The struggle can be real when you want to be a cat and dog parent. It’s known that the two animals don’t typically get along, with cats swiping at dogs, and dogs chasing cats. This can cause a lot of fear and anxiety in any household, leaving one to wonder, can a German Shepherd Husky mix be good with a cat?
Your German Shepherd Husky mix (Shepskies) can be good with cats. Shepskies are known to be affectionate, but you will also need to dedicate training time for this friendship to work. Your dog and cat will get along great with early socialization, training, and a little luck.
We are going to break down how exactly your German Shepherd Husky mix can get along with cats and solutions you can work through if they don’t. With a little guidance, some tools, and patience, your two pets can easily like each other.
German Shepherd Husky mix temperament
Shepskies inherit the traits of loyalty and bravery that you see in a German Shepherd but the friendliness, fun, and gentle traits of a Husky. The two mixed together can give you this incredible breed that is intelligent, gentle with animals, and eager to please its owner.
How to tame a German Shepherd Husky Mix prey drive
One issue you may run into when introducing a cat is your dog’s prey drive.
Dogs with a high prey drive will chase or stalk your cat at home. This can create fear, anxiety, and overall a problematic household for both pets since there can be a lot of fear involved.
Both German Shepherds and Huskies have a strong prey drive, which can turn on when a cat is introduced. The best way to handle it is to train it from when you bring your dog home.
Introduce your German Shepherd Husky mix to as many new animals as possible. They will learn right away who is a friend and who isn’t. Your dog will also take constant cues from you as to who a friendly animal is.
Age is important when introducing your German Shepherd Husky Mix to a cat
Age is an essential factor when considering introducing a cat to the family. The earlier you can socialize your German Shepherd Husky mix, the easier it will be when a cat comes into place.
The first three months of your dog’s life is the best time to socialize with them. By starting sooner, you have a better chance of your German Shepherd Husky mix being gentle around a cat.
Other important factors include both pets’ personalities. While some can be playful, others are more reserved, this can cause either pet to not want to be cuddled. Boundaries are important as well because each pet needs to respect the boundaries of the others to help add structure to their life.
If you already own a cat, try getting a German Shepherd Husky mix puppy. This will allow you time to show your dog how to behave appropriately around a cat. If you own an adult Shepsky, training is your best bet, which we will get into later.
How to train a German Shepherd Husky mix to get along with cats?
You’ve decided you want a cat, so your next step is training your German Shepherd Husky mix to behave right. You’ll already be halfway there if your dog knows basic obedience training. Here are a few helpful tips.
How to bring a cat into a home with a German Shepherd Husky mix
The biggest thing you need to do when bringing a cat into your home is to separate the two animals. Allow your German Shepherd Husky mix to have its own space; the same goes for your cat.
The steps you need to take when first introducing your German Shepherd Husky mix to a cat
The below steps are a great way to introduce your German Shepherd Husky mix to your cat. Remember, these steps can take time. Don’t be surprised if two weeks pass and your cat and dog are still separate. Reward both pets for good behavior as well; it will make introducing them easier.
| Step 1 | Separate both animals until your dog is trained. Put each animal in a different room. |
| Step 2 | Get your pets used to each other’s scent. Bring a towel, blanket, or material from each animal to the opposite, allowing them to discover the cloth on their own. |
| Step 3 | Allow your pets to see each other but not be in the same room. |
| Step 4 | Allow the pets to get closer but still separate with a gate. |
| Step 5 | Get your dog on a leash and allow it to smell your cat. |
Adding a Shepsky to the family with a cat
If you already own a cat, adding a dig might be simpler then you think. For the easiest method, getting a puppy Shepsky will allow your dog to see your cat as a friend and not foe. It will be raised from the beginning with a cat and usually that helps curve the prey’s driving instincts.
If you get an adult Shepsky, you’ll want to isolate the cat from it for a few weeks until they are used to each other. The above steps will be the same in having your new Shepsky meet your cat.
Why you need to Train your German Shepherd Husky mix
You’ll have a rocky road ahead if your German Shepherd Husky mix isn’t trained. Basic obedience training offers excellent tools and commands to ensure your dog listens when needed. Without proper training, you will start at ground zero when introducing your cat and dog.
Training Commands your German Shepherd Husky Mix Needs to Know
These are must-knows when it comes to commands and your German Shepherd Husky mix. These commands are perfect when putting your dog into an unknown situation because you can rely on your dog to listen.
Sit
When your dog’s bottom touches the ground.
Stay
When you place your dog in a sit or down, they don’t move.
Come
When you ask your dog to come directly to you.
Leave it
When your dog leaves whatever is peeking, it’s interesting.
How to stop German Shepherd Husky Mix from chasing cats?
So your dog and cat are fighting, and you need your German Shepherd Husky mix to stop chasing the cat. According to the American Kennel Club, you can do a few things to stop it.
First, if possible, you want to train your dog from a puppy around cats. They will learn that cats are friends and not something to chase. You can use the above tools to help introduce the two. Second, you want to change the behavior. It won’t be easy to change the behavior, but here are some helpful tips.
| Reintroduce | Introduce the pair again and encourage them to be calm. |
| Use commands like “leave it” | “Leave it” and “come” can help train your dog to leave your cat alone. |
| Professional help | Asking for help from a professional is okay. |
If your Shepsky has a high prey drive, it will cause the dog to chase the cat. That is why stemming the prey-drive instinct when your Shepsky is young is vital to raising it with a cat. Training is important because your Shepsky will know to listen to you instead of chasing the cat.
Can you train your cat to get along with a German Shepherd Husky mix?
The short answer is yes, but it will take time. Cats do things on their own terms. As long as your German Shepherd Husky mix is calm and gentle around the cat, eventually, they will come around.
How long does it take for a cat to get used to a dog?
It can take a few weeks, think 2 to 3, for your cat to get used to a dog, according to Adoptapet.com. Their personalities and temperaments will be a factor when your cat meets your dog for the first time. The most important thing to remember is not to rush the meetings; let your cat do it on their terms.
What do I do if my cat hates my German Shepherd Husky mix?
Sometimes there isn’t anything you can do to make your cat love your German Shepherd Husky mix. There are a few steps you can take to make your cat feel safe and loved and made the transition easier, according to Hills Pet:
- Introduce them slowly
- Prioritize your cat’s safety
- Watch your cat for stress
- Give your cat a lot of playtimes (your dog too)
- Break up fights safely
How do you stop your cat from being aggressive toward your dog?
You always want to watch your cat for aggression when meeting a new dog. Aggression can look like a lot of things, tail wagging, running, and hiding, to name a few. According to the San Francisco SPCA, you must separate and slowly introduce the animals. The moment aggression hits, isolate the animals and don’t punish them.
If the aggression continues, you might need to call a professional for help. Cats are a lot harder to train. Tools like a spray bottle can help stop your cat from attacking your dog when you see them begin to get agitated. Cats love treats as much as dogs, so when they’re behaving nicely around your Shepsky, give positive reinforcement with treats.
Now it’s on you
Wondering if your German Shepherd Husky mix would be good with a cat might be a priority on your mind. While training your German Shepherd Husky to be gentle around cats will take work, it’s not impossible. Allow yourself to do the work, succeed, and have fun introducing your two new family members.
More on German Shepherd Husky Mix: A Designer Breed You Can’t Miss
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- Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes Easy to Train?
- Are German Shepherd Husky Mixes Good with Cats?
- How Cold is Too Cold for a German Shepherd Husky Mix?
- Can Shepskies Live Outside by Themselves?
- Can a Shepsky Live in an Apartment?
- What is the Lifespan of a German Shepherd Husky Mix?
- How Much Does a German Shepherd Husky Mix Cost?
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