Are German Shepherds Safe For Cats? Complete Guide
German Shepherds rank at the top of the popularity charts of dog breeds worldwide, and they are beloved for their loyalty, smartness, and strength. However, pet owners often come with a haunting question: “german shephard safe with cats?” Or “Do German Shephard and cats live together”
This is particularly relevant because German Shepherds are quite big dogs and quite active, as against the general nature of cats that are smaller and even more independent. In this post, we shall understand if the German shepherd gets along with cats. What are some of the potential signs if you do have doubts? How can you help both get along peacefully? Let’s find out.
Do German Shepherds Love Cats?
The relationship between a German Shepherd and a cat depends entirely on the dog itself and how it has been socialised. Some German Shepherds get along great with cats, whereas others are more curious or even fearful of them. So the question is, How are German Shepherd with cats? and the answer to this is “It depends”.
German Shepherds are innately protective and loyal animals. When raised with a cat, they become more attached to the feline.
This can occur, especially if the two are exposed to each other at a young age. Puppies are generally more easily adaptable, and through proper German shepherd care tips, they would learn to respect and love the cat as one of the family members.
However, if a German Shepherd is not properly introduced to the cat or has been kept without exposure to cats previously, it may consider the cat prey or competition. That is why socialisation becomes the key determinant of how well do they stay together That is german shephard with cats .
Another important part is training. You should let your German Shepherd understand that the cat is not a threat and is not something to be chased. Many German Shepherds can learn to peacefully coexist with cats through positive reinforcement and careful supervision.
Good German shepherd care also entails teaching them boundaries around smaller animals.
Check out German Shepherds Good with Cats as pets?
Why Is My German Shepherd Obsessed With My Cat?
The obsession of german shephard with cats is a common phenomenon observed in many German Shepherd owners. However, many of these pet owners remain puzzled about why this happens. But there are certain reasons behind this fact:
1. Instinctual Hunting Behavior: German Shepherds have an instigation to want to hunt. At other times, they can be obsessive with a cat because of their instincts. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the German Shepherd is trying to hurt the cat; the cat might fascinate them regarding its movement.
2. Curiosity: German Shepherds are intelligent dogs. If your cat is a new arrival at home, your German Shepherd may find a reason to be curious about this new creature. This curiosity could appear to you as an obsession at first but often fades as the dog becomes familiar with the cat.
3. Protective instinct: German Shepherds are very protective animals. If they consider your cat part of the family, they may become too obsessed with surveillance. This protective instinct may seem like an obsession, but it can be harmless. you can see a new version of your german shephard with cats If the protective instincts are active in dog.
4. Lack of Mental Stimulation: German Shepherds are highly active and intelligent dogs. Without proper mental and physical exercise, they can begin to obsess over the cat as entertainment. Regular German shepherd care tips regarding adequate mental stimulation and exercise will keep such obsessive behaviour at bay.
If your German Shepherd is too obsessed with your cat, you have to train it. You can provide your dog with much exercise and mental stimulation to engage its brain.
Toys, games, and walks can be great distractions for your dog away from this aspect. However, you must still observe them and separate them if an accident occurs. Eventually, your dog will unlearn the habit of chasing or paying attention to the cat.
How to Tell If a Dog Wants to Hurt a Cat?
As astonishing as this might sound, yes, some german shephard are afraid with cats. Of course, you want to know why. There are a few reasons for this phenomenon:
1. Past Experience: If a German Shepherd has ever been scratched or hissed at by a cat, it will develop a fear of all cats. Though they are much bigger than cats, a sharp scratch on the nose might imprint on their psyche for the long term.
2. Poor Socialization: If your German Shepherd dog has never been exposed to cats during its sensitive developmental phase, it will not know what to do when it first encounters one. Without proper socialisation, a dog unfamiliar with other animals, such as a cat, may find them scary.
3. Behavior of Cats: Some cats are very aggressive, and if the dog makes a threatening appearance to the cat, it will hiss, growl or swat at it. If the cat is agitated or defensive, the German Shepherd becomes afraid and, therefore, tries to avoid a cat, in most cases, to protect itself.
4. Sentimental Temperament: Beneath its tough exterior, the German Shepherd is an extremely sensitive dog. It is rather sensitive to its surroundings and easily swayed by emotions or aggression, if any, emanating from the cat.
If your German Shepherd fears your cat, do not force him to play. Allow both time to familiarise themselves with each other’s existence. Over time, through encouragement and reward for good behaviour, they could learn to live with each other without causing a threat or conflict.
In this case, how to care for a German Shepherd concerns the management of his fear and confidence building over the cat.
How to Tell If a Dog Wants to Hurt a Cat?
Although most German Shepherds can peacefully coexist with cats, there are also instances where the dog would have aggressive tendencies. As a dog owner, it is essential to recognise warning signs where a dog might want to attack a cat. Key signals to look for are as follows:
1. Staring and Stalking: If your German Shepherd is constantly staring at your cat intently in a stalking manner, it could be a sign of predatory instincts. It’s a common way of fixation that turns out to be a chase in the mind for some dogs.
2. Growling or Snarling: Aggressive snarling or baring of teeth are clear signs that your dog feels threatened and is in a high state of aggression. These may be red flags in a dog’s intentions to harm the cat.
3. Lunging or Chasing: This is a danger sign if your German Shepherd lunges at or chases your cat. However, some dogs chase a cat just out of curiosity, and repeated lunging could be an attempt to hurt the cat. Some separation and supervision are ideal in such situations.
4. Raised Hackles: When hackles are raised on a dog, it indicates that the animal is highly aroused, either due to fear, aggression, or excitement. When other signs of aggression are combined with raised hackles, the dog can be considered a threat to the cat.
5. Barking and Snapping: If your dog barks aggressively and snaps at the cat, this is a warning sign that the dog doesn’t like the kitty and intends to attack.
It is very important to respond to these warning signs fast. Good German shepherd care tips include training them not to be aggressive with the cat. Sometimes, you will have to call a dog trainer or behaviourist to sort the aggression out.
How to Introduce a German Shepherd to a Cat
Honestly, German Shepherds and cats would best get along if you properly introduce them. So here is the step-by-step guide on how to take care of a German Shepherd during introductions:
1. Separate them first: Put the new cat or dog in another room, behind closed doors, to allow them to become familiar with each other’s scent.
2. Introduce Them Behind a Barrier: After they become used to the scents, it is time for them to see each other but not physically interact. One excellent way to do this is to introduce them behind a baby gate.
3. First Meetings Handled Observation: When you let them meet face-to-face, ensure that this location is quiet and controllable. Place a leash on your German Shepherd and observe their meetings.
4. Rewarding Calm Behavior: You must reward every time your dog is calm about the cat. This can be in the form of treats, praise, or some dog-friendly play with it. This way, the dog gets accustomed to connecting the cat with pleasant experiences.
5. Gradual Freedom: Once the dog appears comfortable and calm in the presence of your cat, you can begin granting the dogs a little bit of freedom together. Monitor the situation until you are sure they can get along.
Provided you exercise patience and correct training for German Shepherds, quite a number of them learn to live in harmony with cats. Proper care of German shepherds at all times will ensure you have a peaceful household.
Check out Are German Shepherds Good with Kids? Everything You Need To Know. Moreover Understanding the Body Language of Big Dogs like German Shephards: Everything You Need To Know to get a deeper understanding of the breed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, are German Shepherds good with cats? German Shepherds can be good with cats if one trains them properly, takes care of them properly, and socialises them well. Whether your dog is obsessed with your cat or terrified of your cat, when you have taken all the right steps, there will certainly be a home safe and happy for both pets.
FAQs
1. Are German Shepherds naturally aggressive towards cats?
No, there is nothing like German Shepherds being inherently aggressive toward cats. Their behaviour depends upon socialisation and training. Proper German shepherd care tips are needed to live peacefully.
2. Can German Shepherds and cats be friends?
Of course, by doing proper introductions and adequate training, it is possible that various German Shepherds and cats can have a close bond with each other and become terrific friends.
3. What should I do if my German Shepherd chases my cat?
Any moment you catch your German Shepherd following your cat, intervene and separate them. Your dog should be taught to remain composed when facing the cat. Professional guidance is available in such matters.
4. How can I make my German Shepherd cease such an obsession with my cat?
If your German Shepherd appears fixated on your cat, ensure that your dog receives sufficient mental and physical stimulation. Make your dog think of other things. Use toys, games, and exercises and give it many things to do rather than becoming an obsessive loner.
5. Can I leave my German Shepherd alone with my cat?
Do not leave them unsupervised together until you can guarantee they get along and display no aggressive behaviour. Proper German shepherd care should always mean the safety of all animals in your house.
