Greyhounds are not your typical pet dogs. Typically, a greyhound is a special breed of a dog bred for coursing game and racing. They also possess a compliant and great personality to adapt seamlessly to a new lifestyle. Most greyhounds are naturally well behaved, laid back, and sensitive. However, like any other dog species, they have a chase instinct and won’t hesitate to race cats and other small animals. And due to their high speed, they will quickly catch up with the cat and inflict serious injuries.
So the big question is, are greyhounds good with cats? Yes, they are good with cats. If you positively train your dogs, they will live happily with other small domestic animals, including cats. A greyhound needs to be appropriately cat tested and carefully introduced to the cat to achieve a match made in heaven.
Tips for Socializing Your Cat with Your Greyhound
A greyhound and a cat can learn to live together peacefully. However, whether or not the two get along depends on the training procedure you adopt. The following are the tips that will help you to socialize your pets together:
Creating a sanctuary
When getting started, ensure you put the cat in a dog-free sanctuary at all times. The room you choose should have robust and secure ceilings and doors. The sanctuary should also feature multiple high areas that will allow the cat to escape if the greyhound access to the room. It is also essential to create enough time to manage the pet’s interactions sufficiently.
Separate the pets.
Ensure to keep the pets separate for at least four days before making any move to socialize them.
The sanctuary should share one secure wall. Although they may not see each other, they can smell and hear each other. The goal is to enable the pets to get used to each other before they have face-to-face contact. You should also call in the vet to check the animals and clear them of any illnesses. A check-up will prevent a sick animal from infecting the other.
Opposite feeding
You should also feed the pets on the opposite side of the closed door. The goal of this move is to teach the pets to associate the presence of each other with pleasant things like food. As the feeding progresses, the food bowls should be moved closer to the closed door so they can feel each other’s presence during feeding. As you keep moving the bowls closer and closer to each other, you will notice that the pets are feeding more calmly next to each other.
Teach your dog basic commands.
It is also crucial to teach your Greyhound basic obedience cues that will help in controlling them. Basic commands such as “sit”, “go”, “come” will be handy when you introduce the dog to the cat. The training sessions should be short, effective, and pleasant. For every command that the dog masters, ensure you give a reward.
Use face to face meetings.
Once you notice the pets are eating their food calmly and peacefully while opposite each other, it is time to begin face to face meetings. The meetings should be conducted in a safe and spacious area with enough hideouts for the cat to escape into if something goes wrong.
The first few sessions should be as short and calm as possible. Ensure you keep the dog firmly on a leash while the cat should be free to move in front of him as many times as possible. In case any of the pet behaves aggressively, carefully restrain them to prevent injury.
Command the dog to sit and offer appropriate rewards whenever they sit calmly in the presence of the cat. In case the dog displays any form of aggressive behavior, calmly distract them from the cat or return them to their rooms.
Repeat sessions constantly.
Practice makes perfect, and daily face to face sessions will quicken the friendship of the dog and cat. You should also identify your pets’ favorite treats and save them for the time they spend together. When the cat leaves the room, ensure it goes calmly for the dog to avoid chasing it. Each session should not last for too long; otherwise, the pets may show stress or aggression.
Allow the pets to interact freely.
Once you are sure the animals are getting along with each other, allows the pets to interact in the same room. Ensure you attach the dog’s leash and let him drag it on the floor. In case the dog starts chasing the cat, you can quickly step on the leash and prevent him from getting overly excited.
In case tensions erupt during the training, go back to the first step and repeat the whole process. Remember to ensure the cat has free access to a dog-proof sanctuary at all times. It is wise to keep the pets in their separate rooms if you are not available to supervise their interactions.
Mistakes People Make While Socializing Cats With Dogs
Socializing greyhounds and cats is tricky. If you fail to do it right, you may end up losing either or both pets. Socializing a dog to a cat is not an automatic process. It needs time, patience, and a sound training strategy free from any mistakes. The following are a common mistake to avoid while socializing cats with dogs:
1. Failure to understand your Greyhound
You don’t just get a new dog and, after a few days, introduce him to the cat. Not every greyhound is cat safe. First impressions are also not always accurate. A greyhound may show little interest in the cat during their first-time interactions only to devour the cat in the subsequent interactions.
2. Using unfamiliar settings
If you use strange rooms and spaces to introduce cats to the dogs, they may become stressed and agitated and start going after each other. The training space should be conducive and free from any noise or stimuli that may distract the greyhound, causing them to withdraw and give you inaccurate cat tests.
3. Few cat tests
If you fail to carry out as many tests as possible before placing the greyhound on the cat area, it may result in disastrous results. The greyhound may appear disinterested or even friendly to the cat during the first few tests only to behave aggressively towards the cat in subsequent tests. Where possible, it is wise to put the greyhound in foster care with cats before adoption.
4. Forcing your greyhound to socialize
Not all greyhounds want to socialize with cats. Some were never socialized when they were puppies and thus never learned any social behavior. Others may have had bad past experiences. Others are natural introverts and won’t appreciate sharing their spaces with other animals, let alone cats. You should start by determining whether your pet wants to play with other pets before introducing your dog to your cat.
5. Ignoring mixed signals
Sometimes the dog gives mixed signals when in the presence of a cat. They may play well with the cat on a particular day only to bark and lunge on it the next day. If the dog is showing occasional but repeated aggressive behavior towards the cat, it is wise to separate the pets. An aggressive dog is giving out clear information. It is upon you to take that information and keep the cat safe and away from him.
6. Letting your dog meet new cats face first
Allowing your dog to meet cat face-to-face anew in their first introduction is not only dangerous for the pets but also the handlers. If either of the pets decides they are not friends, they may end up fighting, and you may not be able to stop quick injuries. Before introducing the dog face to face with a cat, ensure you have followed the steps listed in the subtopic above.
A review of Playful Toys for Cats and Greyhounds
The ideal toys will keep your pets happy and healthy. The following are some of the safest pet toys that will keep your cat and dog occupied:
1.Kong Wubba Toy for Dogs
Dogs have immense energy for playing and exploring their immediate surroundings. Kong Wubba is one of the ideal toys for a playful dog due to its interactive nature. The fun-filled toy comes with a durable reinforced nylon fabric covering a top tennis ball and a squeaker ball underneath. It also features a long tail that makes picking and throwing easy and fun.
2. YOU THINK cat scratcher
Cats love to scratch when playing. They also scratch ideally to mark their territory and remove a dead outer layer in their claws. That is why you need to get your feline friend this ideal toy. The toy features a fully scratchable cardboard ring that you can move in various shapes. With this toy, you can rest assured that your cat will never get bored.
3. Trixie Mad Scientist interactive dog toy
This interactive dog toy is a slow feeder that helps your dog ingest their food at a slower speed. The unit allows you to stuff each beaker with treats or toys. The dog will figure out how to flip open the lid for them to access a delicious morsel. The toy comes with intermediate level pups that help the dog indulge in some fun activity. The dog will play and feed at the same time.
4. PetSafe FUNkitty interactive toy for cat
Cats can get sick from eating too quickly. This interactive food dispensing toy prevents such a thing from happening. The toy will engage the cat while protecting his tummy. It comes with a round egg shape that rolls around to amuse the cat as she tries to get some food. The cat will playfully keep moving the toy as she snags on the treat.
5. Kong Cozies toys for dogs
This cute and cuddly toy ensures your canine is kept busy throughout the day. The toy which features an extra layer of material to make it tough is ideal for a game of fetch. Cozies come in a variety of amazing cute characters, and it is wise to choose the most appropriate one for your dog. The toy also features a minimal filling for minimal mess and a squeak that helps entice the pet to play.
6. FIRIK toys for cats
This toy is designed with an automatic rolling light that entices the cat to jump and play. The toy will help your cat to play more and exercise when you are not around. The toy rolls irregularly and changes direction whenever it meets with resistance. The cat will keep chasing the attractive light across the room. The light is safe and will not hurt your cat’s eyes in any way.
7. KONG extreme dog toy
In case you are searching for a highly durable and interactive chew toy, then go for this unit. The toy is made of a highly durable and all-natural rubber that cannot tear in an extreme chewers’ mouths. You can stuff the toy with your dog’s favorite food like peanut butter or yogurt, then let him discover the tasty surprise.
The dog will typically play with the toy while sniffing out and rolling it over as he tries to figure out what is inside the toy. During hot summer days, you can freeze the toy to help keep the canine’s temperature low. The toy keeps dogs challenged both physically and mentally while he plays with it.
8. Cosmic catnip cat toy
This pickle cat toy is an aromatic toy that encourages your pet to play. It features a compact design that is neither too big nor small for the cat’s mouth. Once the pickles are exhausted, you can easily refill them to enable the cat to continue playing. The cat will play using the toy by throwing it around before rolling over it. The cat can also hold the toy on their paws and lick it playfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take for my dog to get used to a cat?
Although some pairings could work out quickly and enable fast friendship, in most cases, it may take between two and three weeks before the two pets develop a peaceful interaction. The time it will take for the pets to get sued to each other will depend on the interaction strategy that one adopts. However, there are rare instances where the relationship refuses to work completely.
What is the best way to introduce a cat to a dog?
The best strategy is to allow both pets to share one room. However, the dog should be separately and securely leashed. You should continue with this activity until the pets are calm and able to eat and peacefully use the litter box.
Should I get a cat before a dog?
The best strategy is to adopt a kitten raised with friendly or indifferent dogs. Once you are sure your dog is not an aggressive type, you can introduce the cat but under strict supervision. Any sign of aggression should warn you to remove the cat away from the dog.
Do dogs and cats get along to mate have babies?
Not. Cats and dogs are different species and cannot mate and have babies.
How do I tell if a dog is aggressive towards my cat?
It is easy to determine if your dog is aggressive towards your dog. All you have to do is pay closer attention to your dog’s behavior. Aggressive dogs tend to stare, bark, snarl, growl, or snap whenever a cat is in their presence. They also raise their tails and erect their ears. Others will move their tail from side to side when a cat moves near them.
What do I do if a dog bites my cat?
If a dog bites a cat while playing, you need to do the following as soon as possible:
- Use soap and clean disinfected water to wash the wound.
- Afterward, use a clean, dry towel to pressure the injured area to stop bleeding gently.
- You should then cover the wound using a sterile bandage.
- Call a vet and have him check out the wound. The vet may decide to give the cat a shot to prevent the wound from becoming septic.
What are the key signs of stress in cats and dogs?
There are several stress indicators when it comes to the pets you are keeping. These include:
- Whining or barking.
- Drooling, licking and yawning
- Changes in body posture
- Panting pacing up and down or shaking
- Changes in eyes and ears
- Shedding
Nothing beats harmoniously living with pets that get along and live well together in a household. Evidently, greyhounds can get along with your cats when the right measures are taken. The relationship may not be instantaneous; it might take thorough training before the two establish a lasting bond, but it is achievable. With these helpful tips, you’re well on your path to harmonious pet living.
