Many people assume that cats and dogs are natural enemies. But these pets can sometimes live together. The most important thing is to keep your cat with a dog the same size. Welsh corgis meet this essential requirement for co-housing with cats. But it would be best if you also considered the dog’s individual personality.
The biggest challenge in keeping cats and corgis together is the excitement of this dog breed. Corgis possess a strong instinct to chase and herd smaller animals. This can startle a cat at first but eventually prove beneficial. Corgis and cats both like to chase, so once they get along, they will play together.
If you train and socialize your corgi correctly, it can be a good companion for a cat.
Since corgis rarely suffer from separation anxiety, your pets can keep each other company while you are busy. However, take the time to train your corgi properly.
Can Corgis Live With Cats?
To enjoy a harmonious life together, two animals must get along.
Mutual tolerance is essential when bringing two unrelated species together. After all, dogs and cats speak different languages.
This begs the question of whether corgis like cats. The good news is that corgis are easygoing dogs that often enjoy positive relationships with other animals. They are especially popular as working dogs, especially on farms.
Therefore, corgis and cats have many traits in common. Both animals are intelligent and usually have similar size and stature.
The only problem that can arise is that of instinct. Cats are territorial, and corgis are curious. Territorial disputes can arise from this.
The best way to keep cats and corgis together is to take both animals when they are young. After all, puppies and kittens are equally playful.
When the two animals grow up together, they quickly learn to accept each other and can become friends. Unfortunately, an age difference makes the relationship dynamic more difficult.
What is the Character of Corgis?
Corgis are popular pets worldwide due in no small part to their loving nature. Corgis are also known for their intelligence and loyalty.
If your corgi befriends your cat, he will protect his feline friend from anything and anyone that could harm him.
However, this intelligence can also manifest itself as bossiness. Corgis are working dogs that are used to herd livestock.
This does help corgis get along with other animals. But it also means they tend to chase and bark at smaller animals.
If you have a nervous or anxious cat, this can lead to an unpleasant dynamic.
If your cat is particularly dominant, he won’t like being bossed around by a corgi, either. This can lead to conflict.
Do Corgis Get Along With Cats?
Contrary to popular belief, cats and dogs can live together and even become friends. Most of these conspecifics have a friendly relationship with each other.
However, you will need to take steps to make the relationship work.
As mentioned earlier, corgis may chase cats on sight. But such actions are not born of ill intent. The dog is simply doing what comes naturally.
Unfortunately, cats also react instinctively. If the cat flees, the corgi continues to chase it. If the cat attacks, the corgi will fight back.
To ensure that cats and corgis remain friendly with each other, it is essential to meet the needs of both animals.
Essentially, you need to provide a corgi with the physical exercise it needs. Avoid too much exuberance, and the relationship will remain balanced.
Which Cat Breeds Go Best With Corgis?
If you want to keep cats and corgis under the same roof, pair your dog with an appropriate cat breed.
As mentioned before, you will have the best success with a kitten. Young cats naturally fit a corgi’s playful energy and mindset.
Even among kittens, some breeds are more playful than others. The following cat breeds get along best with a corgi:
- Abyssinian: this mischievous, playful breed shares fun-loving traits with the corgi.
- American Shorthair: this cat breed enjoys the company of dogs.
- Bengal: a Bengal cat is always on the move and looking for attention. A corgi will make sure she gets it.
- Japanese Bobtail: these cats like to hunt and play with balls, making them ideal dog companions.
- Maine Coon: The gentle giants of the feline world. This friendly breed is not afraid of the size of a corgi.
Of course, these are all just rough guidelines. Each cat has its character, and each of these breeds can be fearful or antisocial.
However, this is rare. Most of the cats mentioned above have no problem living with corgis.
Can Cats and Corgis Play Together?
Most corgis will happily befriend a cat. These dogs love company and love to play.
And although they love to cuddle, corgis rarely suffer from separation anxiety. Cats and corgis can entertain each other when you’re not around.
Best of all, cats and corgis like similar games. Just like cats, corgis have a strong prey drive.
Both animals enjoy chasing a laser pointer or string toy. Make time for both animals to avoid jealousy or resentment.
Most corgis are not into rough play, either. Although corgis have a similar size as cats, they often weigh twice as much.
So you usually don’t need to worry about corgis trying to pick a fight.
Can Corgis Kill Cats?
Corgis are not aggressive animals unless they are mistreated.
Therefore, you should have no concerns about leaving a cat and a corgi alone together. The dog will not attempt to do physical harm to the cat.
Keep in mind, however, that corgis are vocal. When a cat growls or hisses at a corgi, the dog will likely respond in kind.
Loud barking can be intimidating to a cat and exacerbate a conflict. Corgis are not hostile, but they are not scared by cats either.
A corgi may not be the ideal companion if you have an indoor cat that is unfriendly to newcomers.
At best, it will take some time for the animals to bond. If bullied, a corgi will return what it gets. If the cat ignores the corgi, the dog will reciprocate as well.
Accustoming Corgis to Cats
In What Order Should You Introduce Corgis and Cats?
You should place the dog first if you bring dogs and cats into a household together. Dogs are usually more receptive to cats in their territory than vice versa.
Because corgis are so excitable and strong-willed, they need one-on-one training time, particularly as a puppy.
Once you manage to get the corgi under control, introduce the cat. Ideally, the cat should be equally young.
A kitten will enjoy the playful energy of a corgi. An older cat will find this annoying at best, frightening, and torturous at worst.
How Should You Introduce Cats and Corgis to Each Other?
As with any reuniting of different species, patience is required. Don’t just combine the two animals and expect them to be friends.
The first meeting will likely be accompanied by barking, hissing, and growling.
Give both the cat and the dog a chance to get to know the scent of their new roommate before they physically meet.
Before encouraging the corgi to meet in person, take it for an extended walk. Exercise will make the dog tired and less excitable.
Your corgi will probably still have the instinct to chase the cat. Corgis are not much bigger than cats, but they are big enough to act that way out of instinct.
Therefore, keep the corgi on a leash to restrict its movement.
Let the animals sniff each other. Stay close by in case a fight breaks out.
The first encounter between a cat and a corgi should not set a dangerous precedent. With any luck, the two animals will ignore or even be gentle with each other.
Offer the cat and dog a treat so that they see each other as a source of enjoyment.
Finally, let the corgi off the leash and let the two interact freely. Leave all doors open as you do this. If the corgi gets excited, the cat must be able to escape.
How Long Does It Take for Cats and Corgis to Become Comfortable With Each Other?
There is no hard and fast rule for how long it takes cats and corgis to become friends.
Generally, the younger both animals are, the sooner this will happen. However, it depends on individual personalities.
Consider the Needs of Corgi and Cat
Successfully reuniting a cat and corgi is the first step in a longer process.
For these two animals to live together harmoniously, they must have their needs met. It can be a balancing act to keep both pets happy.
In theory, cats and corgis have opposing needs. Corgis follow their owners around the house, while cats prefer to be alone.
Corgis would play all day if they could. Cats announce when they want interaction. Corgis are bundles of energy. Cats are comparatively lethargic.
Such differences can create an imbalance in the home. Don’t neglect the cat to focus on the corgi.
Cats are more independent than dogs but still get restless when their owner ignores them. Make time for both pets.
The best way to do this is to devote a specific time of day to each pet. Cats are crepuscular and most active at dawn and dusk. Corgis, fortunately, can sleep longer.
The early morning should, therefore, belong to your cat. Offer the cat food, play, petting, and grooming at the beginning of the day.
Most cats will sleep through most of the day, then. The afternoon is ideal for taking your corgi for a long walk.
A long walk and playtime will tire the corgi out and fulfill his exercise needs.
When the cat stirs again and becomes active with the onset of the evening, your corgi will be relaxed.
When the corgi is exhausted, he will be comparatively calm in the evening and at night. You can then concentrate fully on your cat again.
Conclusion: Do Corgis and Cats Get Along?
So, do corgis get along well with cats? Yes, if both pets are appropriately socialized.
No one can predict the individual personalities of each animal. However, as a general rule, corgis and cats get along well in size and temperament.
They usually get along well as long as you treat both animals equally.