Can Lurcher Live With Cats? [ANSWERED]

Wondering if Lurchers can live with cats? The Lurcher makes a great family companion and will be suitable to live with cats if they are properly introduced to the cat. Lurchers can be trained fairly easily to live harmoniously with cats. 

Are you a Lurcher parent and want to know if they can coexist peacefully with smaller furries like cats? The good news is lots of Lurchers can live happily with cats. 

Lurcher is derived from sighthound crosses and usually has similar temperaments. These lighthearted dogs are happy to make good friends with little furries, consisting of cats. 

Lurcher is an amiable, relaxed, and affectionate dog that makes a great addition to any home setting. Their prey drive could be an issue in homes with cats.

Although they are hardwired for a chase, it is still possible to have them live together with cats. 

Lurchers and cats can be kept successfully together but you do need to be prepared for some level of management to keep the cat safe. You must ensure to manage the initial interactions of the two animals well. 

If your cat and Lurcher are brought up together in a loving and encouraging environment, they’re going to be good friends.

Related Reading: Are Lurchers Dangerous Dogs? End the Stigma!

Can dogs learn to live with cats?

Let’s face it! Dogs and cats are distinct animals that may or may not blend.

You may find your pooch getting wild in the company of cats. Some dogs just do well living with felines while others cannot live peacefully with cats.

Reasons behind dogs and cats not living together well

There are many scientific reasons why cats and dogs don’t naturally get along well. Here are a few of them:

• Dogs are descendants of wolves and are pack animals while cats are sole predators and not pack creatures
• Some dogs are born to chase and never give up. They will eagerly chase the cat in the house or at a park
• Cats generally like to sit back and observe everything while dogs usually do not
• Some dogs have a strong prey drive and when tempted they are single-minded in the pursuit of their prey maybe the kitty
• Dogs are generally more playful and cats feel nervous and frightened by this behaviour

Aggression towards cats around the house is common but early socialization and obedience training will help deter this behavior.

Under the right conditions, many cats and dogs can live together in complete harmony. 

Training dogs to live with cats

Thankfully, there are various ways to reduce the aggressive behavior and tension that may come along when a pup and kitten come into the mix. Dogs can learn to live peacefully in the same household as cats.

• Prepare for the first introduction of cat and dog. Pet parents should remain vigilant and supervise the interactions of dogs with cats. When you first bring your dog to meet the cat, make sure they are on a leash and there is some distance between them.
• Training your dog with basic obedience commands is important as well. If your dog runs after the cat, a “stay” command should be able to stop your dog right away. 
• Go slow! Animals need time to get to know each other’s smells. Introduce the newcomer slowly and carefully.
• As a good parent, show your pets equal amounts of love as you introduce them to each other.
• In the first few days, separate your pets when you are not home and keep them separated until both are calm.
• If your dog remains calm and gets along well with the cat, you must reward them for good behavior.
• Make sure the cat can escape if she needs to. 

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Don’t be worried if you don’t see an improvement within a few days. For some dog breeds, the whole process may take many weeks. You need to be consistent and patient.

Finally, don’t ever punish your dog for not getting along well with the kitty. It will not help and it could make things much worse.

If your cat and dog don’t end up being a personality match, you should have a backup plan. Consider setting up a household arrangement that keeps them separated for the long term.

Signs of a dog living peacefully with cats

There are a couple of ways you can tell if your dog can live peacefully with a cat. Your dog will show signs of submission and calmness, although this may take some time. Here are some signs that show your dog is living peacefully with a cat:

• The dog walks by the cat without barking or growling
• The dog doesn’t chase the cat and shows disinterest in the cat’s presence
• Both are eating food at the same time in harmony
• Both are sleeping near each other
• The dog wags its tail when the cat is around
• The dog is playing gently with the cat

Which dog breeds can live with cats?

Certain dog breeds are born hunters and chasers with a high prey drive. A passing kitty can trigger this predatory impulse.

However, the relationship between a dog with a cat is very much dependent on their personality and how both are introduced and managed, rather than their breed. 

Two ideal dog groups that can peacefully coexist with cats are the toy and sporting groups.

The toy group includes smaller dogs such as King Charles spaniel, Pomeranian, Papillon, and Maltese. They are affectionate companions and playful dogs and have a low tolerance for cats.

The sporting group includes spaniels and retrievers. They can form solid bonds with cats and prove to be good companions. These dogs are friendly and perfect for houses with resident cats.

Usually, the terriers, hounds, and herding groups are hardwired to chase and hunt. Most of them do not have a tendency to get along with feline buddies.

However, with proper introduction and training, they can make great furry siblings! 

For a harmonious relationship between your cat and dog, you need to select the dog breed very carefully. To help you, we have put together a list of the top dog breeds that fit better with feline companions.

• Beagles
• Basset Hound
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Border Collie
• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• Bulldog 
• Poodle 
• Maltese
• Pug
• Pomeranian
• Shetland Sheepdog 
• Papillon
• Boston Terrier 

Are lurchers aggressive?

The Lurcher is a wonderful dog that deserves many belly rubs. Contrary to popular belief, the Lurcher is an incredibly sweet and friendly dog with a sound and reliable temperament.

They enjoy the company of their human companion. 

Like every dog, Lurchers need early socialization. Lurcher puppies must see different people, sights, sounds, and experiences. This helps ensure that your pup grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

If your Lurcher is showing aggressive behavior, this is most probably due to a lack of socialization and not aggression.  Their reactivity with cats and other dogs is normally due to excitement, rather than aggression.  

Lurcher is an energetic, vigorous, and playful breed that benefits greatly from exercise every day. They become bored and mischievous without physical activities. 

Conclusion

If you want your Lurcher to be friendly, it is important to provide them with mental stimulation and physical challenges. It can be in the form of training and play, such as fetch games, obedience training, and running.

Behavioral issues may stem if they do not get exercise and mental stimulation.

Give a loving home to your Lurcher; they just want your love and affection!

Happy petting!