As pet owners, we dream of having a harmonious home where all our pets mingle freely, with no animosity between them. Some homes manage to mix birds and cats and dogs with no issues. Sometimes, the dog breed can determine whether or not that dog will get along with other animals. It is always important to remember the origins of the dog as this is helpful as an indicator of whether the dog will be friendly or violent towards other animal species. We will look at the question of whether or not German Shepherds will get along with cats.
German Shepherds can get along and live with cats, but it’s essential to socialize your German Shepherd with cats from puppyhood so that he learns not to chase and possibly harm or even kill the cats. It’s important to meet the German Shepherd’s physical and mental needs to develop a stable dog.
The origin of the German Shepherd is vital to consider when looking at the issue of mixing them with cats. It is also important to train your dog correctly and expose your German Shepherd to cats from an early age. The cat’s behavior and the number of dogs in the household can also determine if you can have a German Shepherd and a cat living together.
The Origins Of German Shepherds
German Shepherds were originally used for herding sheep in Germany. Some people think that dogs that herd sheep should be gentle as they must not hurt the sheep. While this idea is true, it is also important to remember that herding is a modified form of prey drive. A Purebred modern-day German Shepherd still has this high prey drive, and it is essential to understand that they still have that instinct. It makes it imperative to train your dog correctly if you wish to mix them with other animals.
The man who founded and developed the German Shepherd breed, Max von Stephanitz, chose dogs with a high desire to work. This characteristic is still present, and German Shepherds must have this need fulfilled. If this highly intelligent breed is left unstimulated, there is a high likelihood that he will form his own entertainment – which may be chasing the household cats.
Expose Your German Shepherd Puppy To Cats
If possible, it’s best to have the cat in the residence first. When you get your German Shepherd puppy, he must be exposed to the cat in a controlled environment and corrected when he wants to indulge in rough play. The first three months in a puppy’s life are critical in establishing behavioral patterns and encountering new experiences.
Although it can be more complicated, it is not impossible to introduce an adult German Shepherd to cats, but your dog must have good training. The individual character and prey drive of your dog will also play a role. Some German Shepherds are naturally gentle, and it will be easier to acclimatize these dogs to cats.
Training Your German Shepherd
Completing obedience training with your German Shepherd can be likened to teaching a child manners. It has a carryover into many different areas and teaches the dog self-control. It also allows you to have control of the dog’s behavior. German Shepherds are naturally easy dogs to train as they are intelligent. Completing basic and more advanced obedience is highly recommended for their mental stimulation.
A critical command to teach a German Shepherd is the “Leave” command. This command is crucial if you are introducing an adult German Shepherd to a cat. It is also helpful if your German Shepherd already knows the cat but plays too rough with the cat.
German Shepherds have a high need for both physical and mental stimulation because they are athletic, intelligent dogs with a high motivation to work. Giving your dog an outlet for these needs will result in a well-balanced dog that is less likely to engage in unwanted behaviors at home – such as chasing the cat. It will be good for your German Shepherd to be involved in dog sports such as flyball, and dog agility. You can also teach your dog to scent and track as a means of burning up mental and physical energy.
Cat Behavior And German Shepherds
The manner in which the cat behaves will affect the German Shepherd’s response to the cat. Cats that are very skittish and prone to running away from trouble will often trigger the dog’s prey drive. You will then have the situation where the dog is constantly chasing the cat with potentially fatal results for the cat.
A cat that ignores the dog or is inclined to stand its ground will fare much better with a German Shepherd. Many German Shepherd puppies that have met the sharp end of a cat’s claw learn to respect the cat from an early age. They are unlikely to chase a cat with this character.
Selecting the right cat or kitten is vital to help lessen the chance of problems between cats and dogs. There are some cat breeds that have more relaxed personality or are more feisty. Research the different cat breeds and compare them to your dog’s personality to ensure the success of your venture.
Give The Cat Their Own Space
When you have German Shepherds and cats living together, it is helpful for the cat to have a safe space to escape to. This allows the cat to rest from constant interaction with the dog and lets the cat head to this space if it feels anxious. Consider making a safe space for your cat that is easily accessible to the cat but inaccessible to the German Shepherd and other dogs.
German Shepherds In A Dog Pack
A pack of dogs or a multi-dog household can be problematic for cats. In some homes, it may still be harmonious, depending on the dog breeds and their personalities. Gentler dogs with a low prey drive can live in a pack with a cat. The problem arises when the pack consists of dogs with a high prey drive or several younger dogs that indulge in wild games. German Shepherds are active dogs and are most likely to be involved in rough play. If one dog starts chasing the cat, there is a high likelihood that it will trigger the prey drive in the other dogs, including the German Shepherd.
It is recommended that you are very cautious about introducing a cat if you have a multi-dog household. Be realistic about the nature of your dogs and if necessary, ask a dog behaviorist to help you assess your dogs and the pack dynamics before getting a cat.
People like to attribute human characteristics to their animals and are offended when the dogs act on their instincts and either chase or kill cats. It must be understood that for dogs, this is a natural behavior. So, if you are unsure of your ability to be objective about your dog’s behavior and personality, it is in the cat’s best interest to get outside help before purchasing or adopting a cat. It can be incredibly traumatic to come home to find your beloved feline friend dead or torn apart.
If you have a pack of dogs chasing and harassing your cat, it is strongly recommended that you rehome the cat or the dogs. It is a very difficult, and sometimes impossible situation to remediate.
Final Thoughts
German Shepherds can get along and live with cats, but it’s best to socialize the German Shepherd with cats when it’s still a puppy. Good obedience training and physical and mental stimulation will help create a well-balanced German Shepherd that will be less likely to chase the cat. A dog with well-established commands can be introduced more easily to a cat. Be cautious if you have German Shepherds in a pack of dogs, as this can easily be a recipe for trouble for the cat.
