do border collies get along with cats do border collies get along with cats

Whether other animals will enjoy living with a Border is another question. When your border collie, for no apparent reason, keeps running away from your cat. Plus, the dog breeds that are typically people-pleasing and trainable are ideal, as they can be taught how to coexist nicely with a cat. An indication of this is when he is surrounding a cat with his almost hypnotic stare. Pug. We have 2 BCs (soon to be 3!) No question, they can get along with kitties. Some of the cats ignore the dogs, some love them and like to play with them, and 2 are quite intimidated by them. Uh, do birds fly? She always stops when I tell her to. This occurs at no extra cost to you, and we appreciate your support. If your cat and your border collie get along, and your cat likes mischievous fun, they can often have a stimulating time together. As previously mentioned, border collies are natural herders with a range of specific skills and behaviors. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site I created to share everything Ive learned about pet ownership over the years and my extensive research along the way. They do need exercise, but they are not as "high octane" as the border collie. My goal is tolerance between the two. Although they don't typically mean to harm other animals, nipping and other herding behavior can injure cats. This helps prevent competition and conflicts. However, all cats and dogs are different. Likewise, it teaches him that the cat is here to stay, rather than an intruder he needs to chase away. This is down to the individual personality of the border collie, and the respective relationship with the other animal. As a reward for his quiet, let your border colliesniff the cat and get licked by it. (When the 19 year old cat was still alive, no dog was allowed to invade her space--she just didn't need to be bothered by anyone bigger than her.). The truth is, Border Collies can be excellent with cats. Owning a cat at the same time takes it up another level. There are also many cases where the cats usually carry it very well after this process and even have fun. He didn't hurt her but he about hit the ceiling in surprise. While some collies have a lower herding drive than others, yours could easily decide that herding and supervising the cat is her job. With proper training, however, you can prevent herding behavior and get your border collie and cats to treat one another as equals. Before you can begin training, you must have a list of items to effectively do so. The older male cat ignores the dog, and they ignore him. Why is my Border Collie obsessed with cats? Peteducate.com uses affiliate links; where we may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). Its crucial to give your cat his own room and not compel them to do anything they dont want to do if they appear terrified or panicked. Occasionally Anni will initiate play with Meg. Its inevitable that having a border collie and a cat together would result in competitiveness and jealousy. The dogs are taught that they mustn't chase the cats, but I do allow play if the cat intiates it. If some canine breeds have a locking jaw, the Border collie has a locking stare. Unfortunately, this signature glare is one of the things that set Border collies and cats at odds. Like the beagle, the basset hound is also a scent hound. Do border collies and cats get along well with one another and can they peacefully co-exist in your home? The cats have trees to get into, there are several gated rooms the cats can go to, and several other places high enough the cats can go to if they want to get away from the dogs. It is advised to use positive training methods to teach the dog appropriate alternative behavior. Occasionally, even a well-trained border collie might attempt to herd and chase cats once in a while, so your cat must have a means of escape. Kittens send him over the top. Here are the qualities you can expect from raising a Border Collie dog, on a scale of 1 paw (low) to 5 paws (high). And although I discourage chasing, I have watched Calvin on many occasions walk up to Birdie or Kestrel outside, rub up against them and then run, as if inviting them to play. Certain ways can help you introduce a border collie with a cat. Better yet, take him by the leash and remove him from the room until he cools off. He actually hasn't gotten outbreaks of either condition since I adopted my dog, which surprised me! Poodles come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life, 15 Friendliest Dog Breeds That Love People. With their short legs and long, heavy bodies, basset hounds are also slow-moving, which is ideal for living with cats, as they likely won't spook or be intimidating to their feline friends. A professional trainer or behaviorist can offer tips to make the introduction go more smoothly. Sure, staring down wont injure a cat, but it causes the recipient stress that can manifest in physical ways. They are extremely intelligent and have to be trained correctly to avoid behavioral issues. The Border Collie, a medium-sized dog at 30 to 45 pounds, possesses a seemingly supernatural amount of energy and stamina a hardiness that was developed when he was required to work all day in. Clear editor. I have cat trees and shelves so the cat can safely get away if needed. You should complete your border collies obedience training and socialize before considering bringing in a cat if you must have an adult cat. Long post alert! Many Border Collies can thrive with a companion dog, but you have to be very careful with the breed. It's too bad because the cat is black and white. very BC looking. So these fluffy little canines are rarely a threat to feline friends. Meg loves it. This behavior is inherited from their ancestors, who were used to herd sheep and other livestock. They are loyal, patient, and low-key dogs. It depends a great deal on the dog's prey drive, I think. This is so that they dont have a wholly foreign experience when they first encounter your cat. But then again, maybe they also know I won't let it go but so far. Follow these instructions when introducing a cat to a border collie for the first time: This is to avoid surprise attacks due to resource guarding. CERTIFIED GENTLE AND SAFE Chlorine free and color safe. However, with proper training, socialization, and management, many cats and dogs can learn to coexist peacefully. But, training is essential to ensure that the dog learns not to chase or nip at the cat. German shepherds are extremely similar to Border Collies and are often considered an ideal companion breed. Some dogs can be challenging and take more work. And some hounds, especially scent hounds, were bred to work closely in packs, so they are usually friendly with other furry family members. Breed Characteristics. A natural part of herding is nipping which will not likely be received very well by your cat. Worst case scenario, your Border collie will bite your cat in an attempt to stop him from fleeing. If your cat doesnt have a place to run to, they will likely become aggressive toward your border collie. Although the Border collie is not an aggressive breed, he has been bred to inherit the first few steps of the wolfs Predatory Sequence Eye, Orient, Stalk, and Chase. She stopped doing it when she realized they were no longer fat little puppies and could outrun her. In general, many dog breeds with high prey drives aren't suitable for homes with cats. Upload or insert images from URL. So, it is advised to be sensitive to each pets behavior and make adjustments as necessary. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your Border Collie when they do not chase or try to herd a cat. Like the Bearded Collie, the Border Collie is a high-energy herding dog. I walk him twice daily with the morning walk being the longest (1.5 miles) and have tried calming treats. Without enough exercise, they may become bored and develop unhealthy behaviors, such as an obsession with cats. Paste as plain text instead, Curious to know as well, I conducted some research and asked pet parents around. Make sure your dog realizes that you didnt like this act at all. High, as the more time you can give for training, playing and exercising the . They should be praised for their excellent performance. Regardless, a Border collie may still attempt to gather indoor cats and other smaller pets to exercise his deep innate need. In general, if you have cats, avoid dog breeds that have a high instinct to chase. Do remember that both cats and dogs have unique personalities and behaviors. An excellent strategy to help your pets acclimate each others scents is to exchange their toys, blankets, and beds at least twice a day. I couldn't tell that he was doing it on purpose until I was close enough to hear that he was purring while running away from her (and he's not normally the kind of cat to purr when stressed). Contents show. The Border Collie breed is known for its bold personality. Start by allowing the cat and dog to smell each other from a distance. The smartest dog breed comes along with a range of considerations, including what other fluffy cuties you can add to your circle. When that happens, you cannot expect your pooch just to stick his tongue out. Border collies are meant to be in tune with their person, but also to be aware of the movement of the sheep. German shepherds are not only extremely intelligent, they love to learn, follow commands and have a great work ethic. The stigma that cats and dogs don't get along is a long-standing myth. You may need to consider getting cat flaps installed. Yes, I have 2 border collies, 1 cat of my own, 2 permanent fosters and my mom's cat. Most of the dogs now ignore the cats, except Meg, the eight month old. With proper training, you can prevent herding behavior and teach your border collie and cat to get on well and treat each other as equals. Dog ownership is not all about rainbows and sunshine, especially if you have a whip-smart Border collie. When introducing a cat and dog, it is important to do so gradually. If something goes wrong, make sure your cat has a secure place to hide, such as a cat tree or shelves. Put all of your border collies toys, bed, bowls, and other possessions away before bringing in the cat. If you see your pup nipping your cat, you must separate the two straight away. My baby lives with a four-year-old male cat and they get along surprisingly well. 5: Border Collie. While showing him about your house, teach your new cat where to go when he wants to be alone. Our dogs live in harmony with cats, ducks, horses a potbellied pig and children. The ability for a Border Collie and cat to live peacefully together is mainly dependent on the characteristics of the individual Border Collie, the cat, the owners, and household dynamics. Safe to use around pets and children. Ive kept them in separate rooms for the first month and fed them on opposite sides of the gate. So, you need to keep a close eye on this behavior as herding can involve nipping, which might cause injury to your/ a local cat. Beyond this, aside from many brisk walks or runs, get your border collie to play games like tug and frisbee, believe it or not, these lively games get your dog to calm down. August 4, 2013 in General Border Collie Discussion. Another factor to consider is boredom. However, you should not remove the barriers until your pup becomes less interested in your cat. Therefore, you need to be on hand so that you react to any unfavorable situation and be sure to reward your pets for every positive behavior. . On the bright side, I have seen many instances where Border collies and cats get along well in their homes. So gentle its been Certified Safe for all carpets, earning the Seal of Approval by the trusted Carpet and One (1) 30 lb. If a Border Collie sees a cat and starts to chase it, the owner may think it is cute or funny and encourage the dog to continue the behavior. You are recommended to understand the reasons, adopt the precautions, and provide your dog with the best companion. BCs, Gideon and Micah and a token JRT just to keep me humble. Hence, it would be best if you taught your Border collie that supervising the whiskered creature is not his job. Let us now take a closer look at how these two animals typically do alongside one another before we move onto some introduction, socialization and training tips. If your cat prefers to be left alone, dislikes excessive attention and shows low tolerance for other animals, he probably wont be a good companion for a border collie. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'petcreeks_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_18',660,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petcreeks_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');At first, keep your bordercollie away from cats ifyoure bringing a new cat into the houseinto a house that already has a border collie. Take your cat inside for a 3- to 4-minute stroll while your border collie is on a leash or in a kennel. They get along great for the most part. Later, gradually increase the level of interaction as they become more comfortable with each other. However, cats have razor-sharp claws, and they will put up a fight when cornered. Of course, it is not a good idea to have both of these breeds if you do not have the time to dedicate to your pets as both breeds are highly intelligent, active dogs that need daily physical and mental stimulation. My dogs have better games to play, and it's not fair for the cat (the dog is bigger) or the dog (the cat has claws). But if you have the patience and commitment, it is not impossible to reform your pooch. They get along fine now and can be left alone with no worries. Our current cat, Anni, likes to walk under the dogs and rub on their belly. So, it is advised to keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced area when you know that there are cats around. Farming, sheep, gardening, agility, reining, music/guitar, technology, trail running/hiking/exploring. No matter the gender, they will typically weigh between 30 to 55 pounds (14 to 25 kg). Proper training and specific techniques can help reduce herding behavior and the likelihood of nipping. Disconnect the leash and put on some pet-friendly movies to watch with your border collieand see how they react. Separate your border collie from your new cat, but allow them to hear and smell it before fully introducing them. Breeds like Shiba Inus, terriers, greyhounds, and border collies often come up in discussions about dog breeds that don't get on well with kitties . A border collie thats ignored or left on her own too much can become destructive -- to your house and to your cat. Funny storya couple weeks ago I went to my grandma's house to pick up my cousins. Like all dogs, Border Collies still hold onto some of the hunting impulses that they were originally bred for. In her salad days she even caught an adult turkey by snapping its legs when it rose up in front of her to try to fly away. They only time Evie . Meg and kitty touched noses in greeting and Meg turned to walk away. Shih Tzu. They can prevent any chasing and any herding behavior from being attempted. Likewise, a kitty might inflict trauma upon the pup out of fear or curiosity. Put simply, yes and yes. Educating a border collie and a cat at the same time is likely to be tough. I would like to foster a better relationship between them, any tips? Imagine my Robin's surprise when she tried curling up in his tail while he was sleeping! The easiest way for Border collies and cats to live harmoniously together is to adopt a puppy, preferably younger than 12 weeks old. The dogs, surprised, took off around the back of the house being chased by this little cat. The powerful Alaskan Malamute generally roams in a group with its fellow canine friends. Perhaps the most intelligent dog breed, she's outsmarted . Border Collies require a lot of . The cat has smacked her a few times for being too nosy and made her yelp, that's probably why she respects him. The younger (4 years old) female cat will sometimes run in front of the BC to initiate a chase response. Would like another Border if the right one came along. They are essentially a herding dog, bred for intelligence, stamina and energy. However, due to their herding instincts and nature may attempt to herd them like they would livestock. There are varying levels of stimulation to choose from so that you can find the right correction to deter negative or unsafe behavior. Border Collies can be taught to get along with cats. Herding of other animals can be defined in multiple ways, including chasing, nipping, and barking. This cat usually likes dogs. Fun Games and Activities for German Shepherds. Border Collies With Cats. The hissing sounds seemed to indicate that the cat didn't appreciate being herded. Rep the procedure, keep eye contact, and address your border collieby name. A Border Collie is a medium-sized breed weighing between 14 and 20kgs, with a height between 50 and 55cms. To increase your chances of a happy multi-species household, make sure your individual animals' temperaments and personalities are compatible. Meg loves cats and seems much more comfortable meeting new cats than meeting new dogs. You want to make sure that Doggo will return to you regardless of what he is doing. These highly intelligent and loyal dogs are by default gentle around children, other dogs, and even a pet cat or two. Intrigued and needing to know this myself, I decided to conduct some research. 7 Causes & Control of Border Collie Aggression, This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links., Is your Shih Tzu constantly licking their paws? Since they notice a kind of game when the Border Collie starts this behavior. Despite having a pet gate, you should not allow Border collies and cats to meet for at least three days, if not a full week. Hyperactivity can get your dog into all kinds of mischief. The cats always determine how much interaction they want. They seem to be larger than female Borders, but this is barely noticeable since both have the same physique. He never tries to herd them. Despite the fact that the cat does not bother the dog in any manner, the dog always growls with bared teeth at your cat. They were primarily bred to hunt and kill small furry animals. As it can be counterproductive and can lead to further behavioral issues. They befriend cats, squirrels, and most importantly other dogs quite fast. Many pet owners are on the fence about adopting a Border collie when there is a cat in the house, and vice versa. Boredom often leads to aggressive behavior in dogs. They happily cuddle and co-exist, but in play, I believe the participants should be evenly matched - dogs with dogs and well, my cats seem to prefer to sleep. You can teach this command by holding a treat in your hand and allowing the dog to sniff it. However, American shorthairs, Maine coons, and Ragdolls are cat breeds that are known for getting on great with pooches. Being raised with cats will naturally teach them to associate cats with their environment and fellow members of the family. Once these little ones develop the ideal behavior in their younger ages, the rest of your life will be a cake-walk! Standard Poodle Poodles are highly energetic dogs that can definitely keep up with a husky's playfulness and exercise routine. Pupper will see the cats as pack members to protect, instead of livestock to herd. With the help of your kids, he can channel his energy into something more productive. This will help to tire your border collie out and also let them relieve some aggression and let of some steam. [Dangerous or Protective? If your collie turns out to be cat-friendly, think about getting a kitten rather than an adult cat. Although not all herding dogs live well with cats, collies are a bit mellower than some other herding breeds and generally can resist the instinct to herd when the behavior wouldn't be appropriate (such as chasing the family cat). Our cats and dogs have always played together. One of the most popular breeds in the world, the golden retriever is a truly gentle dog. This is a question that we will be discussing in this post, so keep reading! Collies are fairly easy keepers, needing a minimum amount of good-quality food. Firstly, before we continue it is important you know that border collies are not the best breed of dog for cats because they were selectively bred to be herding dogs. For this reason, it is important to keep an eye on a border collie when they are around cats. Physical Characteristics: Dark, alert eyes shrouded by white fur that is naturally long and silky; single-layer coat without an undercoat. Dogs and cats have particular characteristics, yes, but in order for you to choose better and live harmoniously, you have to remember that both have resemblances, but they are . If you really do have to leave your Border Collie and rabbit alone together, unsupervised, make sure they are both secure. It takes a lot of time and works to groom a border collie and a cat.