These dogs struggle with feline companionship, and here’s why
Cats and dogs may live together in harmony, but that doesn’t mean every breed is cut out for it. Some dogs have an instinctual drive to chase, herd, or even hunt smaller animals, making coexisting with a cat more of a challenge. If you’re thinking of introducing a dog into a home with a cat, knowing which breeds have a history of not getting along with felines can save you a lot of stress.
While training and early socialization can help, instincts run deep in certain breeds. Whether it’s a powerful prey drive, high energy, or territorial behavior, these dogs might make life difficult for your feline companion. Here are 15 breeds that tend to struggle with living alongside cats.
1. The American Pit Bull Terrier has a strong prey drive that makes cats a risky companion.
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a loyal and affectionate breed, but its terrier lineage means a high prey drive is baked into its instincts. According to Dogster, this breed was originally bred for hunting and dog sports, which means it’s naturally inclined to chase smaller animals like cats.
Even with proper training, some Pit Bulls may still find it difficult to resist their instinct to chase. While individual dogs can be raised to tolerate feline companions, introducing them requires careful supervision. If you’re bringing a Pit Bull into a home with a cat, it’s crucial to start socialization early and establish boundaries to prevent unwanted chasing or confrontations.
2. The Scottish Deerhound’s hunting background makes it a relentless chaser.
Scottish Deerhounds were bred to hunt deer, and that instinct to chase anything smaller than them still remains. As noted by Dogster, their natural gaming instincts make it difficult for them to coexist peacefully with cats.
Even though they are gentle giants, their sheer size and speed make them a danger to small animals. If they see a cat running, their instincts take over, and they will likely give chase without a second thought. While they may not mean harm, the risk of accidental injury is high. If you have both a cat and a Scottish Deerhound, keeping them in separate spaces or ensuring controlled introductions is a must.
3. The Greyhound’s speed and prey drive put cats at risk.
Greyhounds are famous for their lightning-fast speed, but that’s also what makes them a challenge for households with cats. According to Dogster, their high-speed prey drive means they instinctively chase anything that moves.
This breed was originally trained for coursing and track racing, which means their first instinct when they see a small animal is to chase it down. While some retired racing Greyhounds can be trained to tolerate cats, the risk remains. Slow introductions and careful supervision are necessary to prevent any unfortunate accidents. For households with both species, it’s safest to create separate spaces where the cat has an escape route.
4. The Siberian Husky’s hunting instincts make them a hazard for cats.
Siberian Huskies may be friendly and playful, but they have an incredibly high prey drive. According to Dogster, these energetic dogs are known for chasing and hunting small animals, including cats.
Originally bred as sled dogs in harsh Arctic environments, Huskies needed a strong drive to catch prey for survival. While domesticated Huskies don’t need to hunt anymore, that instinct hasn’t disappeared. Even with early socialization, their excitement around smaller animals can quickly turn into chasing. If you’re considering a Husky and a cat under the same roof, constant monitoring and structured training are necessary to keep both animals safe.
5. The Bedlington Terrier’s alert nature makes it an expert at chasing small animals.
Despite its soft, lamb-like appearance, the Bedlington Terrier is a natural hunter. This breed was originally used for controlling vermin and hunting small game, so their instinct to chase remains strong.
Unlike some other terriers, the Bedlington Terrier isn’t particularly aggressive, but its tendency to give chase can be stressful for cats. Their high energy levels make it difficult for them to resist pursuing anything that moves quickly. While some may learn to live peacefully with felines, it takes extensive socialization and ongoing reinforcement to prevent that deeply ingrained hunting behavior from taking over.
6. The Weimaraner’s hunting instincts make it an unpredictable companion for cats.
Weimaraners were bred for hunting and have a high-energy drive that makes them challenging to keep with smaller animals. Their strong instincts mean they may chase a cat if it moves quickly, even in a playful manner.
Without extensive training and early exposure, Weimaraners tend to see smaller animals as prey. Even those raised with cats can have unpredictable moments, making close supervision necessary. If they’re not given enough exercise or mental stimulation, their natural hunting instincts can take over, making them a potential hazard to feline housemates.
7. The Beagle’s nose leads them into constant trouble with cats.
Beagles were bred as hunting dogs, and their strong sense of smell means they are always on the lookout for something to chase. Their stubborn nature makes training a challenge, especially when it comes to resisting the urge to pursue small, fast-moving animals.
Since Beagles are relentless when following a scent, once they lock onto a cat, they may not give up easily. This can cause immense stress for a feline housemate, as the Beagle will constantly be in pursuit, barking and tracking their every move. Some Beagles can be socialized to live with cats, but it takes patience and careful management to ensure a peaceful coexistence.
8. The Shih Tzu’s jealousy can create conflict with cats.
Unlike many other breeds on this list, the Shih Tzu doesn’t have a high prey drive, but their tendency to get jealous can make them incompatible with cats. These small dogs are highly attached to their owners and may not tolerate sharing attention with another pet.
If a Shih Tzu perceives a cat as competition, they might become territorial, following their owner around and pushing their way into every interaction. While some Shih Tzus may learn to coexist with cats, their demanding nature and attention-seeking tendencies can create an ongoing struggle for dominance in the home.
9. The Schnauzer’s high energy and barking can stress out cats.
They might be affectionate with their owners, but the Schnauzer’s natural curiosity and high energy levels make them challenging to keep with cats. These dogs are known for their loud, persistent barking, which can be overwhelming for a more relaxed feline.
This breed also loves to chase smaller animals in the yard, making outdoor time a potential problem if a cat is around. Their strong prey drive, especially in Miniature Schnauzers, means they are more likely to see a cat as something to track and pursue, which can lead to tension in the household.
10. The Irish Wolfhound’s sheer size makes them a risky match for cats.
Irish Wolfhounds are one of the largest dog breeds, and while they are gentle giants, their instinct to chase can make them dangerous for cats. Originally bred for hunting wolves, their speed and strength make them formidable pursuers.
Even if an Irish Wolfhound doesn’t intend to harm a cat, their size alone can be a risk, as a playful chase could easily result in accidental injury. These dogs require an experienced owner who can manage their instincts and provide extensive training if they are to live peacefully alongside a feline companion.
11. The Australian Cattle Dog’s herding instincts create stress for cats.
These dogs are a high-energy working breed that thrives on herding. This means that even in a domestic setting, the Australian Cattle dogmay attempt to herd anything that moves, including cats.
This herding behavior often involves nipping, circling, and chasing, which can be overwhelming for a cat. While some cats may tolerate this, others will find it distressing, leading to a tense home environment. Proper training and redirection are required to keep their natural instincts in check when living with a feline.
12. The Jack Russell Terrier’s determination makes them relentless chasers.
Jack Russell Terriers are small but mighty hunters with an almost endless energy supply. Bred for fox hunting, these dogs have an intense prey drive that makes it difficult for them to live peacefully with a cat.
Once a Jack Russell sets its sights on a smaller animal, it can be nearly impossible to deter them. Their stubborn and persistent nature means they are unlikely to give up chasing a cat, which can create a stressful and unsafe situation for both pets. Even with training, Jack Russells are generally not recommended for homes with cats.
13. The Yorkshire Terrier’s curiosity keeps them in constant pursuit of cats.
They may be tiny in size, but their big personalities often make them troublemakers when it comes to cats. Yorkshire Terriers are feisty little dogs that are incredibly nosy and have a tendency to follow anything that moves, including feline housemates.
Yorkies will often invade a cat’s personal space, making them feel uncomfortable or trapped. Their tendency to bark at anything unfamiliar can also stress a cat out, leading to frequent conflict. While some Yorkies can coexist with cats if raised together, their natural curiosity and bossy attitude can make for a tense dynamic.
14. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier’s muscular build and prey drive make them a challenge.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or Staffies, are loving companions but have a strong prey drive that can make living with cats difficult. These dogs are powerful and energetic, and if they see a cat running, their instinct will likely kick in.
While some Staffies can be socialized to tolerate cats, their strength makes them a risk, even if they’re just playing. Without strict training and supervision, their chasing instincts can create an unsafe situation, making them a poor choice for multi-pet households that include feline friends.
15. The Afghan Hound’s natural instincts make them one of the worst breeds for cats.
Afghan Hounds are elegant and regal, but they were bred as sight hounds, meaning they hunt based on movement. If a cat darts across the room, an Afghan Hound is highly likely to chase, simply because of their ingrained instincts.
Even the most well-trained Afghan Hound may struggle to resist the urge to pursue a cat. Their speed and agility make them nearly impossible to stop once they start chasing, which can be dangerous for feline companions. For homes with cats, Afghan Hounds are generally not recommended unless extreme precautions are taken to prevent potential conflict.
Not all dogs are natural cat lovers, and some breeds simply aren’t a good fit for multi-pet households. Their instincts, energy levels, and territorial nature can make peaceful coexistence nearly impossible. While training and socialization can help, it’s important to understand that some dogs will always see a cat as something to chase. Introducing the wrong breed to a home with a cat can lead to stress, injuries, or constant conflict. If you’re set on having both a dog and a cat, researching breed tendencies and preparing for careful introductions can make all the difference. A harmonious home starts with knowing which breeds are best suited for feline companionship—and which ones to avoid.