Are German Shepherds Good With Cats?

Last year I adopted a German Shepherd, but I didn’t do my homework. See, I already had a cat at home but forgot to do my “are German Shepherds good with cats” research. Naturally, I had some scrambling to do before I introduced them.

So, are German Shepherds good with cats? Yes. But…it totally depends on you! German Shepherds and cats have to be trained on how to live together. They each have natural instincts that can clash, and a size difference that can make German Shepherds dangerous to cats if you don’t train them properly first. All that said, it’s completely possible to have the two get along harmoniously- it just takes time and effort.

There are many factors that determine the amount of time and training that will be needed to have them get along. Key among them is the temperament of both pets and how young the German Shepherd is when it’s introduced into the cat’s environment. 

How to Introduce a German Shepherd to a Cat

Hint: NOT like this. 🙂

So, can German Shepherds and cats ever be friends?

Of course they can, but…

If you want your cat and German Shepherd to get along, you’ll need to establish a clear training methodology between these two critters. And you need to micromanage every step of the way.

German Shepherds have a natural herding tendency, and cats are small and quick- so one common problem you may encounter is the dog literally trying to herd your cat (and nobody wants that, your cat especially).

I’ve done some digging around and after some experimentation at home, I’ve found this to be the most effective recipe for friendship between my two boys. I should mention, my German Shepherd was a puppy when we started training him.

Before we go on- note this can be a lengthy process (anywhere from a week to a couple of months). But better slow and permanent than quick and messy!

Step 1: Separation

Separate your cat and puppy.

And I do mean separate rooms; not just separate corners (that comes later). Make sure they cannot smell, see, or hear each other as much as possible. Give them plenty of TLC, however, as you don’t want them to think they’re being punished.

Step 2: Smells Like Pet Spirit

Now you’ve got your critters cohabitating in separate spaces, and they’re feeling comfortable. Time to introduce each other’s scent into these rooms.

Towels, toys, clothing- anything that’s had a noteworthy interaction with your cat or German Shepherd will leave a strong olfactory impression.

Leave these things in the room with the pets so they can grow accustomed to the smell.

Step 3: Positive Reinforcement 

They need to now associate each other’s smells with positive things.

I had my cat and German Shepherd eating meals at the same time on opposite sides of the door. They were still in their own spaces, but they now associated something good with each other’s smells and sounds.

If you can’t put them on the other ends of a door, try putting a toy next to the food bowl each time one of them has to eat. If they don’t make a fuss at all, or run even more eagerly to the bowl, give them a special treat to really bring it home.

Step 4: Putting Your Babies In A Corner

Now it’s time to put them in the same space, but this is where your patience and gut play a huge role. Remember:

Slower is always better.

Have your cat in a crate and your German Shepherd on a leash. Start them off in the same room, at opposite corners.

Slowly move them closer to each other.

If they start reacting at all- hissing, becoming restless, jumping, bouncing, recoiling, moaning, barking- then stop, and move them back to a place where they don’t react at all.

You want them to be calm at all times. Continue this process until they can get close to each other without any sort of visibly negative or excitable behavior.

Step 5: Physical Contact

Now, put your German Shepherd in a crate, playpen, or separate them with a baby gate. The trick here is that your cat will be doing all of the work.

Allow your cat time to approach and retreat. Supervise every step of the way.

Your cat will go back and forth between your German Shepherd and somewhere else, and the main goal here is that the pup has no reaction and the cat feels comfortable.

Start them off by doing this for a short amount of time, and increase it gradually. This will be the longest part of the process, but once you’re done, your cat and German Shepherd can be left alone together with your mind at ease.

What if I Have a Full-Grown German Shepherd?

That’s alright!

There are lots of different ways to train your German Shepherd, even if they’re not a puppy.

Three other methods I’ve briefly outlined here:

Method #1: Reinforce-Ignore

• Have your cat sitting in a crate while you attempt to distract your dog. Treats, toys, or commands are all valid ways to get your dog’s attention!
• If they go for the cat anyway, block their path physically or command no to them. Try to gain their attention again.
• If they ignore the cat and come back to you, give them a treat!
• Repeat this process with the cat out of the crate once you’re confident!

Method #2: Down-Stay

• Teach your dog the down-stay command and reinforce it positively with lots of treats.
• Practice this with gradual exposure to a cat; just like mentioned before, have the cat start off in a crate and eventually out in the open.
• Your cat can approach the German Shepherd but your only goal is to have your dog down-stay every time you say it.
• If it’s successful, even with a cat roaming around, you give it plenty of treats.

Method #3: Negative Association

• This is my least favorite, but sometimes a necessity. Have your dog fitted with an electric collar.
• Put it to the lowest setting necessary. If your German Shepherd lunges, barks, or chases after the cat, first give a strong verbal command.
• If the dog disobeys, give the dog a light shock.
• They’ll eventually learn to associate misbehaving around cats with negative consequences.

What If I Don’t Have The Space or Time?

A German Shepherd is a large, intelligent animal that’s incredibly loyal. If you don’t have a garden or large enough space indoors (German Shepherds in apartments can be challenging), they’ll grow restless, moody, and neurotic.

And without adequate time to socialize the dog with other animals- your cat included- you’re bound to run into problems.

My advice is simple:

If you cannot commit the time and energy to socialize a German Shepherd with your cat (or other animals and people for that matter) then you should consider getting another dog breed.

Which leads me to my next point…

What Other Dogs Get Along With Cats?

There are plenty of amazing dogs that get along with cats without as much fuss as the German Shepherd.

As a very general rule-of-thumb, smaller, more relaxed dogs tend to get along better with cats. Some of the most cat-friendly dogs:

• Bichon Frise
• Maltese
• Daschund
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Cocker Spaniel
• Basset Hound

Some are laid-back, like the Basset Hound, while the Bichon Frise and Maltese’s gentle and playful nature is easier for a cat to tolerate.

Big, family-friendly dogs like Golden Retrievers and Labradors get along well with cats as well as they’re easy-going and amiable.

Of course, what matters most beyond breed is socialization- so chances are, when trained well and appropriately, any dog can befriend a cat!

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