Can Corgis Live With Cats? 7 Tips For A Great Relationship
Maybe you’ve already got a cat. Maybe you’ve already got a corgi. Now you want to know: Can corgis live with cats?
Yes, corgis can live with cats. The secret to a happy relationship between cats and corgis is patience and ideally, introducing them when one or both are young.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the reality of corgis and cats co-existing.
I’ll also share my 7 top tips to help corgis and cats get along harmoniously.
Let’s go!
Will my corgi chase my cat?
It’s important to remember that corgis are herding dogs.
This means that it’s in their nature to round up other animals and humans like they used to do with cattle.
Now, some corgis don’t display these herding tendencies. But some do. And those corgis are the ones more likely to chase cats.
If you’re wondering how to get your corgi to stop chasing your cat, this will require training and patience.
The training will include recall and possibly using an adjustable lead.
If your corgi starts chasing the cat, immediately call their name to get their attention. It’s important that you stop the chase before it begins.
Each time your corgi notices your cat, repeat the action above: say their name and distract their attention. If you use commands like ‘stop’ and ‘leave it’ with your corgi, now is a good time to use these.
Using a firm voice and preventing the chase before it happens will teach your corgi that this is bad behavior.
However, if this still isn’t working after multiple tries, you might need to use a leash.
When the cat is present, attach your corgi to the leash and follow the instructions above, using a firm voice and commands to prevent a chase.
Keep doing this until your corgi learns to stay calm around the cat, and looks to you when they’re present rather than immediately trying to chase.
How do you introduce a cat or kitten to a corgi?
The best way to introduce a cat or kitten to a corgi is slowly.
The same goes for any new pet you introduce to your corgi, but especially when they’re a small (sometimes annoying!) kitten.
When you first bring your cat home, make sure they have somewhere separate from your corgi to sleep, eat and play.
Allow your corgi to get used to their smell without having to interact with them yet.
Then, allow your corgi and the cat to “meet” with a baby gate or other form of barrier between them.
This will prevent either pet from chasing the other and getting their relationship off to a bad start.
Use a gentle voice and positive words to show your corgi that the kitten is a welcome member of the family.
Whatever you do, don’t try to force interactions.
It will take time for the cat and the corgi to get used to each other and start enjoying each other’s company.
Do corgis and cats actually get along?
Yes, corgis and cats can get along really well.
But like all humans and animals, some get along better than others.
And some take longer to warm to one another than others.
7 tips to help corgis and cats get along
Can corgis live with cats?
Here are 7 tips to help your cat and corgi get along harmoniously.
- Introduce them at a young age
- Practice patience
- Discourage bad behavior (like chasing)
- Reward good behavior
- Supervise their early interactions
- Give each animal their space
- Watch them during feeding time
1. Introduce them at a young age
This isn’t always possible, but introducing a kitten to an adult corgi or a puppy to a cat is sometimes easier than introducing two adults.
That’s because an older animal usually has an awareness that they’re in the presence of a kitten or puppy.
The incumbent pet may try to ‘train’ the kitten or puppy, or they may ignore them altogether.
And in response, the kitten or puppy will follow the lead of the adult pet and learn what’s acceptable behavior and what isn’t.
2. Practice patience
You probably don’t immediately hit it off with every person you meet, so why would corgis and cats be any different?
Make sure you give them time to get used to each other.
And be aware that this could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
A slow and steady approach really does win the race when it comes to happy corgi-cat relations.
You may have to facilitate several ‘introductions’ between your corgi and your cat until they both start to feel comfortable.
2. Supervise their early interactions
It’s really important to closely supervise all interactions your cat and corgi have when they first begin living together.
This will allow you to nip any bad behavior in the bud (like chasing) and ensure they’re both safe and happy.
If your corgi is quite boisterous, you may want to put them on a leash or put a baby gate between them and the cat the first several times they meet.
This will stop your corgi from freaking out about another animal invading their territory.
Some pet owners will keep their cat and corgi separated in different parts of the house for a few days to allow them to scent swap before meeting.
3. Discourage bad behavior
When your corgi first meets your new cat, it’s important they learn what is and isn’t acceptable behavior.
You need to be prepared to discipline them with a firm ‘no’ or ‘leave it’ if they try to chase the cat.
If your corgi continually tries to chase or harm your new pet cat even after their initial excitement dies down, consult your vet.
They’ll be able to refer you to a dog behaviorist who can provide you with advice.
4. Reward good behavior
When your corgi is calm around your cat, make sure you reward their behavior.
You can do this with verbal praise or treats.
6. Give each animal their space
It’s really important that you give each animal their space.
Especially the pet that was living in the house first.
If that was your corgi, make sure they have a safe space to eat and sleep that’s away from the cat’s sleeping/feeding area.
Ideally, this is the space they’ve always had as their own.
This will help minimize the disruption of someone new being in ‘their’ home.
7. Watch them during feeding time
Corgis can get territorial over their food, particularly if they’re used to being the only pet.
During the first few weeks that your cat is in the home, make sure you keep a close eye on both animals during feeding time.
This will ensure that your corgi doesn’t show signs of aggression and learns that the cat isn’t a threat.
Don’t forget to also keep the cat’s food out of reach of your corgi!
Cat food can make corgis really sick.
My corgi Winston once inhaled a bowl of cat kibble on New Year’s Eve and he spent the next 3 days suffering from horrible sickness and diarrhea.
So make sure to keep your cat’s food out of their reach!
Related FAQs
Are corgis good with other pets?
Yes, corgis are generally very good with other pets because they’re sociable, playful dogs.
They can be a little dominant, too, so make sure you introduce any pet to your corgi gradually.
Are corgis good at being left alone?
No, corgis are not good at being left alone. In fact, they absolutely hate to be left alone. They are very sociable, loyal dogs that crave human companionship. I don’t recommend you leave them alone on their own regularly for more than a couple of hours (maximum).
Are corgis low or high maintenance?
Corgis are hardy little dogs that adapt well to change. They do require regular physical activity (at least 45-60 minutes per day) and plenty of mental stimulation.
Otherwise, they’re an easy-going dog perfect for first time owners and families alike.
