So, it is advised to keep your dog on a leash or in a fenced area when you know that there are cats around. I did have a short-term (thankfully) foster who was on a mission to kill cats. They seem to be larger than female Borders, but this is barely noticeable since both have the same physique. 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. Border collies can be good with cats. On the bright side, I have seen many instances where Border collies and cats get along well in their homes. Border collies can get along well with cats and dogs of any breed, so long as they're introduced at a relatively young age in a calm, secure environment. So, it is advised to be sensitive to each pets behavior and make adjustments as necessary. Regardless, a Border collie may still attempt to gather indoor cats and other smaller pets to exercise his deep innate need. Act asap and address any issues that arise on time. This is, of course, is most likely to occur if your border collie and cat have been socialized properly. But if you're the owner of an adorable Beagle, you may be wondering if he or she will get along with a cat. I am a practiced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets. Developed to be excellent shepherd dogs, Border Collies relish the chance to learn and let off steam. Encourage your little collie to interact with the feline member of the household, but be sure to supervise playtime. . Make sure that your cat or cats have a safe place when they need to escape your dog. Many pet owners are on the fence about adopting a Border collie when there is a cat in the house, and vice versa. Certain breed groups are more likely to get along with cats than others. There are also many cases where the cats usually carry it very well after this process and even have fun. Of all the dogs on our list, Border Collies are perhaps the most friendly with their families - but can be a little more reserved around strangers. You'll want to set aside significant time to keep your border collie occupied. If your collie turns out to be cat-friendly, think about getting a kitten rather than an adult cat. Will my border collie hurt my cat? I do not let my dogs chase my cats. Border collies that have been brought up with cats as puppies are less likely to behave aggressively. Contrary to popular belief, an e-collar is a safe and efficient tool. This is why they find it hard to get along with other canines. He generally ignores them unless they initiate contact with him. Your cat wont appreciate being on the receiving end of this treatment, so you must supervise their interactions. I have 9 border collies and five cats (sigh). A fabulous example is this 63-inch kitty condo by Furhaven, which offers both entertainment and sleeping areas. Well, the cat suddenly started running at both my dogs. The Border Collie has no drive to harm a rabbit. So these fluffy little canines are rarely a threat to feline friends. This toy breed is a gentle and loving companion with an easy-going attitude. No hazardous propellants, no residue left behind. August 4, 2013 in General Border Collie Discussion. The following is a culmination of what I have been able to find. Are you constantly searching, Does your cat behave differently after a grooming appointment? Most of the dogs now ignore the cats, except Meg, the eight month old. Collies are generally very loyal to their owner and to anyone else they see as a part of their pack. As a pack dog, basset hounds are friendly and amicable. When the dog stops trying to take the treat, reward them with a different treat. Another reason why a Border Collie may become obsessed with cats is a lack of mental and physical 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). Take your cat inside for a 3- to 4-minute stroll while your border collie is on a leash or in a kennel. Why is my Border Collie obsessed with cats? It is important to provide each animal with its own space and resources, like food bowls, beds, and litter boxes. First of all, you should get each other used to the companion's body scent. She used to drive him nuts with herding behavior, but eventually he caught onto the "game" and started participating in it. There are many ways to stop your Border collie dog from chasing cats. She shook the daylights out of a baby woodchuck earlier this year and yesterday she tried digging her way through the car floor board yesterday when she saw another woodchuck by the roadside. How big do Border Collies get? Some dogs have more herding instinct than others. It takes a lot of time and works to groom a border collie and a cat. The powerful Alaskan Malamute generally roams in a group with its fellow canine friends. While your Border collie could not see his feline sibling, his smell and movements will let him know that he is there. This is so that they dont have a wholly foreign experience when they first encounter your cat. (and 2 small dogs) No problems between the dogs and the cats. . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. However, all cats and dogs are different. Perhaps the best way to train your border collie and to eradicate bad behavior is with an effective home training program. Breed Characteristics. A Border collie is an avid herder, and so, he may stare at your cat as part of his instinctual herding behavior. When I see that going on, the dog will get an "Ah, Ah" if he decides to chase. One thing you'll want to consider if you really want your dogs to be great friends is that border collies have a different style of playing than many other breeds do, so you'll want them to . The list of things must include a playpen (the MidWest one from Amazon is ideal). 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. (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.). On the other hand, a playful kitty who likes being chased and loves to razz your dog could be a suitable playmate. Only positive training techniques should be used. 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. How many hours should a border collie sleep, Do Border Collies calm down after getting neutered or spayed. Maintaining a border collie and a cat will put a strain on your finances if you are just some low-earning citizen. When you are away from home, make sure that you put your puppy in a crate, so that you can monitor their behavior with your cats until they are fully socialized. BCs, Gideon and Micah and a token JRT just to keep me humble. Here are the qualities you can expect from raising a Border Collie dog, on a scale of 1 paw (low) to 5 paws (high). There are also many cases where the cats usually carry it very well after this process and even have fun. Border collies, bred to herd sheep, are genetically wired to herd anything that moves, including cats. If you ever see your Border collie dog doing this, act against it. We are seasoned pet owners and enthusiasts who love to share everything that we learn about them! Border Collies require a lot of . And some hounds, especially scent hounds, were bred to work closely in packs, so they are usually friendly with other furry family members. Not all Border Collies despise cats, some get along with them. Farming, sheep, gardening, agility, reining, music/guitar, technology, trail running/hiking/exploring. In general, Bengal cats and dogs get along. However, I would rather choose the lesser evil than have my dog maim another family member or risk him being put down or rehomed. #1: Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are one of the best dogs for cats, and "golden" is a fitting word to describe this classic breed. The owner of this website, furryherders.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking furryherders.com review to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com. Border Collies naturally have strong herding instincts, and cats can end up on the receiving end of this. Border collies will not generally attempt to attack a cat. My cat is a bit of an A'hole and doesn't like being touched at all so I foresee issues in the future. One thing is for sure this harmonious relationship cannot materialize on its own. Long post alert! This is not to say that at adult stages border collies can't get along with cats, they do get along but require more supervision. Pugs are charming and happy little dogs that can get along with almost anybody. His superior intellect, combined with his intensity and obsessive zeal for working, are his most . These attributes were rated by several pet experts, including a dog trainer, veterinarian and behaviorist. If you see your pup nipping your cat, you must separate the two straight away. . And not all cats and dogs will get along. As such, your collie will herd them, and giving the eye is just part of the process. If your pooch is bored, they may resort to herding your cat. Many families already pair up Labradors and Border Collies because they are a wonderful combination. Sure, staring down wont injure a cat, but it causes the recipient stress that can manifest in physical ways. In reality, dogs and cats can and often do live together in peace. This behavior is inherited from their ancestors, who were used to herd sheep and other livestock. A professional trainer or behaviorist can offer tips to make the introduction go more smoothly. Fortunately, Grab/Bite, Kill, Dissect, and Consume have already been bred out. I'm glad I worked out a healthy dynamic between the two of them, because my cat is prone to stress-related health problems because he has feline herpes (which is a chronic disease that comes out when cats are stressed or sick, like cold sores) and often gets cystitis when he's sick. Calvin, who is going on 3, used to play with Kes and then also started playing with Birdie. As previously mentioned, border collies are natural herders with a range of specific skills and behaviors. In this article, we will explore the reasons why some Border Collies become obsessed with cats. Kittens often are more playful and energetic -- qualities the border collie will appreciate -- and less leery than adult cats. Like the Bearded Collie, the Border Collie is a high-energy herding dog. When your border collie is unclear what to do with the cat and repeatedly hits, grips, and pulls on it. Border Collies are a versatile breed. These canines are affectionate, intelligent, and protective, so if you are in search of a best friend that will always be at your side, this breed could be your best match. Talk to your vet or an animal behaviorist about how to conduct the test and keep the animals safe. If all else fails, you might want to train your collie using the Mini Educator E-Collar. As a result, if the cat is also playful and enjoys being on the move, they can form a close relationship. You should be socializing them at specific times and when you are around to ensure this goes well and to plan. In short, yes they can be good with cats if they are introduced in the right way and trained where necessary. Many Border Collies can thrive with a companion dog, but you have to be very careful with the breed. How big do Border Collies get? These dogs are medium to large, ensuring better compatibility. Border collies are high-energy dogs selectively bred to be herding dogs that may not get along with cats, however, because they are smart and quick to learn they can be trained to get along with cats. 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. 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. Upload or insert images from URL. Male Collies can grow from 19 to 22 inches tall and can weigh from 30 to 55 pounds. CERTIFIED GENTLE AND SAFE Chlorine free and color safe. Make him your jogging partner or train him to become an athlete. They are typically great with people of all ages and pets of all types, including cats. If you have a border collie and a cat, there will be extra dirt to clean up. Bearded Collies are also smart enough to manipulate their owners. Plus, collies tend to be gentle dogs, including with kids and other family pets. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Perhaps the most intelligent dog breed, she's outsmarted . But in order to properly assess this question, we need to look into the specifics of the breed. Our little ex-street kitty Lucky learned very quickly that as long as he doesn't run he's pretty safe. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'petcreeks_com-box-4','ezslot_6',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petcreeks_com-box-4-0');Border collies do get along with cats if you get both pets from their puppy and kitten stages. Therefore you may need to interrupt staring and prevent your border collie from attempting to her a/your cat. 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. Aggression coming from either animal should not be tolerated. Clear editor. Many pet owners are quick to judge that Border collies are the problem, but it can also be the cat. I think the boys would have left Tiger Lily completely alone if she had not taunted them into chasing her when they were pups. You may notice your border collie following your cat around the house, as if trying to guide them. However, cats have razor-sharp claws, and they will put up a fight when cornered. A Border Collie is a medium-sized breed weighing between 14 and 20kgs, with a height between 50 and 55cms. You cannot paste images directly. She always stops when I tell her to. . Golden retrievers are loving and sweet-natured, adaptable, and outgoing. 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). 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. He doesn't run far before stopping and rolling over to bat at them or chasing them back. We have 2 BCs (soon to be 3!) Moreover, what can be done to address this behavior? Bag, Purina Fancy Feast Grain Free Pate Wet Cat Food Variety Pack, Poultry & Beef Collection - 3 oz. It is really up to you as the owner to encourage gentle play and interactions between your border collie and the cat. I've got a cat tree out of my BC's reach that my kitty can retreat to when he's had enough play time, and he treats it as his safe zone. Better yet, take him by the leash and remove him from the room until he cools off. Are you sure that it is not your cat who is initiating the confrontations? For instance, terriers are tenacious, feisty, and full of energy. Owning a border collie comes along with a range of considerations and challenges. Funny storya couple weeks ago I went to my grandma's house to pick up my cousins. Do remember that both cats and dogs have unique personalities and behaviors. This will save a repetitive strain injury in your arm and ensure you give them plenty of exercise and opportunity to run around. Aaron RiceExpert Dog TrainerWritten: January 17, 2022 Some people who get a Border Collie often ask, "Do Border Collies Get Along With Cats?" This is a fair question if you are getting a family dog who needs to share your cat's space.Not every breed of dog is friendly to smaller dogs or cats, and ma. If you wish to share your home with both cats and dogs, look for a dog breed that's typically friendly with felines. Border collies are intelligent, and if you are consistent with training, they will understand what behavior is and isnt tolerated. In general, many dog breeds with high prey drives aren't suitable for homes with cats. They should be praised for their excellent performance. Use positive reinforcement: Reward your Border Collie when they do not chase or try to herd a cat. Furthermore, some high-energy herding breeds, such as border collies, often cant stop themselves from herding everyone in the house, cats included. Debunking the Myth in 2023, Rottweiler Golden Retriever Mix New Facts. Boredom often leads to aggressive behavior in dogs. They work at a fast pace, covering ever greater distances to herd and move livestock. Border Collie. Newfoundlands are the gentle giants of the dog world. I find it interesting that the cats will choose to stay around Birdie and let her hassle them some when they could so easily remove themselves from her presence. He doesn't like and will move away. They get along fine now and can be left alone with no worries. When a border collie lives with an energetic cat, he or she receives more exercise. Feeding schedules must not be changed; they must be adhered to. Make sure your dog realizes that you didnt like this act at all. 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. Do Border Collies pick a Favourite person? A border collie may stare at cat as part of their instinctual herding behavior. Physical Characteristics: Dark, alert eyes shrouded by white fur that is naturally long and silky; single-layer coat without an undercoat. 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. Height: Standard: 15 inches; miniature: 10 to 15 inches; toy: 10 inches and under, Weight: Standard: 45 to 70 pounds; miniature: 15 to 18 pounds; toy: 5 to 9 pounds, Physical Characteristics: Curly, dense, single-layer coat that may be one of many solid colors, including white, black, gray, brown, and apricot. An excellent strategy to help your pets acclimate each others scents is to exchange their toys, blankets, and beds at least twice a day. Socialization is the process of a puppy dog facing multiple people, animals, and environments. Tip #5: Give Your Border Collie a Purpose. Before you can begin training, you must have a list of items to effectively do so. Youll be happier if you know your new family member will get along with the kitty. I couldn't get them out again for nothing. Tip #4: Facilitate Meet & Greet Using the Pet Gate. In fact, toy poodles are roughly the size of many cats and often will become close companions and playmates with their feline friends. Additionally, providing each animal with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation can help reduce any potential conflicts. [ezoic id="9] 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 . You can encourage your puppy to engage in play with your cats, just make sure that all interactions are gentle. 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. Kittens are energetic and playful, both of which are qualities any Border collie will appreciate. 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. How much company do Border Collies need? Instead, it is important to address the underlying cause of the behavior. How that is possible, I don't know, but there you go. Border collies are bred to work at the command of a person, but to also do the right thing when they are 400 yards away with sheep and the shepherd is over the next hill, out of sight. Beagles are gregarious and congenial. Meg loves it. Over time, the dog can become protective of the cat as though it was part of the family. Be consistent and make it clear that you will not tolerate such bad behavior. They were primarily bred to hunt and kill small furry animals. Its preferable if they have their own room, so they may relax before meeting their new acquaintance. While it ultimately comes down to the individual dog (and cat), certain breeds have tendencies that help them get along with other species. Also, proper socialization, training, and introduction to other . Its in their blood to herd anything mobile, including cats. Physical Characteristics: Dense smooth or rough coat; long, narrow face; comes in sable and white, tricolor, blue merle, and white. Once the dog starts to take the treat, say leave it and close your hand. Moreover, it is recommended to be consistent with your dog and not to reinforce unwanted behavior. They generally herd anything moving, in fact, they can nip kids and cats which highly indicates their herding behavior. As it can be counterproductive and can lead to further behavioral issues. My baby lives with a four-year-old male cat and they get along surprisingly well. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'petcreeks_com-box-3','ezslot_8',122,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-petcreeks_com-box-3-0');Do border collies get along with cats? Every time I would get them separated, Kato would immediately initiate another match. Now, how would you feel if someone was following you and watching your every move? In the case of cats, a Border Collie may see them as prey and want to herd them. You must never punish your dog, even if you disagree with the way they are behaving with your cat. . It is important to remember that each pet is an individual and may have different needs. An excellent strategy to help your pets acclimate each other's scents is to exchange their toys, blankets, and beds at least twice a day. And toy dogs were mostly bred to be loving companions even to other species. Also, it helps to provide your cat with a high place to run to. The breeds that are generally sociable and happy to make friends with anyone tend to do best with cats. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. . 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. and 2 cats. It is not unheard of for the two to play together, and even roughhouse! Some cats prefer to be left alone and show little tolerance for other pets. When the BCs were puppies I let the cats intimidate them a little, so they know the cats aren't afraid of them and have weapons at their disposal. Border Collies will thrive in active, outdoorsy households where they can be part of the action. Some dogs can be challenging and take more work. The deterrence method involves actively trying to isolate your border collie and cat from one another, and usually follows a period of unsuccessful socialization. It is important to know the reasons behind why your border collie dog is getting along with the cat. He's always licking them, trying to get them to play ect. Border Collies With Cats. We had a BC who wasn't raised with cats. German Shepherd. While thoroughly researched and meticulously checked, the content on Pet Educate does not constitute, nor should replace any pet medical advice. Aiguo Kai is one of the authors and editors of Pet Creeks, he is focused on teaching and providing useful information about pets. One of the main reasons why Border Collies may become obsessed with cats is their strong herding behavior. Not all cats will get along with even the friendliest of dogs. C/O Pet Educate4736 Royal Ave PMB 109160Eugene, OR 97402United States, Things To Consider When Cat Training There should be no problem as long as your Border collie finds him uninteresting. This way, your collie will be used to being around them from a young age. A natural part of herding is nipping which will not likely be received very well by your cat. Spread a blanket that your cat typically sleeps on your collies bed to get them acclimated to the fragrance. When introducing a cat and dog, it is important to do so gradually. Keep an eye on the borderas they engage with the cat. Ben likes it and interacts playfully with Jes. Border collies do get along with cats if you get both pets from their puppy and kitten stages. With proper training and socialization, the Border Collie is an energetic and friendly choice for families with cats and children. The hissing sounds seemed to indicate that the cat didn't appreciate being herded. 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. Are Border Collies good with cats? Your previous content has been restored. A Border Collie is a playful dog that loves running around and playing with its owner. Border Collies are not always good with cats, especially new or unfamiliar ones. Standard Poodle Poodles are highly energetic dogs that can definitely keep up with a husky's playfulness and exercise routine. Ensure that you have separate places for your border collie and cat(s) to go, and safe areas for them to feel comfortable. Generally, yes, Border collies can live in harmony with a great number of other animals. The Cavalier is as sweet as they come. Border collies can certainly get along with cats, as long as a good relationship is fostered between them. I walk him twice daily with the morning walk being the longest (1.5 miles) and have tried calming treats. As the adage goes, first impression lasts, and it holds true even for our pets. Border Collies love chasing or herding things and can start chasing or herding this may be difficult for you and your cat. Some of the cats ignore the dogs, some love them and like to play with them, and 2 are quite intimidated by them. 1. The cat has smacked her a few times for being too nosy and made her yelp, that's probably why she respects him. But it requires patience, understanding, and proper management to ensure that both pets are happy and healthy. When they herd sheep, border collies first use eye contact, then bark and finally, if necessary, use their teeth. As you may already know, the Border collie is the worlds premier herding breed, and he loves to work above anything else. Herding of other animals can be defined in multiple ways, including chasing, nipping, and barking.