Are Corgis Good With Cats? 9 Tips To Make Them Get Along

You like Corgis (maybe you even have one). But you don’t limit yourself by being only a dog person because… you also like cats.

So far, so good. But what if you want to have both of these at home?

Here you’ll find helpful information about:

• Whether Corgis and cats can get along.
• 7 signs of aggression and how to handle it.
• 9 neat techniques you can apply immediately to make your Corgi and cat get along.
• And more…

Are Corgis good with cats?

Corgis are good with cats, though they require a bit of training. Corgis were born as herders, so they may mistake your cat for cattle and start chasing them around the house. They might also send mixed signals to each other. Thankfully, they can get comfortable by knowing each other early.

Do all Corgis like cats?

Not all Corgis like cats. Grown Corgis (1 year or older) may need to be trained or commanded so they can learn to tolerate cats at home. They are also territorial, so they might consider cats as invaders especially if you bring them in after your Corgi has aged. 

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9 simple tips to make your Corgi get along with cats

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#1: Let them bond early

Corgis and cats usually have problems getting along when they’re adults.

One reason why is because they just have different body languages.

A study from Tel Aviv University showed that dogs and cats get confused with each other’s signals.

For example, Corgis may think that a cat’s purring means they’re angry since they also growl when angry.

However, they can live together if you let them hang out during their socialization period.

According to the same study, dogs have a socialization period of 1 year, while cats have 6 months.

During this time, they are far more welcoming with anything that comes their way. This explains why Corgis eventually become attached to their owners or favorite food!

They also start learning how cats “speak” to them. When they grow older, they no longer get confused.

Once a Corgi puppy and a kitten have bonded together into adulthood (1 year old), they can even become best friends…

Caution: There are times when this doesn’t work. For example, Corgis might see your cat as a competitor if you keep giving them too much attention.

When they start touching each other, do not break them up immediately. 

Since they’re different animals, they will naturally be curious with each other.

Only break them up if or when they start to act aggressively. 

Cats tend to prostrate and keep their tail standing when angered, while Corgis will growl and start to show their teeth.

#2: Set aside personal spaces 

Encounters with other animals can be stressful for both sides, so you should give your Corgi and cat their personal spaces.

If possible, keep the spaces as far away as possible, so they don’t attack each other when they’re not in the mood.

However, since cats and Corgis are different, there are certain steps you need to take.

What sort of spaces would your pets like most?

Corgis like it when there’s plenty of flat ground to run around. 

Since their legs were built for wide floors, you can give them an entire room of space. This should be their home ground.

Within this space, give them their own crate. This will serve as their regular retreat.

Note: Corgis often rest during the afternoons; the crate will make sure that your cat won’t accidentally wake them up.

To train your Corgi, here are a few reminders:

• Find different places for potty. It’s important to keep scents separate. Dogs poop to mark their territory, so keep your cat away from potty mats. You can train your cat to use your toilet seat instead. 
• Pick a spacious crate or a playpen. Corgis like space in general and will often feel trapped if put somewhere small. Be sure that it’s long enough to walk in and pace themselves.
• Crate train your Corgi first before your cat. Cats are mellow and perfectly happy without crates. Corgis, however, are full of energy and need rest. This means they need their space first. Start by placing treats within the crate and giving them a good petting whenever they manage to stay still. Keep in mind that this can take months. Be sure the Corgi’s still young (less than 1 year old) if possible. Caution: Don’t keep your Corgi for more than 3-4 hours if they are young, or they might poop in their crates.
• If the crate isn’t in another room, keep it closed. Your cat might wander around the house and disturb your Corgi’s nap. This can anger them and cause fights. Note: If there is a door blocking your cat’s way in, then it’s okay to keep the crate open if your Corgi’s already trained. 
• Never let your cat inside the crate if you’re about to get a Corgi. Having another animal’s scent within their sacred space can cause problems with training.

Note: Cats and Corgis often seek to cover as much of a place as possible. Head over to #7 to learn more about controlling their need for territory!

#3: Always keep an eye on them

Note: The “leave it” command is a unique hack that also allows you to keep your Corgi away from bad food while running or hiking together!

Reading tip: Can Corgis Hike? And Climb Mountains? 5 Dangers + 7 Tips

What if you can’t keep an eye out for your pets?

Depending on your pets’ age, you might have to use some drastic measures.

Corgi puppies (less than 1 year old) can’t be left alone because they are even more active than regular Corgis.

They might also get bullied by older cats, especially if you got them first. This might traumatize your Corgi later.

In this case, trim their nails to prevent wounds and hire a sitter to look after your two pets.

Also, keep your Corgi away from your gate. This will help you focus your Corgi’s attention on your cat.

You should also use technology to keep yourself informed about your pets:

• Keep a pet tracker. Knowing your pets’ vital signs will let you know if anything’s startled or injured them.
• Install security cameras. Cats are good escape artists; their smaller builds allow them to invade your dog’s space. Constantly look for tight corners your cats can use and block them. Note: Have a layout of your house so you can figure out where your pets might run off to. This will help you limit their movements when you’re away.
• Dog-proof your alarm systems. Alarms might simply rattle your pets and make them restless during crate training.

Caution: Play with your pets separately when you get home and give them equal attention. A neglected Corgi may be more difficult to train later!

#4: Give exercises separately

Corgis and cats have different bodily requirements.

Your Corgi may have difficulties working for a long time, but they still need a lot of exercise to prevent obesity.

They are capable of playing for 30-45 minutes with a few short breaks.

Cats can play for up to 1 hour each day, as long as you scatter it across 10-15 minutes.

Your pets are also capable of feeling envy. If you give a pet too much attention, one of them may bully or hurt the other. They might not even follow you anymore!

As such, play with them separately. Take each pet out on different intervals during the day.

Note: Try to work with a roommate or relative. Walk your pets to different places, and let them see each other in the afternoons.

Since Corgis are active in the morning, you can bring them out first for a walk in the park…

Once you’re done, give your Corgi a treat and have them take their nap.

You can play with your cat inside the house by then. Set up a special “cat playing room” if possible.

Note: Cats are notoriously active during nighttime. A good flow would be playing with your dog before going to work, then playing with your cat when you get back.

From there, you’ll need the following:

• Yarn. This all-time cat favorite will keep them bouncing for minutes.
• Battery-powered mice. Nothing gets a cat going like chasing their mortal enemy on a good day.
• Piñatas with kibble inside. Cats love reaching and climbing things, and the smell of kibble hanging from a piñata will motivate them.

Caution: Be sure to use different toys for each pet because they won’t like sharing the same reward!

#5: If friendship is too much, aim for indifference

Caution: This can also happen when you accidentally give too much attention to one of your pets…

Corgis have a strong associative memory. When they think you like your cat more than them, they will be less friendly no matter what.

When this happens, it’s okay to give up. Aim for indifference instead. This means your dog and cat just have to tolerate each other.

Here are things you can do to control your Corgi when they’re upset with your cat:

• Take the cat out of their sight. If your Corgi starts to growl or show teeth, move the cat away slowly. Turn your back away from your Corgi while carrying your cat. This will block their view and help calm them down.
• Soothe your dog with petting and assurance. Once your cat’s out of the picture, return to your dog and pet them for a few minutes.
• Give your dog treats once they have calmed down. This will make your Corgi think that calming down gives them a reward.

Caution: If your dog remains aggressive, seek the help of a trainer or vet as it could also be an underlying condition.

#6: Do not snap at them

Everyone knows that scolding is never a good thing. Despite this, owners still end up snapping at their pets for bad behavior.

Sadly, this creates a precedent. In a study from Applied Animal Behaviour Science, it was found that dogs end up mirroring their owners’ aggression.

It was found that even just staring at your dog angrily can agitate them as well. 

Other studies also warn about how violence or anger can hurt your dog’s mental and physical growth.

If your Corgi and cat live in one spot, your anger can have terrible consequences.

They might learn that you react negatively when they’re around. This will make them avoid or even growl at you.

What should you do to keep yourself from snapping?

• Play with your pets instead. If your pets are stubborn, it may mean they just want to play with you. It’s also a proven way to reduce blood pressure; the more you play, the better your mood will be.
• Take deep breaths before every command. Pets may not immediately follow your instructions. This will help you calm your nerves.
• Let someone else take charge if you’re too stressed. If you’re going home from a stressful day, sit this one out and take a break. Have a friend or sitter do the usual routines and rest.

#7: Divide and conquer

Though you can assign personal spaces for your pets, sometimes, they’ll want to wander around.

This can be challenging, since both Corgis and cats are territorial pets.

Cats will often repel dogs by hunching their back and stiffening their tail. Corgis may growl and slowly close in for a bite.

Often, you can solve this by manually carrying your cat or Corgi when things become problematic.

However, dividing the house into territories is actually the quickest way to avoid conflict.

Corgis are ground-floor dogs; they are usually at home when there are few obstacles. This means their sections should be the kitchen counter until the front door.

As for cats, they love literally being on top of things. This makes them suitable for staircases, shelves, bedrooms or living rooms. Generally, you should place them on the second floor.

You should also assign a mutual space for both pets to interact with each other. Make sure it’s big enough for them to get comfortable (i.e, your front yard).

Caution: Don’t place them close to one another. Let them decide how they’re going to share their space.

As long as you prepare them beforehand, they should still get along!

#8: Keep your Corgi away from stray cats

When it comes to Corgis and cats, one at a time is the golden rule. Each cat can have varying personalities: some are reserved, while others are outgoing.

This can be too much for your Corgi, especially if they’re still young. One wrong move from a stray cat might scar them for life.

If your neighborhood is full of stray cats, don’t let them near your Corgi because they might harass them.

Note: Cat-proofing your home also prevents unnecessary barking from your Corgi.

Here are a few steps you can take to keep stray cats away from your home:

• Get sprinklers. Cats hate water and will generally stay away from a house that can spray at them.
• Clean your yard. A messy yard is like a treasure chest for a stray cat. Keep your yard clean by sweeping trash away regularly.
• Keep your trash cans sealed. Stray cats are resourceful and often hang around near trash cans looking for food. Sealing them keeps the scent away.
• Seal any opening in your front gate. Cats can often slip through small gaps in a lot of gates. Cover them with a slab of wood or any other solid material. This also keeps your Corgi from seeing stray cats.
• Use rocks to cover sections of your garden. Cats are excellent diggers, but well-placed rocks will discourage them from foraging in your front yard.

#9: Spot aggression 

Corgis are sensitive dogs whose interaction with animals always ends with them being dominant.

Since cats are entirely new stimuli for them, they might react with fear or even aggression.

You can train them on their own by using certain commands and it usually goes well. However, some Corgis can become testy and aggressive over time.

Here are some warning signs you need to look out for:

• Refusing treats.
• Aggressive staring.
• Messing up the house.
• Becoming too territorial.
• Constant roughhousing or biting.
• Chasing your cat away the moment they see them.
• Growling when you tell them to stop hurting your cat.

Observe your Corgi’s behavior within 1-2 weeks after being acquainted with the cat. 

If you see signs getting worse, get in touch with a trainer. List down your dog’s personality before and after you get a cat to help with treatment.

If you can, hire a dog trainer before getting a cat. Their advice will help your Corgi adjust to your cat more quickly.

Closing thoughts

Taking care of a Corgi and a cat is simpler than you think. 

Cats and dogs are often portrayed as enemies, but both can actually be the best of friends. 

In reality, it all boils down to two things: your execution and how similar your pets’ personalities are.

Thus, while you may have done your best in making things work, your cute and cuddly friends may not always be in good terms. 

Even so, you can use these tips to help create the best conditions for your loved ones.