Border collies will not generally attempt to attack a cat. Also, it helps to provide your cat with a high place to run to. Now at 14, she sometimes forgets and starts to stalk Tiger Lily but she never harms her, though I get the feeling she would have been a devil with cats if not for her training as she is a grizzly bear when it comes to small - and not so small furry critters such as squirrels and bunnies. and she chased them just about every chance she got. The easiest way for Border collies and cats to live harmoniously together is to adopt a puppy, preferably younger than 12 weeks old. Rep the procedure, keep eye contact, and address your border collieby name. They get along great for the most part. Youll be happier if you know your new family member will get along with the kitty. Puppies raised with cats are less likely to exhibit predatory aggression towards them when they become full-grown adults. They get along fine now and can be left alone with no worries. Here are a few things that can be done: It is not recommended to punish your Border collie or any other dog breed for chasing a cat. C/O Pet Educate4736 Royal Ave PMB 109160Eugene, OR 97402United States, Things To Consider When Cat Training She stopped doing it when she realized they were no longer fat little puppies and could outrun her. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog when they do not chase a cat or when they come back to you when they see a cat. Hence, it would be best if you taught your Border collie that supervising the whiskered creature is not his job. She used to drive him nuts with herding behavior, but eventually he caught onto the "game" and started participating in it. They are playful, so they might want to bother the cat and play with it, and some cats simply don . And its good manners extend to cats as well as people. Border Collies require 700 to 1,000 calories, while Golden Retrievers are about 989 to 1,272 calories per day. Your previous content has been restored. and 2 cats. Ive kept them in separate rooms for the first month and fed them on opposite sides of the gate. I did have a short-term (thankfully) foster who was on a mission to kill cats. Upload or insert images from URL. Many pet owners are quick to judge that Border collies are the problem, but it can also be the cat. Nevertheless, it is crucial for any owner to understand the personality and specific traits of a particular dog or cat, before having them coexist. Perhaps the most intelligent dog breed, she's outsmarted . If your cat likes fun and games, they and your Border Collie might get along quite well and will enjoy their time together. Once they stop running, he loses interest. Every time I would get them separated, Kato would immediately initiate another match. Our little ex-street kitty Lucky learned very quickly that as long as he doesn't run he's pretty safe. Tip #4: Facilitate Meet & Greet Using the Pet Gate. We have 2 BCs and 6 cats. Likewise, a kitty might inflict trauma upon the pup out of fear or curiosity. 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. He will run in front of her to provoke herding and then will let her herd him to his bed or to the windowsill. While it ultimately comes down to the individual dog (and cat), certain breeds have tendencies that help them get along with other species. A Maltese is usually fine lying on the couch, ignoring much of anything else going on, including the activities of a cat. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Bear was raised around a siamese that would swat him on the nose regularlysometimes to keep him in line, sometimes for no reason at all. However, this can lead to the Border Collie becoming more obsessed with cats over time. However, I would rather choose the lesser evil than have my dog maim another family member or risk him being put down or rehomed. Furthermore, some high-energy herding breeds, such as border collies, often cant stop themselves from herding everyone in the house, cats included. Predatory aggression in dogs causes the most difficulty when it comes to peaceful interspecies relationships. If you already have a cat, consider adopting an adult border collie from a rescue or shelter that does cat-testing. It gives Jes tons more exercise and mental stimulation than he would otherwise have, and I am convinced it will help him to live longer in good health. No matter the gender, they will typically weigh between 30 to 55 pounds (14 to 25 kg). An adult Border collie from a rescue or shelter can be more challenging to introduce and train around cats. And as long as he isn't in my arms, Meg gets insanely jealous whenever I pick up a cat. When a border collie lives with an energetic cat, he or she receives more exercise. Put simply, yes and yes. Many border collies get along well with the cats in their homes, but others have such strong herding instincts that they arent trustworthy around cats. You can do so by playing fetch, or through games like tug of war. Getting a cat is similar to handing over border collie duties and more responsibility. and 2 cats. We have 2 BCs (soon to be 3!) A male Border Collie will grow to be about 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 cm) tall, while females will grow slightly smaller at 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm). Cans, 30 Count (Pack of 1), Border Collie Golden Retriever Mix New Facts. I also use "that'll do" when I think she's over-herding the cat, or "leave it" when he seems like he wants to be left alone. 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). He might also follow your kitty around the house, prevent him from entering certain places, and keep him in his line of sight all the time. Answer (1 of 2): Johnny loves cats. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on. And not all cats and dogs will get along. Its critical to allow them time to relax before making any introductions. Border Collies are not always good with cats, especially new or unfamiliar ones. If both the cat and the border collie have pleasant personalities, the border collie should be able to get along with the cat in less than a month with regular repetition. He and my cat like teasing each other and pretend to hate each other-the cat swats him and runs and the dog chases her barking his head off. Herding of other animals can be defined in multiple ways, including chasing, nipping, and barking. This occurs at no extra cost to you, and we appreciate your support. German shepherds are not only extremely intelligent, they love to learn, follow commands and have a great work ethic. But if you have the patience and commitment, it is not impossible to reform your pooch. My goal is tolerance between the two. The smartest dog breed comes along with a range of considerations, including what other fluffy cuties you can add to your circle. 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. While all three are highly intelligent and can be trained to behave around cats, the smaller miniature and toy varieties are generally less intimidating to a cat. The list of things must include a playpen (the MidWest one from Amazon is ideal). The cats have a tree (which isn't real protection from a determined dog because it's not that tall); their main escape is the guest room, which is baby gated to keep the dogs out. Nibbling is one of the many ways dogs play, but you do not want to tolerate this behavior around cats. Many families already pair up Labradors and Border Collies because they are a wonderful combination. At any rate, I pay attention and judge the behavior of individual dogs and cats and manage appropriately. Make sure your dog realizes that you didnt like this act at all. Not sure what was up with kitty, but she sure showed them. Not all cats will get along with even the friendliest of dogs. They are essentially a herding dog, bred for intelligence, stamina and energy. Beagles are a subset of hound called a scent hound, which means they use their exceptional sense of smell to sniff out prey. However, due to their herding instincts and nature may attempt to herd them like they would livestock. Meg and kitty touched noses in greeting and Meg turned to walk away. They will be raised around the cats and will not know anything different. The dogs, surprised, took off around the back of the house being chased by this little cat. While this is entirely natural for a border collie to do, a cat will not take to it very well. Being raised with cats will naturally teach them to associate cats with their environment and fellow members of the family. The Best Toys and Accessories for Your Beagle Mixed Puppy, How to Train Your Beagle Mixed Puppy: Tips and Tricks, Pros and Cons of Owning a Beagle Mixed Puppy, Adopting a Beagle Mixed Puppy: Tips and Advice, 10 Popular Beagle Mixed Breeds You Need to Know About, What to Expect When Bringing Home a Beagle Mixed Puppy, Are Dogs Mouths Cleaner? This isnt to suggest that you cant introduce a cat to your border collie; you can, but the optimal time is when theyre three months old. #1: Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are one of the best dogs for cats, and "golden" is a fitting word to describe this classic breed. 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. 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. She always stops when I tell her to. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your Border Collie when they do not chase or try to herd a cat. Display as a link instead, Shih Tzu. He can't keep night n day straight, and he frequently gets lost in our back yard, but he knows where every cat in the neigh. Clear editor. Your border collie may end up herding or chasing away the cat. It is feasible for a border collie and a cat to play together and become best friends. . Newfoundlands are the gentle giants of the dog world. One thing is for sure this harmonious relationship cannot materialize on its own. There are also many cases where the cats usually carry it very well after this process and even have fun. There are also three particular methods that work well when training your border collie to be social and friendly with cats. There should be no problem as long as your Border collie finds him uninteresting. But, if you are introducing a kitten/cat to your home after you have had a border collie for some time, for the most part, some training will be in order. This is, of course, is most likely to occur if your border collie and cat have been socialized properly. Remember, as a responsible dog owner, it is important to keep an eye on your dogs behavior. . (and 2 small dogs) No problems between the dogs and the cats. Are Border Collies good with cats? Its inevitable that having a border collie and a cat together would result in competitiveness and jealousy. The cats always determine how much interaction they want. Better yet, take him by the leash and remove him from the room until he cools off. Until youre sure theyll be able to stay together, separate areas should be supplied. Bearded Collies are also smart enough to manipulate their owners. As a result, if the cat is also playful and enjoys being on the move, they can form a close relationship. This behavior is inherited from their ancestors, who were used to herd sheep and other livestock. While showing him about your house, teach your new cat where to go when he wants to be alone. I have 3 siamese cats and 2 rough collies. Tip #5: Give Your Border Collie a Purpose. Owning a cat at the same time takes it up another level. 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. If you do not find a way to scratch your collies itch to work, he will see your cat and other smaller pets as creatures under his care. She and Robin occasionally snooze near each other but not on top of each other. You'll want to set aside significant time to keep your border collie occupied. The stigma that cats and dogs don't get along is a long-standing myth. Poodle. A Border Collie sitting on the walkway with a big smile - Image source. Keep cool and continue walking your new cat around the home with your border collie on a leash or in a kennel if your border collie starts to bark. Some of the cats, particularly my little siamese female is very scared of the dogs. On the bright side, Border collies and cats can get along exceptionally well when raised together. But only if they are properly socialized and trained from a young age. Brodie has been pretty tolerant as well. Before you can begin training, you must have a list of items to effectively do so. Our current cat, Anni, likes to walk under the dogs and rub on their belly. [ezoic id="9] Its in their blood to herd anything mobile, including cats. Male dogs are usually larger than females. 1. Cats can live with some Border Collies, but the cat has to be pretty darn tolerant of being herded and checked on all the time. Out of sight, I heard a yelp from Meg and then both dogs come running full speed back to the car and jump in. Certain breed groups are more likely to get along with cats than others. I let the dogs out of the car when we pulled up and Meg went straight up to my aunt's little old black cat who was sitting in front of the house. Instead, it is important to address the underlying cause of the behavior. Put your new cat on a leash next to your border collie after youve walked him around the house and praise him if hes calm. Many pet owners are on the fence about adopting a Border collie when there is a cat in the house, and vice versa. Bear isn't too fond of this but tolerates it. They even sometimes snuggle together, which is pretty shocking considering that neither cats nor BCs are usually too enthusiastic about cuddling. Are you constantly searching, Does your cat behave differently after a grooming appointment? Aiguo Kai is one of the authors and editors of Pet Creeks, he is focused on teaching and providing useful information about pets. This can include going for walks, playing fetch, and training. As a reward for his quiet, let your border colliesniff the cat and get licked by it. Massage your hands on your border collies back while drawing the cat closer with one hand to praise him for being calm. exceptionally well at most canine sports, so consider enrolling your dog in any The hissing sounds seemed to indicate that the cat didn't appreciate being herded. At just three to seven pounds, they are smaller than most cats. Herding of other animals can be defined in multiple ways, including chasing, nipping, and barking. A border collie is just part of a group of collies, which include bearded collies, rough collies, border collies and smooth collies :) hope this helps Do border collies get along with other dogs? Keep an eye on both creatures and track their development until they are comfortable with each other. This includes Amazon. Border Collies naturally have strong herding instincts, and cats can end up on the receiving end of this. Maybe he learned that the hard way. I walk him twice daily with the morning walk being the longest (1.5 miles) and have tried calming treats. Laser beam stare, too. No hazardous propellants, no residue left behind. 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. One that you may have could be around housing multiple pets. Most adult dogs are 18 - 22 inches tall and reach a weight of 30 - 55 pounds. Since they notice a kind of game when the Border Collie starts this behavior. Bag, Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack, Poultry & Beef Collection - 3 oz. With the help of your kids, he can channel his energy into something more productive. The others more or less tolerate Birdie, and if she's being obnoxious to them I just correct her. Why is my Border Collie obsessed with cats? Will my border collie hurt my cat? Perhaps the best way to train your border collie and to eradicate bad behavior is with an effective home training program. The cat is mostly disinterested in Emmie, even when we first brought her home, though now he'll affectionately rub up against her when they greet. Here are some warning signals to look out for if you have a border collie and a cat: I hope this post gives you an insight into your question Do Border Collies Get Along With Cats! Some cat breeds that get along nicely with border cats include: You wont need these measures if youre taking in a kitten under the age of three months; nevertheless, you can use them for adult border collies and cats. Although your collie may not mean harm to your kitty, the latter may act aggressively out of fear or confusion. Meg loves it. They blended so well together, you couldn't tell where cat ended and dog started. My seven month old border collie, Mercury, and my cat, Kato, definitely have a bromance. If so, you, Are you worried about a new cat in your house, Does your dog keep running away? Through this process, the puppy learns to be comfortable and confident in a variety of situations. 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. If only I dared let her have a real go at them I might have a garden! If you really do have to leave your Border Collie and rabbit alone together, unsupervised, make sure they are both secure. 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. Border collies were bred initially as sheepdogs, and these highly intelligent dogs love nothing more than to be put to work. In fact, because pugs are such friendly and social dogs, a cat can help keep them company when their humans are away. They do need exercise, but they are not as "high octane" as the border collie. We've had BCs who would "stalk the wild woodchuck" but they can really hurt a dog and Ladybug is an old girl now, though she's in pretty good shape. In general, Bengal cats and dogs get along. So, are border collies good with cats? They can prevent any chasing and any herding behavior from being attempted. Some border collies do present a danger to cats -- either because they havent been socialized or because their herding and prey drives are so strong -- so you have to choose one carefully. If the Collie was likely to try herding other members of the family, let's call it all but a done deal with the Border Collie. Emmie has, a couple of times, gone into stalk and chase mode with the cat, but now seems to respect him and will only sniff. Border Collies. When your border collie is unclear what to do with the cat and repeatedly hits, grips, and pulls on it. 2 border collies, 2 cats. ]. As an adult cat, Tiger Lily teased the pups when they came but as they grew she started to recognize them as potential pals. Provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation: Make sure your Border Collie gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Both your cat and your collie will benefit from a gradual introduction, which will allow them to get to know one other and become wonderful friends. The dog did corral the cat onto the coffee table once, and kept him pinned up there for a few minutes, until I made him stop. Border collies are meant to be in tune with their person, but also to be aware of the movement of the sheep. I just adopted a female kitten and she seems fine for the most partwith the dog but my old man seems to be stressed. Ensure that you have separate places for your border collie and cat(s) to go, and safe areas for them to feel comfortable. Especially dogs, he enjoys writing and sharing his 10 years of experiences with dogs so far. To increase your chances of a happy multi-species household, make sure your individual animals' temperaments and personalities are compatible. 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 . 8. Another reason why a Border Collie may become obsessed with cats is a lack of mental and physical stimulation. Another excellent approach is to set up your environment for success. Pugs are charming and happy little dogs that can get along with almost anybody. The deterrence method involves actively trying to isolate your border collie and cat from one another, and usually follows a period of unsuccessful socialization. For instance, even though beagles tend to be good with cats, your beagle might not be. There are varying levels of stimulation to choose from so that you can find the right correction to deter negative or unsafe behavior. Talk to your vet or an animal behaviorist about how to conduct the test and keep the animals safe. Calvin, who is going on 3, used to play with Kes and then also started playing with Birdie. 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. If he remains calm, reward your canine buddy with praises and high-value treats, such as Blue Wilderness Trail Treats. So these fluffy little canines are rarely a threat to feline friends. 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. 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). Every border collie is different; some are likely to get along better with cats than others. 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? This act is not recommended at all. Although Border Collies can be good with cats, not all Border Collies will get along with cats. Physical Characteristics: Long body with short legs; long, drooping ears; wrinkled forehead; hanging lips; soft eyes. You should be socializing them at specific times and when you are around to ensure this goes well and to plan. If taught from a young age, a Border Collie can get along with other cats or dogs. These dogs are incredibly smart, highly trainable, and aim to please. But if you're the owner of an adorable Beagle, you may be wondering if he or she will get along with a cat. You may notice your border collie following your cat around the house, as if trying to guide them. Border collies do get along with cats if you get both pets from their puppy and kitten stages. In fact, toy poodles are roughly the size of many cats and often will become close companions and playmates with their feline friends. Many Border Collies can thrive with a companion dog, but you have to be very careful with the breed. Border collies can certainly get along with cats, as long as a good relationship is fostered between them.