Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two cats and am getting a Husky puppy in a few weeks. I want them to all get along, and have been researching that subject. Generally I have heard that as long as they are raised together, they should be fine. I have read/heard that it's important to have them "near" each other often, so that the husky accepts the cats as part of the "pack." Also, having the husky see us holding the cats will reinforce that they "belong" to us. I chose a female husky, as it's been said that females may tend to be more "nurturing" towards other animals. Introducing them on neutral territory is also recommended, as well as making sure that the cats have a place to escape to just in case the husky would chase them. I really want them to live together peacefully, and will do whatever it takes to help ensure that. I also plan to exercise the husky well, as she will need that anyhow, and her being more tired out can only help with regard to the cats. I have acquired lots of toys and chews to help keep her occupied, but I don't plan on leaving her alone with the cats for awhile anyhow. At any rate (sorry for the long post!) does anyone who has been through this situation have any additional suggestions for helping make sure they reside together peacefully? Thanks in advance!

I have shibas- similar in prey drive as a husky, but not as large. I have integrated them to living with my cat fairly well.

Much of what you read is the way to go about maki it work. Unfortunately, there's a "wild card" to all individual animal's personalities and even with all the preperation, time, energy and effort, things may not work out. Sorry- has to be said.

One tip/trick I used that you didn't mention was I taugh my cat not to run away from the dogs (didn't want her to kick up the prey drive). Her natural instinct has always been a bit lazy anyway, but I'd reward her for being still near them. I'd also reward the dogs for ignoring the cat. If they did chase her, she has a cat door to the basement that they can't get through and she is pretty fast. She's also fully clawed and although she's never had to use them on my dogs, they know she's capable- both have been introduced to a cat that hated dogs (actually it was not intentional they got scratched by the cat, but I think it helped).

I also used a lot of barriers at first limiting the dog's access to the cat. My cat doesn't appraoch anything/anyone she's not comfortable dealing with so I dind't force her to be near the dogs by locking her in a kennel next to them. Although if i had to introduce a new cat to the mix, I'd probably go that route- mostly because my cat would be a problem with a new addition.

Be aware of the instinct of your animals. Supervision is key and makign sure your cat has safe places to go is also helpful. It can work, but it will take a LOT of time and some training on your part.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles

Difference with how norturing they are.
Beware, husky puppies are hellions, they will devil ,harass, and want to play rough with the cat non stop. Dont think of it as being cute at first then try to stop it later. ASAP, teach the puppy to calm down in the cats presence, that the reward of the cats playing and attention are better than scaring it.
My husky was born and raised with "ranch" cats around 24/7 so it was easier to introduce him to ours. Its helped that our cat was a younger playful male (almost a year and a half old when we got Duke). The first 3 days were shaky, the cat avoided him completely, then on his own terms, while Duke was calm the cat came out to socialize. Something very very very helpful, teach the dogs that the cat outranks them in the pack, do this by feeding the cat in front of the dogs while the dogs have to sit and watch closely (you need to be in charge). Next after the dogs have behaved and completed this, reward them with food or treats. Do this for about a week the same time every day. In about 1-2 days they will be waiting at the cats dish for the cat to eat on their own.
Introducing our husky/shepard mix was a bit different, he was younger, jumpier, less attention span, and stubborn in a childish way, but consistancy paid off. Also letting them play, socialize, and be comfortable, and not breathing down their necks every time the cat and dogs interact helps to make them more confortable with each other.
My cat beats my adult husky up. Check this video out Duke is so gentle and tolerant of Scooby's (our big tabby cat) craziness.
This is 55 lbs of husky shepard mix puppy, 72 lbs of husky, and only 13 lbs of cat.

Sooby beats up Duke

Thank you so much for the replies Chelle and SHvar! I appreciate the information and tips, and will definitely incorporate those as well. SHvar - that video clip was too funny! Watching Scooby SPRING at Duke just looked hilarious. Thank you for sharing that too!