Do Huskies Get Along with Cats?

In most circumstances, huskies might not be compatible with cats due to their stubbornness.

Huskies have innate hunting instincts that make them more prone to chasing smaller prey.

However, they can become friendly with each other. You can help them get along through patience and supervision.

It might be better for you to start this process early instead of later.

Why Some People Might Want Their Cats and Dogs to Get Along

Socialization is a significant factor in how dogs behave when interacting with humans and animals. Many people want their pets to get along to ensure they’re safe when left alone. 

They might do this to reduce the instances of keeping them in separate rooms. Keeping huskies and cats together might also prevent them from becoming lonely or jealous.

All dogs have the potential to become friends with cats.

However, they also have the potential to never get along with them. Sometimes it depends on previous exposure or experience with cats.

Although your dog’s personality might differ from others, some dogs’ cat intolerance is innate. 

Why Are Huskies More Likely to Not Befriend Cats?

One factor your husky might not get along with cats is their natural prey drive.

When surviving in harsh winter conditions, huskies typically hunt down vulnerable prey to survive.

Although your husky might not live in the wilderness, this genetic trait carries over. It might have the urge to chase smaller animals, from squirrels to cats.

While this isn’t the case with some Huskies, there are several precautions you should take.

Some owners find huskies’ stubbornness another obstacle in helping them befriend cats. Training this breed to be around animals might be challenging for inexperienced owners.

What Happens If My Husky Chases Cats?

If your cat likes running around the house, this might activate a husky’s prey drive. They instinctively chase after small moving creatures in hopes of catching or harming them.

Suppose your husky chases your cat around the room, and the cat gets cornered. Your cat might hiss at your husky and attempt to swat or scratch it. 

When this occurs, you should consider your husky’s history with cats. If your husky experienced cat problems in their previous home, prioritize amending these issues.

Another conflict that might incite chasing includes when your pets’ temperaments clash with each other. A hyperactive husky might overwhelm a lax cat when they become overstimulated.

What Other Factors Should I Consider?

A husky’s prey drive is only one factor in whether or not it will befriend your cat. Two other factors to consider are body language and differences in play behavior.

Body Language

Misunderstandings between felines and canines result from not understanding each animal’s body language. An action a dog does might mean something different when cats do it.

For example, a wagging tail on a dog indicates excitement or friendly behavior while playing. When a cat wags its tail rapidly, it might indicate annoyance or unhappiness.

Dogs and cats also share some body language signs for distress or aggression. Examples of this behavior include stiff movement, showing their teeth, and growling at a threat.

One thing I recommend you remember when considering body language is this: cats aren’t dogs.

Differences in Play Behavior

It would also be wise to pay attention to your dog and cat’s play styles. A large husky might showcase playtime behavior that’s rougher than how cats play.

If your husky pounces on your cat, its weight might accidentally hurt it. When your cat grabs and bunny kicks your husky, its claws might scratch it.

Separating them when a play session gets rough is a swift solution to consider.

What Can I Do to Make Husky and Cat Get Along?

Although huskies and cats might not always get along, creating friendships isn’t impossible. There are several things you can do to help them improve their relationship.

Although you can’t permanently get rid of a husky’s prey drive, you can minimize it. The length of this process might differ between dogs, but you shouldn’t rush it.

Introduce Them Early

Introducing a husky puppy to a cat early on can reduce future conflicts. You’re more likely to correct a puppy’s prey drive behavior than an adult husky.

This integration might take longer for some cats and dogs than others. It would be best to avoid forcing your pets to interact with each other.

Patience is an essential factor to consider for more organic results. By doing this, you make it less likely for hostility to develop.

It might be best if you keep your husky on a leash during these introductions. By initiating control, you let the dog know that acting hostile to cats is wrong.

Supervise Their Brief Interactions

One solution many pet owners might consider implementing is dividing their pets’ interaction time. This technique might be more relevant for pet owners who keep their cats and dogs inside.

From your perspective, you might prefer having time to yourself after interacting with others. 

It would be wise to start this process with five-minute meetings per day. As they become familiar with each other, you can increase that time to 10 minutes. 

When they become closer, it’s still a good idea to monitor their interactions. Your pets might accidentally provoke each other, and the situation can escalate without immediate intervention.

Manage Your Husky’s Energy

Huskies are a robust breed that requires consistent physical activity to release pent-up energy. Without proper stimulation, they’re more likely to chase after your cat.

One solution you can try is engaging your dog in physical activity or playtime. You can let your husky run in the yard or take them on a walk. 

Some huskies might have more energy than others, depending on their age or health.

On the other hand, letting your cat burn some energy might make them less likely to run around. Without this burst of energy, your husky won’t chase your cats.

Separate Your Husky and Cat When You Need to Leave the House

Some pet owners assume letting a cat and dog interact constantly makes them get closer. That isn’t always the case since several circumstances can initiate negative behavior between them.

You might feel nervous leaving your pets alone if you need to leave home. One solution you can try is placing your husky and cat in separate areas.

Each pet should have an area with food, water, a bathroom space, and a bed. Leaving toys in these areas should keep them from engaging in destructive behavior.

These boundaries are necessary if you want to control territorial cats and huskies. By keeping their distance, they won’t act defensive about their space, food, and toys.

You can place a baby gate between open doorways if the rooms are close together. A cat might jump over this boundary, so consider its placement carefully.

Provide Equal Attention to Them

When sharing a home with cats and huskies, it’s essential to give them attention. It’s your responsibility to ensure that each pet doesn’t feel neglected compared to another.

Although extroverted huskies openly show their need for attention, cats are more subtle. They’ll rub against your legs and trill when they crave a caress under their chins.

Dedicating equal hours of socialization with you is an ideal solution for keeping them happy. If you spend an hour with your husky, spend an hour with your cat.

Training a Husky to Cooperate with Cats

Some husky owners might dedicate their time perfecting their dog’s responses to commands. By reviewing the basic commands, your husky can focus on your voice instead of cats. 

Although training works for some huskies, others might have trouble resisting a chase. When telling your husky to stay or stay, use their favorite treats to distract them.

When a cat passes by your husky, wave a toy to entice them. This method helps the dog equate ignoring the cat with playtime.

Making Your Home Suitable for Huskies and Cats

Your cats might feel vulnerable if your husky chases them to every corner of your home.

Thankfully, there are several ways that your cat can avoid these stressful situations to feel safer.

You can install shelves throughout your cat’s dwelling area to provide high perching areas. You can form these shelves as a pathway for them to explore safely. 

Having a bird’s-eye view of the room can help cats scope the room more effectively. If they need a break from your husky, they have a safe base to access.

Your cat might feel safer from a husky who’s ready to chase.

If the husky chases the cat, it can scale its cat tower or shelves. Depending on its heights, the husky won’t access the space.

Installing these perches accommodates a cat’s instincts, similar to a husky’s innate prey drive. It satisfies their needs of observing their territory and getting the privacy they need.

Conclusion

Most huskies have natural prey drives, which might interfere with getting along with cats.

Their stubborn and energetic temperaments might clash with cats with lax or skittish personalities. Pet owners unfamiliar with specific pet body language might contribute to this unrest.

It typically takes a lot of effort to build relationships between huskies and cats. Even when you introduce them early, you’ll need to supervise their interactions.

It would help if you balanced their limited time together and their time with you. Other practical solutions include training your huskie and providing safe areas for your cats.

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