Cats and dogs are often thought of as natural enemies. In reality, they can be the best of friends — if you choose the right dog breed, that is. One popular option for those looking for a canine-feline companionship is the Cardigan Welsh corgi. Continue reading to learn more about Corgis and cats.
Personality Traits of Corgis That May Make Them Good or Bad With Cats
Before you go out and adopt a Corgi, it’s important to know about their personalities and temperaments so you can find one that’s compatible with your cat.
Herding Instinct
Corgis are herding dogs, which means they have a strong instinct to chase and herd smaller animals. This can be both good and bad when it comes to cats. On the one hand, the Corgi’s herding instinct can make them try to herd the cat, which can be annoying or even scary for your kitty. However, this same trait can also lead to the two animals playing together once they get to know each other.
Intelligence
Corgis are also known for being intelligent, which can be either a pro or a con when it comes to living with cats. On the plus side, their intelligence means they’re quick learners and can be trained not to chase or herd your cat. However, their intelligence also means they may get bored easily, and without enough stimulation, they may start to act out in undesirable ways — like herding the cat.
Size
When it comes to cats and dogs, size is always an important factor to consider. The good news is that Corgis are a medium-sized breed, so they’re not too big or small compared to most cats. This means they’re less likely to accidentally hurt your kitty during playtime, and they’re also not so small that the cat can easily bully them.
Loyalty
Corgis are also very loyal dogs, which means they may try to protect their feline friend from perceived threats — like the vacuum cleaner. This can be a good thing if you have a timid cat, but it may not be so welcome if your cat is more independent and doesn’t want the Corgi always underfoot.
Friendliness
Corgis are generally friendly dogs, and they typically love meeting new people and animals. This means they’re more likely to get along with your cat from the start, but it also means they may not be the best guard dog since they’re so eager to make friends.
Energy Level
Corgis are high-energy dogs and require a lot of exercise. If your cat is not used to having a lot of activity in the home, they may be stressed by the addition of a corgi.
Shedding
Corgis shed a lot of fur, which can be problematic for cats that are already prone to allergies. You will need to brush your Corgi often and vacuum regularly to keep the shedding under control.
Tips for Successfully Pairing a Corgi With a Cat
1. Choose the right corgi.
If you want your Corgi and cat to get along, it’s important to choose a Corgi with a good temperament. Avoid choosing a Corgi that is overly excitable or aggressive.
2. Give them time to adjust.
When you first bring your Corgi home, keep them separated from the cat until they have had a chance to settle in. After a few days, slowly introduce them to each other. Start by letting the cat sniff the Corgi while they are in their crate. Then, allow them to have short supervised interactions.
3. Be consistent with training.
It’s important to be consistent with your training when you have both a cat and a Corgi. Corgis are intelligent dogs and can learn quickly, but they need to be taught what is expected of them. If you allow the Corgi to chase the cat sometimes and not others, they will likely become confused and may start to view the cat as a toy.
Potential Problems
It’s important to consider the potential problems that can arise if your cat and Corgi aren’t the right match. Let’s break them down.
Stress
If a Corgi and cat don’t get along, it can be stressful for both animals. The Corgi may become frustrated and start to herd the cat, which can be annoying or even scary for the cat. The cat may also become stressed and may start to avoid the Corgi altogether. Stress can lead to unwanted, problem behaviors like:
- Destructiveness
- Anger
- Aggression
- Potty habit changes
- Training regression
- Stubbornness
- Clinginess
- Stomach upset
Injury
In extreme cases, the two animals may fight, which can lead to injuries. This is more likely to happen if the Corgi is not properly trained or if the cat is particularly timid.
Conclusion
Corgis can make good companions for cats, but it’s important to choose the right Corgi and to take steps to help them get along. Be prepared for some challenges, but know that the benefits of a successful pairing can be great.
Featured Image Credit: Irina Shtrakbein, Shutterstock
