Do Huskies Get Along With Cats? What to Consider Before Getting Both Pets

If you're thinking about getting a husky and a cat but are concerned about how well they'll get along, you're right to be cautious. However, huskies tend to be pretty good with cats as long as they're socialized and trained properly when they're puppies. Thanks to their friendly and sweet nature and their moderate prey drive, huskies are one of the best dog breeds when it comes to living with cats.

We'll explore insights from animal behaviorists, vets, and husky owners to find out what makes huskies more likely to get along with cats. By looking at studies on husky personality traits, socialization best practices, and tips for introducing dogs and cats, you'll learn what you need to know to successfully bring a husky and a cat together in the same home.

The Husky's Temperament and Prey Drive

Huskies are a breed that is known for their high prey drive, which can make them prone to chasing or hunting smaller animals like cats, according to a post on the Husky Owners forum. This "wolfish" behavior is one of the things that makes them different from other domesticated dogs. In fact, according to an article on Medium, there are even "horror stories about huskies that grew up with cats, and then suddenly ate their housemate after years of peace."

Huskies can also be independent and less willing to follow commands than other breeds, which can make training them difficult. This independence is another wolf-like trait, according to the Medium article. In addition, they can be possessive of their food, toys, and even their crate, which can lead to aggression if they aren't trained out of it when they are young.

That said, when huskies are socialized and trained properly, they are friendly, good-natured dogs, according to breed information from Hill's Pet. With the right training, their prey drive and potential for aggression can be controlled, which can make it possible for them to live with cats. This is the foundation for introducing a husky puppy to a resident cat, which will be discussed in the next section.

How to Introduce a Husky Puppy to a Cat

To ensure the safety of both animals and help them develop a positive relationship, the American Humane explains that introducing a husky puppy to a cat should be done slowly and in a controlled manner. This includes starting with separate spaces and allowing the puppy and cat to become familiar with each other's scents before they're introduced, as noted in the Siberian Husky Puppies For Sale article.

When the animals are ready to meet for the first time, make sure they're both on leashes or in separate crates and pay close attention to their body language. The Delaware K9 Academy recommends using positive reinforcement to encourage the puppy to be calm around the cat. In addition, make sure that each animal has their own food bowls, beds, and litter boxes to avoid resource guarding, according to the Siberian Husky Puppies For Sale article.

By following these steps, you can ensure that the puppy and cat are introduced in a way that will make it easier to train the puppy to live with the cat, which we'll cover in the next section.

Training Methods to Help Huskies Get Along With Cats

Obedience training, including commands like 'sit', 'stay', and 'leave it', can help you control your husky's behavior around cats, says Wag!. Desensitization training involves slowly introducing your husky to the cat and rewarding them for staying calm, according to the American Kennel Club.

Proper introductions in a controlled setting, like using barriers or leashes, can help your husky and cat get used to one another, explains the Delaware K9 Academy. Making sure your husky gets enough exercise and mental stimulation can help reduce their excitement and prey drive around the cat, says the Delaware K9 Academy.

It's important to be consistent and patient since it can take time for your husky to adjust to living with a cat, warns the Delaware K9 Academy. However, with the right training methods and supervision, many huskies can learn to live peacefully with cats.

How to Tell If Your Husky and Cat Are Getting Along

According to a Psychology Today article, positive signs that a husky and cat will be able to live together include the cat not hissing or growling at the dog and feeling comfortable in the dog's presence. Meanwhile, the husky should be able to pay attention to its owner and follow commands instead of being too focused on the cat, according to Closer Pets.

According to The Drake Center, signs that a husky and cat are getting along include mutual tolerance and the occasional friendly interaction, such as playing or cuddling. That said, it's also normal for the cat to be a little wary of the dog since cats are generally less comfortable around dogs, according to the Psychology Today article.

With time and the right training, many huskies and cats can live together without conflict or aggression, according to Closer Pets.

When Huskies and Cats May Not Get Along

If a husky continues to show aggression or an unhealthy obsession with the cat after proper introductions and training, the two animals may not be compatible, says PetMD. Cats that are overly aggressive or fearful of dogs may also have a hard time adjusting to living with a husky, according to Metro Vet Chicago.

Huskies that have a history of attacking or causing serious harm to smaller animals should not be placed in a home with cats, according to the Metro Vet Chicago article. In some cases, the two animals' personalities may be too different for them to live together safely, says Psychology Today.

If all attempts to integrate the pets are unsuccessful, the animals may need to be separated or one may need to be rehomed for their own well-being, according to Metro Vet Chicago. With the right interventions, many huskies and cats can live together successfully, but it's important to take each situation into account.

Conclusion: How to Make a Husky and Cat Get Along

With the right precautions, training, and time, many huskies can live in harmony with cats in the same home. Early socialization, obedience training, and slow introductions are all important in helping the husky and cat get along. Making sure the husky has its own resources, exercise, and mental stimulation can also help control its prey drive and high energy levels.

Despite the difficulties, many husky owners have been able to successfully bring cats into their homes by learning about the breed and its needs. In the end, it's important to pay close attention to the individual animals and their behaviors and reactions to determine their compatibility and ensure a safe, happy home.