German Shepherd as per their nature always shows their dominance in their territory. They can also show their aggressive appearance in ow their power to unknown ones but this does verify that they can be so dangerous. German Shepherds are bred to be the best dog and always be good with the family members or other pets like cats in your well-trained must be one question striking your mind will German Shepherds kill cats?
Though It’s very uncommon to kill a cat for a German Shepherd as observing any danger approaching them then “yes” German Shepherds will kill cats because of their prey drive which they do to perform a specific task that includes hunting which is also their instinct. However, being a protective dog this can be prevented if your GSD is well-trained to live together with cats.
German Shepherds can be a little bit aggressive if they see any danger approaching them or want to enter their territory and in the process, they can do a little damage to their opponent to protect themselves or their beloved ones. There are many measures you can do before you introduce your cat in front of them that will prevent the killing of the cat.
This post is fully dedicated to the nature of this large breed as this is going to be a very informative one. Here you will come to know the potential causes that can let them kill cats and how you can prevent them from doing such type of mishappening. This post will be very helpful for a pet lover who is living with both a German Shepherd and a cat.
So let’s discuss this topic thoroughly and enlighten it in detail:
Table of Contents
Why Will My German Shepherd Kill A Cat?
Every dog breed is born with different personalities and mindsets. Some may be cool while getting along with other animals while some may be aggressive. German Shepherd also comes in the category of the larger breed with a great instinct for hunting their prey. But here the question is why will German Shepherds kill cats?
German Shepherds may think of cats as their competition and they often attack them to protect their territory. Keep in mind that they have got an instinct for hunting prey and when they see cats as any danger they may kill them to show their dominance. Also, they find cats to small animals and they enjoy chasing and hunting their prey.
The instinct of hunting their prey makes German Shepherds furious with cats. But again it may be frustrating for dog owners who have both pets. They may always be wondering if their German Shepherd attacks their cat.
The rivalry between cats and dogs is also old, your German Shepherd comes in the category of large dog breeds and has got the natural habit to chase and perform their hunting skills if they find cats as their prey. This type of behavior is also known as hunting skills for your German Shepherd.
Since German Shepherds were bred to protect livestock it’s their instinct to attack when they observe any danger approaching them and in the process, they may even kill them. So one should not be surprised when any German Shepherd kills smaller animals as the larger breed always dominates the smaller ones.
However, it’s also important to the main causes why German Shepherds can kill cats especially when cats are living as a pet in the same house. Every dog owner would be keen to know the keen factor that may let their German Shepherd attack this small breed (cat).
Let’s discuss them one by one:
The Nature Of Your German Shepherd
German Shepherds are a very intelligent breed with a lot of courage and great hunting skill. The nature of hunting their prey can become furious to smaller animals including cats sometimes.
If you are owning a German Shepherd as well as a cat then it will always be important to understand the nature and behavior of your GSD. They may often see cats as their prey due to their old rivalry but they can also live together again they may become aggressive if not trained properly.
If you are willing to keep your German Shepherd and cat together then you should observe the behavior of both species and train them properly to avoid any type of misfortune. Both species are different, you need to understand them well before introducing them to the same place.
Natural Instinct (Prey Drive)
The instinct of German Shepherds is to chase and hunt their prey as they were initially bred to protect their livestock and the owners at any cost. German Shepherds are also popular for their prey drive which generally means to search, chase, and finally hunt.
This process may become horrible when they kill their opponent. As cats are smaller in size, it’s always become easier for a German Shepherd dog to chase down and kill if they feel any danger because of them. However, prey drive is hardly seen in the pet animals like German Shepherd attacking other animals living in the same house but its remains in their trait.
Old Rivalry
The rivalry between dogs and cats is very old. There is also a conception that cats and dogs can never be good friends. There is no doubt if there is a fight between cats and dogs then dogs will win the game but it’s very unfortunate for the dog owners who keep both of them as their pets.
German Shepherds are a very friendly dog breed and once their bond becomes good with cats then there will be no place for rivalry. You can train your dog to be always good with cats and make them realize that they are not their enemy.
Protective For Territory
German Shepherds as well as cats both are territorial pets and always want to protect their territory. The attitude to protect the territory always makes the species to be aggressive more often. Your German Shepherd will also want to protect their territory from unwanted materials.
If your German Shepherds find anything entering their compound or territory then their natural trigger may even harm the animals who want to enter. This may be any one cat, small pet, or intruder. German Shepherds are good guard dogs and will protect their territory from any dangers for the sake of their owners.
Boredom
One of the reasons your German Shepherd may attack your cat because of boredom. Your German Shepherd may be facing separation anxiety because you may not able in spending more time with them. They are also a very active breed and want to play most of the time.
To avoid their boredom they may be playing with your cat that may again become furious because of their nature. This may be the reason your German Shepherd may attack or harm your cat. However, this can be easily solved as you can spend more time with them to remove the issue of boredom among them.
Guarding Job
German Shepherds are also considered to be the best guard dogs that’s why they are also popular in doing various military exercises or police jobs. They will protect your territory from any dangers at any cost.
If your German Shepherd sees any intruder or cat from your neighbor’s house entering the compound, they will protect your territory and in the process, they may attack them which may become furious more often as they are just doing their job.
Sickness Or Injury
The vital reason your German Shepherd may kill your cat is because of the health issue or injury they may be facing. Mental illness may make them aggressive and this may lead them to attack anyone present in front of them.
Your German Shepherd may feel irritated due to sickness more often as a result they may attack your pet like a cat or even you. So it’s always important to monitor the behavior of your German Shepherd when they are sick. You should immediately meet your vet for their treatment so that they can’t attack your cat.
Steps To Prevent Your German Shepherds From Killing Cats
Most dog owners feel frustrated when their German Shepherd attacks their cat, though it’s very unfortunate for every dog owner that their German Shepherd attacks their cat and harms them in such a way that they die. There is a certain way to prevent such a type of misfortune.
Here are some of the steps that you can also consider for preventing your German Shepherd from attacking your cat:
Socialize Your German Shepherd
Socialization in German Shepherds lets them be good with other animals or people living around them. Early socialization is a must for German Shepherds as they will behave well and get easily along with other animals including cats.
It is also recommended that you should start socializing your German Shepherd when they are four months older, however, you can start giving them basic training. Socialization allows your dog to adapt to the new environment as they meet new people and animals as it is also important for them to know them. This will also let your GSD pup to your cat from the beginning and they will never hurt them as they will also recognize them as their family member.
However, it’s also important to socialize with your German Shepherd gradually as you can introduce your cat gradually for better understanding and without any misfortune. So you should always provide your GSD early socialization as they will always be good with you, your family members, and other animals.
Train Your German Shepherd
Training your German Shepherd for various perspectives always makes them perfect to be a good and familiar pet for all. Training your German Shepherd will include behavior management where they are trained to behave well with people or other animals like cats.
They are also trained not to harm small animals like cats especially when they are living in the same house. You may also train them to be friendly with small animals as they can spend their time by playing with them. This will also let them know there is no competition between them.
Allow Them Not to Chase
You can teach your German Shepherd not to chase cats as this is unacceptable behavior from them. You can command them to leave while they try to chase something or animals as it will be a very useful command to make them learn.
You can make your GSD understand that chasing anything is bad behavior that they should not repeat as you can tell them that they will not be rewarded if they try to chase anything or animals.
Redirect Your German Shepherd
Redirecting your German Shepherd is an important step for letting them do specific tasks. If you notice your dog staring at your cat then you must redirect their attention to lessen the chance of chasing them.
You can call his name or give them some toy for diverting their attention as this process will also make them learn that they should not stare at your cat and chase them. You should make them learn that cats are also their friend and family members.
Provide Animal Distancing
This is also a type of animal training where you can introduce both the SPS at some distance in your house. However, it should be done under supervision, and introducing them gradually will allow them to better understand each other.
The crate is the best option where you can keep one of them and introduce others as it will provide space and they will also understand they are not going to hurt them. The main motive should be to make them learn that cats are also going to live in their territory and they are not their enemy.
Introduce Your German Shepherd to cats under supervision
After all the training processes you provide to your German Shepherd to behave well with other animals or with your family members, you should try introducing your German Shepherd to cats gradually.
The introduction must be under your supervision so that they can’t get overexcited and hurt themselves as it will also let them understand that you are the boss and they must obey you.
However, you can also go through our recent post on “Do German Shepherds Get Along With Cats?” where there is a detailed discussion about the introduction as it is a very helpful and informative one.
Related Questions:
Q1. Can German Shepherds live With Cats?
Yes, German Shepherds can live with cats but after proper training and socialization lessons well-trained and well-socialized dogs can never be a threat to these small animals. Its also recommended observing the behavior of your GSD before introducing them which should be under your supervision.
Q2. Are German Shepherds Good With Cats?
German Shepherds can be good with cats but it will depend on how well your German shepherd is socialized and trained. It also depends on the nature and behavior of your German Shepherd that only you can observe.
Q3. What Dog Is Best With Cats?
It’s very overwhelming news that almost every dog can get along with cats. Here are some of the breeds that will be good with cats.
- Basset Hound
- Beagles
- Boston Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retriever
- Labrador Retriever
- Maltese
- Poodle
- Shetland Sheepdog
Many breeds are good with your cats. The main thing is to provide them with proper training and socializing lessons so they will never hurt each other.
Q4. Do German Shepherds Eat Cats After Killing Them?
No, German Shepherds do not eat cats after killing them. While some dogs may have a higher prey drive than others and might chase after small animals like cats, most German Shepherds are not naturally inclined to hunt and kill cats.
If raised properly with positive reinforcement training, a German Shepherd can learn to get along well with other animals, including cats.
Q5. Are German Shepherds OK with cats?
Yes, German Shepherds can be OK with cats. However, it is important to remember that as with any breed of dog, early socialization and training are key when introducing a new pet into the home. Proper introductions should be done in a controlled environment under supervision.
Q6. Can German Shepherds be left alone with cats?
The answer to this question depends on the individual personalities of both the German Shepherd and the cat. Generally speaking, German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, protective nature, and intelligence. This means that they can be trained to understand boundaries and respect cats if introduced properly.
Why do German Shepherds not like cats?
Generally, German Shepherds are highly territorial dogs who may feel threatened by cats and other small animals. They are also very protective of their home and family, so a strange cat entering their space could lead to aggressive behavior toward the intruder.
Final Thoughts:
It will always be frustrating when any dogs kill cats so is with German Shepherds so it’s very important to well socialize them before introducing them to cats. As German Shepherds are large breeds so they will win the game more often than cats so all the process must be done under supervision.
A well-trained German Shepherd is always a good pet with you as well as other animals including cats. You should follow all the training processes that will make your breed the best pet so that you can’t get any issues.