a dog and cat mated, nothing would happen. There will be no puppy or kitty hybrids. And this is because a male dog’s sperm cells can’t fertilize a female cat’s egg.

A ‘CatDog’ won’t happen as well.

Like in the famous 90’s American cartoon with the same title. Wherein 2 brothers (a cat and a dog) share a single body.

Because of the ‘prezygotic barrier.’

It’s like a ‘natural fence’ that prevents mating or fertilization from happening.

According to science, this can be:

• Genetic: Incompatible DNA.
• Behavioral & Seasonal: Conflicting mating seasons.
• Territorial: Animals don’t have chances to mate due to different habitats.
• Structural: Mating signals can only be understood by members of the same species.

In the case of dogs and cats, it’s likely the 1st one – genetics.

Because in order for the egg and sperm cells to combine, the 2 animals should have similar DNA first.

As I said earlier, dogs belong to the Canidae group. This also comprises wolves, foxes, and coyotes.

While cats are from the Felidae family. Where lions, tigers, pumas, and cheetahs are also members.

Based on experts, each group has a unique ‘gene pool.’

And creatures who aren’t part of the same category don’t share similar DNA. Just like what dogs and cats are.

So even if they ‘mate physically,’ they still don’t have enough common genetic material, to begin with.

Hence, no hybrids will be produced.

“But why do dogs hump cats?”

There are many reasons for this.

The hound might be sexually frustrated. And the cat just happened to be there.

This usually happens to pups during puberty. Which occurs between 6 to 9 months old.

Or it could also be that the feline is in heat.

She’s giving off an odd scent that dogs can sense. So due to instincts, Fido will be sexually excited too.

And this might be the reason for the dog and cat’s ‘mating behavior’ in this video:

This is a hybrid of a male coyote and a female dog.

Aside from wolves, coyotes are in the same group as dogs. And they have the same number of chromosomes too.

So, it’s possible for them to cross-breed as well.

One study reported some observations about this hybrid.

It’s based on the offspring of a male coyote and a female Terrier. And they’re as follows:

• Coydogs are aggressive to each other.
• Some of them might not be able to reproduce.
• Male coydogs don’t tend to their offspring. Which is the exact opposite of coyotes.
• They have a different mating season than coyotes. Theirs are in December while coyotes are in February.

Interesting fact: Did you know that horses and donkeys can also have children? Yup. It’s possible because they’re from the same Equidae family. But because they have different chromosome counts, their kids are mostly infertile. Same with ‘zorses’ or zebra and horse hybrids.

(Quick info: Horses have 64 chromosomes. Donkeys have 62. While plains zebras only have 44.)

#3: Dogote

Now, this is the result of a male dog and a female coyote.

Although ‘coydog’ is more commonly used for both kinds of offspring.

Note: Coydogs and dogotes are said to be more uncommon than wolfdogs. This is because coyotes have a specific mating season. And also, they usually don’t get along well with dogs. So they might only allow canines around them when there are no mates available.

#4: Jackal-dog

Golden jackals are also one of the 4 species that have the same number of chromosomes as dogs. So they can mate and have kids.

Research has proven that this is possible.

In the study, 3 wild canids were examined.

All of them have dog and jackal-like features. And the results explained this phenomenon.

It was found that they were actually offsprings of a male dog and a female jackal.

Aside from this discovery…

Sulimov dog

There’s also a jackal-dog hybrid that’s made for a certain purpose – to sniff bombs.

These are called ‘Sulimov dogs.’

Their name came from the founder of the breed, Klim Sulimov.

He developed this hybrid to be a new type of sniffing dog in airports. Especially for Aeroflot Airlines in Moscow, Russia.

At first, it was a mix of a jackal and a Lapponian Herder. Which is a shepherd dog from Finland.

But later on, Siberian Huskies were also used.

Interesting fact: Have you heard of Tanuki or raccoon dogs? Nope. They’re not hybrids of dogs and raccoons. These are small wild canids found in Eastern and Southern Asia. And although they look like raccoons, they’re actually part of the Canidae family.

#5: Dingo-dog

“Can dogs and dingoes interbreed?”

Yes. Canines can also breed with Australian wild dogs. And experts say that they usually look like pure dingoes.

In fact, in some areas, dingo-dogs are said to be higher in population than pure dingoes. And this is a huge problem in Australia.

But one study reassures people that only 0.62% of 5,039 wild dogs in the continent are feral canines.

Dr. Kylie Cairns from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) says that it’ll be different in some places.

Based on her, there are more hybrids in areas with:

• Higher human densities.
• Practices of aerial baiting – laying of traps for dingoes.

These things can break the packs of pure dingoes. And this could make way for feral dogs to move into the group.

So, if wolves, dingoes, and the like can breed with canines…

Can foxes also breed with dogs?

They’re also in the same group as canines. But, they have a different number of chromosomes.

Red foxes only have 34 chromosomes while dogs have 78. (It’s a huge gap, same with cats.)

According to experts, this is because they diverged from the Canidae family 7 to 10 million years ago.

On the other hand, it’s been only 3 to 4 million years ago for wolves, golden jackals, and coyotes.

So they’re more closely related to domestic dogs.

Now, let’s talk about the felines.

Can cats mate with other animals? 13 cat hybrids revealed

#1: Bengal cats

Domestic cats can also interbreed with other similar species.

But most likely, those animals are wild cats with around 36 chromosomes. As they’re still compatible with house felines that have 38 chromosomes.

One famous example of this hybrid is Bengal cats.

They’re a crossbreed between a domestic cat and an Asian leopard cat – a wild feline in East, South, and Southeast Asia.

As per ASPCA, Bengal cats originated in 1963. And they’re known for their marbled or spotted coats – which are ‘leopard-like.’

#2: Cheetoh cat

No, I know what you’re thinking.

This isn’t the crunchy snack that you usually crave at midnight.

A Cheetoh cat is a new breed that’s a mix of a Bengal cat and an Ocicat.

The latter is a house feline that looks like a young Cheetah due to their spots. Hence, the name of this hybrid.

They’re said to be highly sociable. So they need enough interaction every day. Plus, they’re easy to train too.

#3: Toyger

Judging from the name, it may seem like this is a hybrid of a cat and a tiger.

House cats can’t breed with larger felines. Such as lions and tigers.

One, they have overwhelming physical differences.

Two, they’re from different subgroups of the Felidae family.

House cats and other medium-sized wild ones belong to the genus Felis.

While tigers are in the genus Panthera. As well as lions, jaguars, and leopards.

So, a Toyger was developed only by breeding a Bengal cat and a domestic shorthair.

But with their black stripes and orange coat, they look like tiny versions of the mighty tigers. Which was the goal of the breeder, Judy Sugden.

#4: Chausie

Next, this is a mix of a jungle cat called ‘Felis chaus’ and an Abyssinian house feline.

They were developed around the ’60s to ’70s. And they got the active and energetic traits of their wild cat ancestors.

But to ensure that they have a suitable temperament for a pet cat…

They must be separated from their wild cat ancestors for at least 4 generations.

Interesting fact: Chausies may have already existed in ancient Egypt. And this isn’t impossible as some ritual felines were found to be jungle cats.

#5: Jungle Curl

This is a hybrid from the jungle cat a.k.a. Felis chaus and an American Curl.

The latter is a domestic cat breed that’s known for its odd ears. As they appear to be curling towards the back of their heads.

#6: Highlander

In humans, highlander refers to people living in the Highlands of Scotland.

But when it comes to cats, it’s a crossbreed between a Jungle Curl and a Desert Lynx.

The latter may seem like a wild cat.

However, they’re a mix of many feline breeds. And their behavior is said to be similar to pet dogs – extremely loyal and sociable.

What if it’s the other way around?

#7: Caracat

This is a combination of wild cats called Caracals and Abyssinian house felines.

They’re said to be made accidentally. And this happened in a zoo in Moscow in 1988.

But from then on, Caracats became one of the most uncommon and expensive hybrids.

Interesting fact: Caracals are famous for their huge pointy ears. And NatGeo says that these have more than 20 muscles. So they can detect sounds easily.

#8: Savannah

This is another exotic-looking cat hybrid. With huge pointy ears, smoky color, and spots.

“How are they developed?”

They’re a crossbreed between a house cat and an African Serval.

The latter is a rare wild cat in Africa. And they’re known for their long legs and black spots.

#9: Kellas cat

If you’re also into felines, have you heard of the myth about the Kellas cats?

Well, this hybrid was first thought of as a mythical creature.

This is because there were only a few sightings of it.

And also, people can’t seem to understand where these big black cats with long legs came from.

But this myth was proven to be true in 1984.

When a dead body of a Kellas cat was found in a village. (The place is called Kellas, Moray. And this is where the hybrid got its name.)

Then, scientists discovered that it was a mix of a domestic feline and a Scottish wild cat.

#10: Serengeti

One more hybrid that’s developed from a Bengal cat is a Serengeti. Along with an Oriental Shorthair.

This breed also has dark spots all over the body.

But compared to other wild hybrids, they have round-tipped ears instead.

#11: Pixie bob

This hybrid is said to be the result of mating a Bobcat and a domestic shorthair. (Or a barn cat in some stories.)

But what’s more interesting is that cats of this kind are usually ‘polydactyl.’

“What does it mean?”

It means that they have more toes than usual.

Note: Bobcats a.k.a. ‘Red lynx’ are native wild cats in North America.

#12: Marguerite

This is a new breed that’s still in its experimental phase.

It’s said to be a mix between a house cat and a Sand cat. Which is a small wild feline found in the deserts of Asia and Africa.

Interesting fact: Sand dune cats usually catch venomous snakes as their meals. And they also have thick pads and fur on their feet as protection from the harsh weather – extreme heat and cold.

#13: Machbagral

Last but not least, there’s also a hybrid between a black house cat and a Fishing cat.

“What’s the latter one?”

As their name suggests, Fishing cats dwell in wet areas like swamps and mangroves.

They have a flat nose, a small head, and rounded ears. Paired with short legs and paws with webbings. Which is similar to ducks and geese.

These webbed feet help Fishing cats to swim efficiently. And also, to walk steadily in muddy areas.

But sadly, they were listed as one of the endangered species in 2016. As their habitats (wetlands) are being destroyed.

Related posts:

1. Do Pomeranians Get Along With Cats? The Truth + 3 Myths
2. 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Obsessed With Your Cat + 5 Tips
3. 13 Strange Reasons Why Your Dog Humps Your Cat + 5 Tips
4. 7 Real Reasons Why Your Dog Nibbles On Your Cat + 7 Tips

Can a Dog Get a Cat Pregnant?

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One way nature has responded to some adverse human impacts on the environment is hybridization.

Hybridization is a process through which animals of different species breed to produce a hybrid (the offspring of the breeding).

You will find animals like chickens & guinea fowls, zebras & horses, tigers & lions, and goats & sheep producing hybrids.

But let’s go a bit more domestic.

Can a dog get a cat pregnant?

A cat cannot get pregnant by a dog. Cats have 38 chromosomes where dogs have 78 chromosomes. This mismatch in DNA makes it possible for either dogs and cats to interbreed.

The reverse is also true.

A dog cannot get pregnant by a cat. Due to their chromosomal differences, this is scientifically impossible.

They do not belong to the same species, genus, subfamily, or family.

In some animals, albeit rarely, these dissimilarities may not matter. But between cats and dogs, the differences make successful interbreeding impossible.

The rest of this article answers more questions about breeding between a cat and a dog.

We also discuss some cat hybrids and dog hybrids.

Table of Contents

Can a Dog Get a Cat Pregnant?

Interbreeding is possible between animals of different species, genera, and families.

However, the possibility drops with increasing differences between the breeding animals.

In other words, animals of different species are more likely to breed successfully than animals of different genera.

In the same vein, breeding between animals from different genera is more likely to succeed than breeding between those of differing families.

In the case of cats and dogs, they belong to different families.

Cats belong to the Felidae family, while dogs belong to the Canidae family. So, the chances of interbreeding between them are extremely slim to impossible.

Can a Dog Give Birth to a Cat?

A dog cannot give birth to a cat. Even if it were possible for dogs and cats to breed successfully, the resulting offspring would neither be a cat nor a dog.

When dogs breed with other dogs, they can only give birth to dogs.

Can a Cat Give Birth to a Dog?

A cat cannot give birth to a dog for the same reasons dogs cannot give birth to cats.

Can a Female Dog Get Pregnant by a Male Cat?

A female dog cannot get pregnant by a male cat. In the same vein, a female cat cannot get pregnant by a male dog.

The genetic differences in their chromosomes would prevent the formation of a viable zygote.

Besides, it is unlikely that a dog will have sex with a cat and vice versa. The cat would most likely bolt before it happens.

Dog Hybrids

Now that we know that there has never been a cat-dog hybrid, let’s talk about some animals dogs can cross with.

Wolf-dog

A wolfdog is a hybrid produced from breeding between wolves and domestic dogs.

This can be between any domestic dog and either a red wolf, gray wolf, or Ethiopian wolf.

Since domestic dogs and wolves belong to the same genus, it is no surprise that they can interbreed successfully.

Breeding of wolfdogs is seen more between domestic dogs and gray wolves.

Gray wolves and domestic dogs belong to the same species – they only differ by subspecies.

So, as you can imagine, they are pretty close genetically.

As expected from a hybrid, wolf-dogs inherit traits of both a dog and a wolf.

They appear to be healthier than the individual parents. However, in general, their temperament is unpredictable.

In some wolfdogs, the predatory instinct of the wolf could be predominant. So, if such a wolfdog is kept as a pet, it might attack humans and other pets.

Coy-dog

A coy-dog is a hybrid of a dog and a coyote.

Both animals belong to the same Canis genus, hence they share a lot of genetic similarities.

So, it is not surprising that they can form viable offspring.

Coy-dogs are rare. This is in part due to the difference in the mating cycles of dogs and coyotes.

This difference makes mating between dogs and coyotes unlikely. But some breeds of dogs go into heat twice a year, and this rarity offers the possibility of mating between the animals.

Coy-dogs are described as not being typically outgoing or playful.

Unlike many other hybrid animals, they are fertile but not as much so as dogs.

Coy-dogs get their traits from the parent dog and coyote.

So, like the coyote, they have piercing eyes, and they can be aggressive too. But like dogs, they are intelligent and loyal.

Due to their aggressiveness, a coy-dog is not a good option for a family pet.

However, if one intends to keep them, the handler must understand natural canine behavior and be firm and confident or the coy-dog might have an unstable personality.

Jackal-Dog Hybrid

Dogs also crossbreed with golden jackals to produce the jackal-dog hybrid.

This hybrid has been seen repeatedly in captivity.

Jackals have heightened sensory organs and can smell from a distance. As expected, jackal-dog hybrids also have this heightened sense of smell.

But they may also be hard to train because of the jackal traits in them.

One of the known jackal-dog hybrids is the Sulimov dog.

This breed is used in Russia as airport security – for sniffing drugs and explosives.

Jackals have a great sense of smell – a trait useful for sniffing explosives and drugs.

But they are hard to train. So, to make them trainable while retaining their exceptional sense of smell, they were crossbred with Northern Huskies.

Cat Hybrids

The following are some cat hybrids created from domestic cats and other animals:

Bengal

The Bengal cat is a hybrid formed from a cross between domestic cats and Asian leopard cats.

What we have here is an intergeneric hybrid since leopard cats and domestic cats belong to different genera.

While the Asian leopard cat is a wild cat, its hybrid with domestic cats, the Bengal cat has been domesticated.

But even though Bengals are domestic cats, they retain the agility and strength of a wild cat.

They also have spots similar to those on the fur of the Asian leopard cats. Still, these cats are affectionate and playful with humans.

Bengal cats are usually medium-sized or large. They are quite active, alert, and smart.

Savannah Cat

The Savannah cat is another hybrid formed by a domestic cat and a serval.

The hybridization here is also intergeneric since servals belong to a different genus from domestic cats.

Servals are wild cats. So, it is not too surprising that Savannah cats have an evident hunting instinct.

But, even at that, they are mild.

Savannah cats tolerate other cats and dogs.

But if you have birds, a fish pet, or any other small pet, they might hunt it.

Savannah cats look a lot like servals; they come in similar colors bearing similar spots.

Chausie

Chausies are a product of interbreeding between jungle cats and domestic cats.

Unlike the other 2 examples, this hybridization is interspecific. Jungle cats and domestic cats belong to the same genus but different species.

Chausies are energetic, athletic, active, and they are keen hunters.

They are typically large, and they look a bit like mountain lions.

While Chausies are fearless, they are not usually aggressive. They are trainable and playful.

Given sufficient time, they should bond with their humans. Chausies are generally healthy, but they are quite prone to food allergies.

Final Take

Dogs and cats are vastly genetically dissimilar.

They do not belong to the same species, genera, or family.

This fact makes the chances of a cat getting pregnant by a dog impossible.

In fewer words, it is impossible for a dog to impregnate a cat and vice versa.

Resources

• https://www.biologyonline.com/dictionary/hybridization
• https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/kuppies-catdogs-and-other-pet-hybrids-that-are-too-good-to-be-true
• https://thebark.com/content/do-wolfdogs-make-good-pets
• https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/coydog.htm
• https://www.perfectdogbreeds.com/coydog/
• http://www.macroevolution.net/dog-jackal-hybrids.html
• https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/bengal-cats#/slide/1
• https://www.purina.com/cats/cat-breeds/savannah
• https://www.petfinder.com/cat-breeds/chausie/
• https://vetschoice.guildinsurance.com.au/cats/cat-breeds/chausie