Do Great Pyrenees Get Along With Cats

Do Great Pyrenees Get Along With Cats

Although owning a cat is adorable, having one with a dog can be more enjoyable!

Despite the commonly held assumption that cats and dogs do not get along, many cat owners who also own a dog can testify that these animals get along well with the proper socialization and training.

However, these animals’ personalities and breeds may also impact how well they get along. Several things also influence the compatibility of a dog and cat.

Among them are:

  • Health
  • Age
  • The surroundings
  • Social skills
  • Training
  • The cat’s character

Also, concerns regarding how Great Pyrenees act among cats, whether they get along with them, and if a pet owner can maintain both animals in mostly peaceful coexistence may arise.

Are Cats Compatible With The Great Pyrenees?

In general, cats and Great Pyrenees dogs get along well, mainly if they have been raised and socialized together from an early age or when they were only pups and kittens.

This canine breed was historically well-known for serving as livestock guards, making it protective of the pets it watches over.

They are thus one of the breeds advised if you want to retain these two animals. There will, however, always be some outliers since every dog is different.

The Great Pyrenees is a huge, powerful, heavily-coated, magnificent dog breed. They have a medium-length, luxurious coat that is waterproof, either completely white or with markings and hues of gray, tan, badger, or reddish-brown.

Compared to their undercoat, which is soft, fine, and dense, their outer coat is long, coarse, straight, or somewhat wavy.

In addition to having a black snout and trapezoidal, flopped-down ears, they also have dark brown eyes. This dog has a long, thick tail reaching the hocks.

Males may reach a height of 32 inches and weigh at least 100 pounds, while females can reach a height of 29 inches and around 85 pounds.

They have a 10- to 12-year life expectancy, a propensity for excessive barking, and a daily activity needs of at least 20 to 40 minutes.

The Great Pyrenees Personality

Due to their heritage as solitary guardians of sheep in mountain valleys, Great Pyrenees dogs are exceptionally autonomous.

Although they are composed when not under attack, these steadfast sheep and cattle protectors are nevertheless capable of taking swift action. In addition, they are wise, kind, and patient.

Additionally, these dogs are well known for being loving and dependable, which makes it simpler for them to get along with other domestic pets, particularly if they get proper care and socialization as puppies.

A tranquil atmosphere is assured by the fact that cats and Great Pyrenees are both typically reasonably laid back. When the Pyrenees is subsequently brought into the home after cats have been there for some time, the cats are usually more than willing to defend their fellow residents.

The Pyrenees are also very loving, devoted, and intelligent enough to know when to be watchful and show affection.

However, proper introduction is necessary for the Pyrenees and a cat to form a good alliance, just as with any other breed.

The great Pyrenees are social and often too amiable. The main determining factors, however, are their interactions and the personalities and temperaments of the individual animals.

If you ever want to house these two together, you’ll need to consider their surroundings, including where they are kept, how they are fed, and how they interact.

Ideas To Improve The Relationship Between Your Dog And Cat.

The earliest possible introduction of a Pyr puppy is encouraged if you already have a resident cat.

Although introducing an adult dog is feasible, the success rate is low since it is more complex and requires much more effort.

In contrast to older dogs, who tend to be more resistant to training, puppies are also simpler to housebreak.

The fact that they haven’t had time to become used to cats makes them more inclined to chase after them. The listed below are some suggestions to promote harmony between your dog and cat:

Instead Of Focusing On The Breed, Try To Consider Each Animal’s Character

Check to see whether the personalities of your dog and cat match well. A territorial and violent dog may not be a suitable match for a timid cat, while elderly dogs might not like having extra-active kittens in their territory.

Train Your Dog

Before letting your dog come in contact with a cat:

  • Be sure he has received the proper training.
  • Teach your dog impulse control; otherwise, he won’t likely get along with cats since he would probably lunge at them.
  • Make sure your dog can remain put and that a leash is available for the cat and dog interactions.

Give Your Cat Its Territory Before Introducing It To The Dog

Ensure the dog is not allowed in the cat’s territory since cats are picky about their area. Ensure your house has secure spaces for your cat to explore this familiar environment.

For your cat to feel safe, cat experts advise putting up cat trees, shelves, and a bed at an elevated location.

Additionally, you should restrict your dog’s access to places close to your cat’s litter box since cats are pretty fussy about their private spaces, making it prudent to keep the dog away from it.

Try To Give Your Dog Both Mental And Physical Stimulation

Ensure your dog has enough physical activity to burn off his endless energy to calm down and regulate himself if he is near cats. Give your dog toys, herding exercises, intense trick training, and lure coursing sessions.

Allow Your Dog And Cat To Sniffle Each Other’s Belongings

This will enable your dog and cat to get used to one other’s odors before their in-person meeting. It will pique their curiosity and maybe avert future violence.

Make Their Initial Encounter Pleasurable.

Since cats and dogs like eating, be careful to organize their first encounter at mealtime. Both should be on opposite sides of a locked door with the dog on a leash.

Even if they may not be able to see one another, they will still smell one another while feeding, which will lead to a good connection.

Please do this a few times to gradually introduce the two before you feel comfortable enough to let them dine together in the same room.

Until you are sure you can let the dog go without a leash whenever he is near the cat, make sure a leash restrains him for safety reasons.

Make Sure Their Food And Toys Are In Different Places

Allowing them to have a meal together can help your cat and dog get to know one another. Just be sure to remember to arrange regular mealtimes for them.

Also, separate their bowls for food and water, and put your cat’s dish on a table or another high surface. In the same way, you need to keep their toys apart to prevent arguments.

Consider Bringing Up A Cat And A Dog From An Early Age

The consensus among cat specialists is that young cats and kittens are simpler to socialize and teach than older cats and dogs. Because puppies are more miniature and less self-assured than adult dogs, the hierarchy may be shifted to make room for kittens.

Conclusion

Great Pyrenees dogs are friendly, calm, tolerant, and kind, which makes them excellent with cats.

Due to their past as livestock protectors before becoming well-liked as human companions, these dogs have a protective streak. However, these two canines need the proper socialization and training to prevent confrontation.

Similar Posts