Are Australian Shepherds Good with Cats?

Last Updated on April 19, 2024

The Australian Shepherd, with its intelligence and boundless energy, has become a popular pet choice. But if you already have a feline friend or are considering adding a cat to your Aussie-filled household, you might wonder: Are Australian Shepherds good with Cats?

The good news is, the answer can be yes! With proper training, socialisation, and a well-managed introduction process, Australian Shepherds and cats can coexist peacefully, even becoming playful companions. However, it’s crucial to understand the inherent traits of both animals and take steps to create a harmonious multi-pet environment.

Understanding Australian Shepherd Personality

Australian Shepherds are great family dogs. They are deeply devoted and always ready to protect their family. If you are just planning to bring an Aussie puppy home, you should know that this amazing dog has a lot of personality traits that will easily make you fall in love with the breed. The Australian Shepherds are

• Highly trainable and hard-working
• Friendly and playful
• Loving and caring
• Eager to please
• Active and outgoing

Despite their friendly nature, the Australian Shepherds can be really cautious and wary of strangers. Their deep love and care for the family can make these dogs demonstrate territorial behaviour. The Aussies are not always happy to see the other animals in their home. However, early socialisation and proper training can change the situation for the better. But what about cats? Can your dog accept a new family member? Let’s dig deeper to find the answer to this question.

Can Aussies Get Along with Cats?

In most cases, Australian Shepherds can adapt to living with cats, especially if introduced at a young age. Early socialisation during puppy-hood is ideal for Aussies, as it helps them develop positive associations with other animals, including cats. Kittens are also easier to introduce to new companions as they are less set in their ways.

However, it’s important to remember that both Australian Shepherds and cats can be territorial creatures. Here’s a breakdown of potential challenges:

• Australian Shepherds: Their herding instinct might lead them to chase cats, especially if not properly trained and exercised. This chasing behaviour can be stressful for the cat.
• Cats: They might feel threatened by a new dog, particularly a larger one like an Aussie. This can lead to them becoming stressed or even hissing or scratching if they feel cornered.

Introducing an Australian Shepherd to a Cat

A slow and gradual introduction is key to fostering a positive relationship. Here’s a step-by-step approach that prioritises safety and positive reinforcement:

1. Separate Spaces: Before face-to-face interaction, allow the pets to get accustomed to each other’s scents. Swap bedding or toys between their separate spaces so they can become familiar with each other’s presence.
2. Leashed Introductions: In a controlled environment like a large room or hallway, use a leash and harness to restrain the Aussie while the cat observes safely, like on a cat tree or behind a baby gate. Reward calm behaviour from both animals with treats and praise. Gradually decrease the distance between them during subsequent sessions as long as both pets remain relaxed.
3. Supervised Interactions: Once the pets seem comfortable with each other’s presence through the barrier, gradually increase interaction time in a controlled environment with close supervision. Look for positive signs like sniffing or curious observation. Separate them immediately if tension arises, such as growling, hissing, or excessive barking.

Signs That Things Are Going Well (or Not So Well!)

During the introduction process, watching your pets’ body language and interactions will help you understand how things are progressing. Here are some signs to watch for:

Positive Signs:

• Curiosity: If your Aussie and cat show interest in each other by sniffing or calmly observing one another, it’s a good sign.
• Relaxed Body Language: Look for relaxed postures in both animals, like loose tails and wagging tails (for the Aussie) or slow blinking (for the cat).
• Playful Interactions: Gentle-swatting paws or playful chases initiated by the cat (not the Aussie) can indicate a developing friendship.
• Sharing Space: If your pets start tolerating each other’s presence in the same room without tension, it’s a positive step.

Signs of Trouble:

• Hissing, growling, or barking: These vocalisations indicate fear or aggression and require immediate separation.
• Flattened ears, bared teeth, or arched backs: These signs of defensiveness must be addressed calmly.
• Excessive chasing or swatting: If the Aussie’s chasing becomes relentless or the cat feels cornered, separate them for a break.
• Hiding or avoiding each other: Constant hiding or avoidance suggests the introduction process needs to be slowed down.

Leaving Your Cat Alone with Aussie Dog

Supervision may always be necessary after a successful introduction, especially during free-roaming interactions. Here are some additional tips for creating a harmonious multi-pet household:

• Separate Feeding Stations and Litter Boxes: To avoid territorial conflicts, provide separate feeding stations and litter boxes for both pets.
• Enrichment for Both: Offer enough enrichment for the Aussie and the cat to prevent boredom. This could include puzzle toys, chew toys for the Aussie, and scratching posts and climbing structures for the cat.
• Create Vertical Spaces: Provide vertical spaces, such as cat trees or shelves, for the cat to feel secure and have a safe retreat if needed.
• Reward Positive Interactions: Always reward positive interactions between the pets with treats and praise to reinforce good behaviour.

Remember: It’s always better to play it safe. If you’re unsure about leaving your Aussie and cat alone together, finding alternative care is best until you’re confident they can peacefully co-exist without supervision.

Challenges For Your Aussie and the Cat:

Here’s a breakdown of some common challenges you might face, along with solutions to help your Aussie adjust to their new feline house mate:

Challenges for Your Aussie:

• Herding Instincts: Australian Shepherds are bred to herd animals, which might translate to chasing your cat.
  Solution: To redirect that energy, provide ample exercise and mental stimulation for your Aussie through playtime, training sessions, and puzzle toys.
• Playful Roughness: Aussies can be quite playful, and their size and energy might overwhelm a cat. Solution: Supervise interactions closely and teach your Aussie a gentle “calm” command.

Challenges for Your Cat:

• Feeling Threatened: Cats can fear a new dog, especially a larger one like an Aussie.
  Solution: Introduce them slowly in a controlled environment and provide plenty of vertical spaces (cat trees, shelves) for your cat to retreat if needed.
• Territorial Issues: Both Aussies and cats can be territorial.
  Solution: To avoid competition, offer separate food and water bowls and litter boxes.

Helping Your Pets Build a Good Relationship

An Australian Shepherd is a highly energetic dog. It was bred to herd the livestock. You should never forget about it if you choose to own an Aussie and a cat simultaneously. Even if you work hard to introduce the two animals, your dog may refuse to accept the cat. Don’t fall into despair. There is still something you can do to improve the situation:

• Play with both animals together.
• Reward the dog for treating the cat well
• Try to feed the pets in the exact location and at the same time
• Sleep with pets in the same room
• Love your pets equally

If you follow your strategy and do everything right, your pets will learn to love each other. They will realise that they are not rivals but friends and siblings who can have a great time together.

An Australian Shepherd is an intelligent, loyal and gentle pet. It will become an excellent addition to your family. You can raise an obedient dog who lives peacefully, even with cats. The Aussie will change your life, filling it with happiness and joy.