A cat owner who always dreamed of having a dog wasn’t sure how her felines would react — but little did she know, there was nothing to fear.

In 2020, Lisa de Gunst became a cat owner when she got a ragdoll kitten named Belle. As time went by, she often felt bad that Belle was left alone, so she welcomed another feline into the fold: Alphie, a British shorthair. The cats quickly became the ultimate duo. Gunst, 33, told Newsweek that they were “completely inseparable.”

Despite how well the pair got along, something still felt missing for Gunst, who resides in The Netherlands. “My dream had always been to have a dog, but I just never really had the time for it before,” she said. “So, I just decided to go for it and get a dog, hoping he’d get along with the two cats.”

Earlier this year, Gunst brought home James, a 4-month-old dachshund puppy. It was certainly a nervous time for her, as she anticipated tension and non-stop conflict between the new puppy and her resident cats. But to her surprise, it was the total opposite.

Gunst shared, “The cats were really curious about him, and it felt as if he already belonged here. They often play together and sleep next to each other also. When the cats want to come inside, the dog always runs to the door to let me know so I can open it.”

Since his arrival, James has formed an undeniable bond with Belle and Alphie. Gunst often looks over and “melts every single time” she sees the trio together. Whether it’s sleeping, playing, or lavishing each other with kisses, the cats and puppy are inseparable all day long.

Like many pet owners, Gunst’s camera roll is filled with pictures and videos of the unexpected trio. She couldn’t resist sharing some of the clips on TikTok (@lisadegunst) to showcase their heartwarming bond to the internet. The online reaction has been incredible, with viewers captivated by the loving relationships between the pets.

Gunst hopes their story will show that cats and dogs don’t always have to be enemies. Despite being different species, they love each other endlessly. “I’m really happy they get along so well, it truly feels like a home full of love,” she told Newsweek.

At first, Gunst wasn’t in favor of getting cats or dogs from breeders because she recognized how many animals are in need of a loving home. “I’ve always wanted to adopt, and I’m still thinking about doing that someday,” she said.

“My biggest dream would be to give every animal a loving home like this trio has already,” she continued.
https://www.newsweek.com/owner-worried-about-cats-and-dachshund-getting-along-this-is-the-trio-now-10953781