Are Australian shepherds good with cats? Detailed information
Aussies are a popular breed of dog known for their herding abilities. But Are Australian shepherds good with cats?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as different Australian shepherds may have different levels of tolerance for cats. However, in general, Australian shepherds are not likely to be aggressive towards cats and can be taught to get along well with them.
If you’re considering adding an Australian shepherd to your family and you have a cat, it’s important to do your research and see if the dog you’re interested in has a good history with cats.
What is the temperament of an Australian shepherd?
Australian shepherds a very intelligent, active and loyal dogs, which can be quite a handful for new dog owners. They could easily take charge of how things happen around them if you don’t assert yourself as the boss of the house.
they can also be standoffish when they see strangers. like every other dog breed, we encourage early socialization, as it encourages them to adapt to every situation they may find themselves in.
The Herding Instinct in Australian Shepherds
Australian Shepherds are bred to herd livestock, which means they have a natural instinct to bark and move animals around. This can sometimes be seen as aggression towards cats, as the Australian Shepherd may view the cat as prey.
However, with proper socialization and training, most Australian Shepherds can learn to live harmoniously with cats. It’s important to remember that this breed requires a lot of exercises and mental stimulation, so be sure to provide your dog with plenty of toys and activities that will keep them occupied.
Australian Shepherds and Their Energy Levels
Australian shepherds have a ton of energy. This high energy level can be a bit too much for some cats. Aussies love to play fetch, go on walks or runs, and herd animals. While this may be great for other dogs, it can be a head-botching for some cats.
If you already have a high-energy cat, an Australian shepherd may be a good match. But if you’re looking for a low-maintenance pet who just wants to lounge around the house, an Aussie may not be the best choice.
Are Australian shepherds good with cats: How to introduce a cat to an Australian Shepherd?
Australian Shepherds are bred as herding dogs. This means that they have a strong prey drive and may not be the best match for a cat household.
If you are thinking of adding an Australian Shepherd to your family, it is important to do your research and make sure that the dog will be a good fit for your feline friends. One way to test this is by introducing them to each other gradually.
Start by having the dog see and smell the cat from a distance. If all goes well, you can then start to have them interact closer, but always be supervised. If either party seems uncomfortable at any time, back up and try again at a later date.
Why do You need to Socialize Australian shepherd Around Cats?
It is essential to socialize with both your cats and dogs at an early age with other pets. This requires you to walk them through how to accept touches from people and other dogs.
When you socialize your dogs, you make them comfortable with new people, pets, and situations they may encounter. If you do this process correctly, it’ll be easier for your dog to learn how to be less aggressive towards people and other pets.
The absence of socialization always leads to behavioral problems like socialization anxiety. A poorly socialized Australian shepherd may cause harm to other animals or people when they feel threatened.
How to socialize your Australian shepherd around cats?
From 3 weeks – 18 weeks, dogs are very open and ready to learn. Socialization is perfect at this stage, as they easily learn about being social, and they carry on what they have learned to their older ages.
Some ways in which you can socialize an Aussie are stated below.
Getting your Australian shepherd to meet other pets at a young age
as soon as you bring your dog home, socialization should begin. You should get to introduce them to other dogs with supervision. Expose them to as many dogs as possible at this stage, or there will be issues regarding socialization with other dogs.
Ensure the other dogs you want to conduct this exercise with are specialized as well cause, they may pounce and injure your puppy when it gets closer to play with them.
Using treats will ensure your dog takes his lessons more seriously.
Expose your new puppy to New sounds, smells, and people.
Pups can be as curious as anything, it’s your task to satisfy this curiosity. If you are changing apartments, before taking your pup somewhere new, ensure you have socialized them with people and objects.
Think of all categories of people, allow your puppy to meet people with beards, seniors, ladies, and children, and let the see objects around your yard, like umbrellas, gardening tools, and vacuum cleaners.
To satisfy their curiosity, they will want to get to the object, and take a sniff; allow them. The only time you should pull them away is: if they are trying to chew on the object or jump on things that could shatter and cause them harm.
Take your Australian shepherd outside
As soon as you notice that your Australian shepherd has become quite comfortable which objects around the house and people alike, it is time to expose them to new animals and objects outdoor.
so before you do this, you should start slowly by taking them outside your yard and giving them space to roam around. also, you must have already taught them the “sit” and “stop” commands; this will ensure they don’t go overboard when outdoors.
it is normal for your dog to show a little aggression when they see other dogs they feel threatened by. they will display this aggression through growling. most other times dogs growl when they are playing with each other so this means nothing.
When your Australian shepherd keeps growling for a long period, accompanied by snapping their Jaws, and visibility of their teeth– you need to step in at this point before they would attack the other dog, which will eventually lead to them getting injured.
for new dog parents, this may be overwhelming, and you may get anxious. it is good to note that if you become anxious, your dog will sense this and equally become anxious I will advise you to keep a level head.
Ensure you don’t escalate the situation by any means, as this will make your dog more aggressive as they grow. since by now it is expected you have already taught them the commands, you can make use of the commands to turn the attention away, I just take them to a new place entirely.
ensure your dog is always on leash, this will help and prevent them from getting out of hand. it is also important for you to know that this aggression may not necessarily be a result of the dog being threatened, the Australian shepherd me feel the need to protect you from the other dog.
a well socialized Australian shepherd will have no issues getting along with cats, however, there are still some other steps you need to take to ensure they perfectly blend in.
Training Your Australian Shepherd to Be Around Cats
Australian Shepherds are predisposed to be good with cats, but they still need to be trained properly.
When training your Australian Shepherd to be around cats, it’s important to start early and always be consistent. Avoid yelling or punishing your dog, as this will only make them scared of cats – and potentially other animals – in the future.
Instead, reward your dog when they display positive behavior around cats. This could be something as simple as a treat or a pat on the head. Be sure to set a good example for your pup by behaving calmly around cats yourself.
If you’re looking for more information on how to train your Australian Shepherd to get along with cats, check the detailed video below.
What to do before their first meeting.
Before the first encounter between the Australian Shepherd and the cat, you should ensure you have a catpod or a place where the cats can hide safely if they wish to get away from your dog.
it could also be a room that has doors specifically for the cats, and the door will not be able to get in through this door. the food provision of food, water, and litter box.
You should familiarise the Australian shepherd with the cat scent before bringing him home. presenting your dog with a cushion used by your cat will do.
you should also do this to your cat, present him with a blanket that is being used by your dog frequently. this should be done days before they get to meet.
Your Australian shepherd first meeting with your cat.
when you bring your Australian shepherd puppy home, you will need to keep the puppy and the cards and separate rooms. during their first interaction, A dog should separate them. this will reduce the probability of any fights breaking out.
If things go well, you should reinforce them with treats.
Meeting face to face
The Australian Shepherd and cars should be allowed to get close and sniff each other after a few days. Ensure the puppy is on a leash during this process.
Sometimes, your cat may be reluctant towards interacting with your dog, which is fine. Allow the cat to retire to a separate room as you don’t want to force things here. But if your cat is okay interacting, reinforce the behavior with a treat.
Over the coming days, it is ideal you repeat this process a few times. If they get comfortable with each other, you can allow them to interact more under your supervision.
Never leave your Australian shepherd and your cat alone if you are not going to be present. If you must leave the house, ensure both animals are kept in separate places
Tips for Living With an Australian Shepherd and a Cat
If you’re thinking of adding an Australian shepherd to your family, it’s important to know that they can be great with cats. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure the two get along well.
First, always introduce them slowly and carefully. Make sure they have plenty of space to explore and get used to each other’s smells. If either animal seems uncomfortable or threatened, slow down the process and back off.
Second, make sure they get plenty of exercises. Australian shepherds are high-energy dogs and they need plenty of exercises – both mental and physical – to stay healthy and happy. A bored Australian shepherd is likely to start looking for ways to entertain himself, which may include harassing your cat.
Third, provide plenty of toys and chew bones for your shepherd. Not only will this keep him occupied, but it’ll also help keep his teeth healthy.
Fourth, create a routine for feeding and watering both animals. This will help them know what to expect and will help minimize conflicts over food or water.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to successfully coexist with an Australian shepherd and a cat!
Australian Shepherd Mixes and Their Compatibility With Cats
Australian Shepherds are pretty versatile when it comes to interacting with other animals. Most of them will do just fine with cats, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First of all, Australian Shepherds can be territorial when it comes to their toys and food, so if you have a cat, be sure to keep an eye on them when they’re around these items. Secondly, Australian Shepherds are bred to herd animals, so if your cat is particularly skittish, your Aussie may try to herd them.
Overall though, Australian Shepherds make great companions for cats and can provide plenty of love and entertainment for your feline friend.
Final Thoughts on Australian shepherds and cats?
Australian Shepherds can be good with cats, but they may not always be the best match. Some Australian Shepherds are very playful and may see cats as a new toy, while others may be more cautious around them. If you’re thinking of adding an Australian Shepherd to your home, it’s important to do your research and make sure that the dog will be a good fit for your cat.
