Are Corgis Good With Cats? [Owners Guide & Introduction Tips]

If you own or are looking to own, multiple different pets then naturally you are going to want to know whether they will get along. Dogs and cats are commonly portrayed as being ‘enemies’, but is this actually the case? What about the corgi breed and cats specifically? Intrigued and requiring such information, I decided to conduct research into the topic. I would like to share this with you here today.

So, are corgis good with cats? Corgis are typically good with cats, as long as you socialize them together from a young age. It is particularly effective if you can socialize a puppy corgi with a young cat; generally the younger they are the easier you will find it.

Knowing that corgis can get along with cats is positive to learn. Particularly if you own one or the other and are hoping to introduce them together shortly.

And thankfully, this information is based on feedback from individuals who already own a corgi and a cat.

You’ll often find testimonials on pet forums and this is an often asked question among the pet community.

It appears that corgis get along with cats because they are able to see them as another playmate. But, whether cats will like and trust a corgi is another matter.

To get a better picture of how these two animals interact with one another, we must understand the behavioral traits of each pet and their different way of being in the world.

Corgis And Cats

If you own a corgi and a cat at the same time, understandably, you have a different relationship with each pet.

Corgis can foster good relationships with other animals, including cats, with early socialization. This appears to be key.

Corgis naturally work well with livestock as they have a long history with these animals. For the most part, this breed will often initiate play and be friendly with other animals.

With all of that said, every corgi is different, and some will be more defensive towards other animals than others.

Some corgis are more likely to act aggressively towards unfamiliar animals. This can be observed through chasing after and barking at other animals until they leave, such as dogs at the park.

While not all corgis are happy to live with cats, they do seem to be the exception. For the most part these animals can co-exist.

Cats are territorial animals in nature that like to be left alone. Kittens, however, are very playful, and it’s at this age that they can get used to their corgi housemate.

It is at this time that you stand the best chance of successful of a positive relationship being formed.

Corgis are quite loud and active, which may not suit older cats well. Cats can be aloof, and they don’t live to please anyone but themselves. Your cat may love your corgi or hate him, but it is unlikely that your pooch will attack your cat.

When a cat and corgi meet for the first time, it is almost customary for a corgi to chase the cat; but this is just your dog’s way of expressing their herding instincts -they often mean no harm.

Cats don’t like to be chased, and your cat will be frightened by the corgi at first.

Both animals regard themselves as the alpha pet, although corgis are more submissive than cats and, as a result, are easier to train.

It does take time, but generally, corgis and cats get along quite well, especially where the corgi is well trained.

How To Introduce A Corgi To Your Cat?

As previously mentioned, when a corgi is introduced to a cat for the first time, they are inclined to give chase.

This is a traumatic experience for any cat, and as the owner, you have the responsibility to ensure that your cat feels safe around the corgi, and you must not allow any chases to take place.

In the beginning, make sure to leash your corgi when they are around your cat.

You may feel your dog pull at the leash wanting to chase the cat; you must hold firm onto the leash, and always refrain from doing so.

Provide your cat with escape routes; they may need to flee if they feel uncomfortable.

When your corgi is calm around your cat and can keep its focus on you when called, reward your dog’s good behavior with a treat.

Don’t forget your cat when handing out treats, as these will equally need to be rewarded for good behavior.

Here are some other techniques that are known to work particularly well:

Safe Zones

In the room in which you introduce your pets, ensure that there are safe zones for your cat to escape to. Places above the ground are ideal. This will help your cat to tolerate your corgi’s behavior.

Command or Phrase

Teach your corgi a command or phrase that you can use to stop them from behaving in a particular way.

Dogs are generally easier to train than cats and doing so can help you overcome a range of behavioral problems.

If your corgi is your initial pet, and you’re bringing home a kitten/cat, it will be a little more challenging. Kittens are generally more excited than a mature/adult cats, so you need to try and keep your corgi calm. Kittens/cats are known to frighten and can even lash out if they feel threatened.

Tire Your Corgi

By taking your corgi on regular walks, keeping them active and playing with them, you can tire them out. This will help when you need to introduce them to your cat.

It is particularly effective if you take your corgi into mentally stimulating social environments and situations like the park. With a lot of people, dogs and other animals around they will naturally become more excited and burn through a lot of energy.

From there, you’ll find they have less ‘available’ when they return home and you place them alongside your kitten/cat.

Provide Enough Attention To Your Cat

One of the most common mistakes during the early stages of owning a corgi alongside a cat is neglecting the cat. This is especially true if the dog is new, and is purchased as a young puppy.

You need to ensure your cat still feels appreciated and loved, making sure they have everything they need.

Try to treat and look after them in the exact same way as you did prior to getting a dog. So, if they like your attention be sure to continue to give them it. Alternatively if they do not like being petted this is not the time to start! This will help keep their stress down and your bond strong.

Failing this you can always take your cat to a vet. They often are able to recommend calming medications which may be able to help your cat adapt to the new environment and presence of a dog.

Feed Separately

Even after time has passed and your corgi and cats are getting along, its never a good idea to feed them together.

During feeding, there is always the potential for a falling out!

While it may be easier for you as an owner to feed them together – it usually does not pan out very well for your pets.

So, you’ll want to feed them in separate places. Providing your dogs food on the ground and a place for your cat to eat higher up generally works well.

Corgis have quite an apatite, and all animals want to protect their food! So, you do not want to run the risk of one pet going for the others food.

Body Language To Pay Attention To

Body language is crucial when trying to get your cat and corgi to coexist peacefully.

Corgis are, by nature, very confident in themselves and extremely playful; sometimes, their playfulness can come across as intimidating, especially to a cat.

When your corgi is about to chase a cat, they will be very excited. It will show in their posture.

They may lift their rear while their front legs lowered, with their tail wagging. This is your corgi’s way of initiating play.

They will have this posture before leaping forward to chase the cat, no malice is intended with this display of body language.

If your corgi shows aggression towards your cat, this can be worrying.

They will look suspicious of your cat, their tail will be straight, eyes will be full, and ears pointed upwards.

If they growl at your cat or looks like they wants to attack your cat, it could take longer than expected before any bond is formed between the two pets.

You must make sure that your cat is comfortable around your corgi.

Once your cat feels comfortable around your corgi, it will show on their face. And your cat’s posture won’t be tense.

Be prepared for the fact that it may take time for your cat and corgi to become friends, or at least tolerable of one another.

Always play it safe and edge on the side of caution. Be sure to only introduce them for a limited amount of time in the beginning. Remain close and be wiling to break them up quickly.

Finally

Corgis and humans are a match made in heaven. If you have the time and the energy for these highly active dogs, you are guaranteed a loyal and affectionate companion that wants to be involved in everything you do.

Corgis were working dogs initially, that were used to herd cattle – they certainly are accustomed to bossing other animals!

Nonetheless, corgis are generally good with cats despite their very different temperaments.

Corgis are very excitable dogs and quite vocal. Cats are quiet and aloof; not liking company like dogs. But this does not mean you cannot get them to peacefully co-exist.

Training them from a young age, and socializing them together – particularly in the early days following adoption is your best approach. The ideal scenario is a puppy corgi and a kitten. From there its a puppy corgi and a cat.

Irregardless of their age, you can get them to get along with another. It just may take some more time and some more careful planning.

Ultimately, your cat and corgi may love or hate one another, but only time will tell. You’ll never know and it can all be down to individual pet temperament and personality that you will struggle to ever overcome. This may be true with any other animal. You may find for example your corgi does not even get along with other dogs!

It is essential that both animals feel safe around each other, particularly cats, as corgis are likely to chase them. This is not pleasant for a kitten/cat and can lead to stress.

As a responsible pet owner, who’s trying to get these two pets to coexist peacefully, you must not let your corgi give chase.

Corgis are known to love the thrill of chasing smaller animals. But, this must be managed. Training them is your best strategy.

Beyond this, allow your cat to have a means of escape. For if they need to, they will feel safe.