Corgis are such fun, loyal, smart dogs to own so maybe you’ve been considering getting one. But if you already have a cat at home you are probably wondering how well the two will get along.
Generally, corgis get along quite well with cats as long as they’re introduced slowly and carefully.
Corgis can bequite social and excitable dogs and will likely be a fantastic addition to your family — even if you already have a cat. However, it’s best to start training them early and with some very specific steps to minimize any aggression that may come from either animal.
Corgis And Their Relationship With Cats
Corgis are typically quite playful dogs and they love to play with other animals. And since corgis are often one of the main types of dog breedthat people choose to add to a home that already has a cat, some breeders will raise their corgi puppies around cats so they’re already socialized.
However, if your cat doesn’t like to play, they may get annoyed at the corgi’s boisterous behavior and possibly get scared if your corgi chases her. And if they do get along get ready for some noisy, rambunctious play!
Creating The Best Living Situation For A Corgi And A Cat
Even if your corgi and cat get along well, it’s best to make sure you give your cat plenty of places to get away from your playful corgi every so often. A cat tree with a high perch or a bed on top of tall drawers are a few ideal places for them to have some needed alone time without the energetic corgi bothering them.
When it comes to feeding time, you’ll want to make sure your cat and your corgi are always fed in separate areas. They can both become quite territorial about their food and should be allowed a quiet and peaceful atmosphere to eat their meals.
Make sure you clean up their food after they’ve eaten and discourage them from eating each other’s food. Corgis tend to eat everything they possibly can so they will likely eat any leftover cat food they find — which can be dangerous because cat food isn’t good for dogs to eat, and it can cause them to gain weight.
Preparing Your Cat To Live With Your Corgi
If you’ve never had any other animals your cat is probably pretty pleased to have your full attention and it may take a while before your cat gets used to sharing you. So, in order to help your cat get used to having another animal around there are some things you should do to help prepare your cat for your new corgi:
Prepare a Cat-only Area.
You should always have a safe space for your cat to go to, but when they’re first being introduced to another animal it’s more important than ever to create a space for your cat to retreat to. This space should hold a comfortable, familiar sleeping mat or bed for your cat, food, toys, litter box, scratching post or surface, and their water bowl.
Make sure your cat free area is free of poisonous plants, breakable items, a lot of clutter, and anything else that could harm them. Allow them to come and go as they please.
Keep the Pets Separate.
For at least the first week — maybe longer — it’s important to keep your pets apart. This is especially important if you’re still working on completing vaccinations and/or getting a clean bill of health for your new corgi.
Keep your new corgi sequestered in a different area from your cat for a few days so they can get used to each other being around through smell and sound.
Feed Them Close Together.
Pets can be quite territorial about their food and often can’t relax and eat if unfamiliar animals are around.
Each night during the first week they’re separated move their food bowls a little closer to each other until their bowls are separated by only a door. Once they’re both able to calmly eat while separated only by this door they’re likely ready for face-to-face meetings.
Start Face-to-face Meetings.
Pick a common area of the house (not the cat’s sanctuary nor the space the corgi has been in) and introduce your animals to each other. For the first few times, make sure these visits are short and sweet. Keep your corgi on a leash and let your cat inspect him.
Do not hold either pet or force them to interact with each other. Reward good behavior with pats and treats, and redirect any aggressive behavior. Repeat these meetings once or twice a day lengthening the visits as needed.
Let Them Loose Together.
Once things are going well during the shorter meetings, you’ll be able to let them loose together. But you must monitor them! Separate them immediately if there is any aggression on either pet’s part and try again later. Keep access to both sanctuary areas open for pets to retreat to easily.
Continue To Monitor them.
Even when your cat and corgi are getting along well you should still keep an eye on them and stop and deal with any aggression quickly.
Preparing Your Corgi To Live With A Cat
Your corgi will likely react a lot better to a cat being added to their family then if the situation was reversed. But it’s still a good idea to follow the steps above for introducing your pets — although you can probably simply keep them apart for an initial 2 or 3 days rather than a week.
How To Help A Cat Get Along With A Corgi?
Your cat may not appreciate a corgi being added into the mix. But if your cat is playful, they’ll likely get used to your new corgi after the initial introduction period. And if your cat prefers to be alone or isn’t very playful just make sure you have their sanctuary set up and available for them to go to whenever they want.
If your animals are still not getting along and one or both of them are continuing to exhibit aggressive behavior after a month or two you may want to consult your veterinarian or a professional pet trainer for some tips.
How To Help Corgis Become Adjusted To Living With A Cat?
After a short period of apprehension, your corgi will likely be very excited to play with your cat. However, it’s up to the cat if they want to play with the corgi or not. If you’re bringing a kitten into the mix chances are it will be as rambunctious as your corgi, but if you’re bringing in an adult cat they may not be quite as willing to play.
Never scold your corgi for attempting to play or interact with your cat, but redirect them to another activity. Hopefully, your corgi will eventually learn that the cat doesn’t like to play and will leave them alone most or all of the time.
Importance Of Socializing Your Corgi
It’s very important to socialize your corgi so you can trust they will behave well when they come upon other unfamiliar animals or children.
Ideally, you will start socializing your corgi when it’s a puppy, however, you can still work on socializing them as an adult — but know that it could take longer to achieve results.
One way of socializing your corgi is to leash them and bring them into a controlled area with other animals or children who are quiet and still. Allow them to smell around the new animal or child for short periods of time and make sure to redirect any aggressive behavior and reward them for good behavior.
Corgis And Other Small Animals
If corgis are socialized properly, they can likely be around other small animals with few problems. They may appear to chase cats, rabbits, squirrels, and other small wildlife if they come across them but usually this is just an attempt to initiate play with them, and not to do them any harm.
It’s not uncommon for a corgi to bark repeatedly at another dog or animal they are unfamiliar with, especially if that animal is near their yard. This is your corgi expressing dominance, and although they won’t likely get aggressive, it’s best to redirect their actions if they start doing this.
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