Are Great Pyrenees Dogs Good with Cats? Vet-Verified Facts & Info
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While cats and dogs have a reputation for not getting along, it is possible to keep both pets in your home and have them coexist peacefully, even lovingly. With a properly socialized cat and dog, and with gradual introductions, they can live together and sometimes even become good friends with ongoing supervision. But certain breeds may be more likely to get along with cats better than others.
The Great Pyrenees generally gets along with cats, as well as most people and other dogs, when socialized with other animals from a young age, as they are widely considered gentle giants. However, it is important to remember that the individual dog’s character and their early experiences are often more important than their breed, and if you introduce a dog and a cat when they are both very young, there is a much greater chance that they will form a close bond.
Read on for more information on the Great Pyrenees breed and whether it is known for being a good breed to keep with cats.
About the Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees breed comes from the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain. It was bred to guard and protect flocks and would have also undertaken other tasks for the farmer. This working breed would have been left to guard flocks, typically with very little human intervention, so they have an independent and courageous nature, and the guardian would have barked at any potential threat, thereby alerting the flock and the farmer to any attack.
Are Great Pyrenees Good with Cats?
While the Great Pyrenees was bred to be a guardian, it would have been used to fend off larger animals than cats, generally including wolves. It was not used for hunting, so the Pyrenees do not have an instinct to chase or attack smaller animals.
Therefore, in properly socialized dogs, when introduced gradually, and under constant supervision, the Great Pyrenees will likely accept your cat. They may even see them as something to guard and protect, rather than something to chase and fight. This means that a typical Great Pyrenees would be more likely to live in harmony with a family cat and they can make a very good choice of dog breed for those families with cats.
How to Introduce a Great Pyrenees to Your Cats
Although in most cases the Pyrenees is believed to be a good breed to keep with cats if socialized adequately from an early age, individual character is more important than the breed. Some dogs will naturally want to chase or potentially even attack cats. This is more common in dogs that have had little or no contact with cats previously, but puppies may see a running cat as something to play with, and the size of the Great Pyrenees means that even a playful dog can cause serious injury to a cat, or the cat to them.
Careful and gradual introductions are important and should ideally be done when your dog is a puppy and your cat a kitten. However, if this isn’t possible, consider your dog’s or cat’s character first and early experiences, before considering getting the other species. Not all dogs will get along with cats, and this can sometimes be predicted based on their behavior towards other animals. If you’re not planning to get one or the other animal species still for some time, be sure to socialize your existing puppy or kitten from a young age with other animals, so they will be more accepting of any newcomers when they grow up.
Be very patient when introducing puppies and kittens. Give the cat somewhere they can escape to that the dog can’t go, and keep your puppy on a leash when making early introductions. Start with scent exchange and slow and relaxed introductions where they will initially just see each other without interacting, while both being rewarded with treats and praise. This can also be done with your puppy in their crate. If the kitten is the one in the crate, make sure they are relaxed and not hiding, with a safe space they can retreat to if it all becomes overwhelming, and keep the dog calm and not directly facing the crate. Supervise them at all times and offer tasty treats. After spending time around each other in a calm way, they can be allowed to sniff one another with the puppy or dog remaining on the leash, so the cat doesn’t feel threatened by a bouncy dog. Make regular introductions in this way until both the cat and dog barely register the other’s presence.
Eventually, you can let your puppy off the leash, while ensuring there is a safe space the cat can hide in without the dog being able to reach it. It is possible for your kitten or cat to give a warning swipe at the dog, but do ensure the dog doesn’t retaliate and supervise all their interactions.
Encourage your Pyrenees to sit and give praise and a reward when they do. Keep giving treats as long as your dog remains calm, and let your cat investigate and sniff while also reassuring them. Don’t try and push the introduction. Keep early meetings short, gradually increasing the time and reducing reliance on the leash as things progress.
It will take time before you can leave your cat and dog alone together in your home, and it can be frustrating to have to keep separating them, but this gradual rate of introduction will pay off in the long run. In some instances, mainly based on the animal’s character, such as in dogs who are very competitive around resources like food and even water bowls, supervision may be constantly required or separation of the two if left home alone.
Can a Great Pyrenees Be An Indoor Dog?
The Great Pyrenees is a large breed and it does require plenty of outdoor exercise and mental stimulation every single day to stay in good health and top shape, to reduce boredom and frustration. However, they shouldn’t be left outside for long periods or overnight especially without an appropriate shelter, as the Pyrenees are very affectionate and loyal and enjoy indoor time with their families.
Are Great Pyrenees Difficult Dogs?
The Pyrenees is known for being gentle, loving, and loyal. The breed can be prone to barking, although generally only at perceived threats. But they were bred to be independent, strong, and courageous, which is great when they are guarding a herd. By ensuring you have the time for consistent training and ongoing socializing, the Pyrenees will make an excellent family dog, even for families with cats and other dogs.
Conclusion
The Great Pyrenees is a large dog with a big heart. They will form a close bond with their family, which can even include feline family members, in adequately socialized dogs. Do ensure you make proper, gradual introductions, however, and be sure to train good manners so your Pyrenees doesn’t paw at your kitten or chase them around the house.
Featured Image Credit: Randi Plasky, Shutterstock
