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Cats & Dogs
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Virtually all greyhounds are social and friendly with mid-sized and larger dogs (approximately 25 pounds and up).
However, as greyhounds are both bred and trained to chase small furry things, they vary in their reactions to cats and small dogs. About 50% of all hounds can coexist peacefully in a household with cats and perhaps 75% can live with small dogs. Almost invariably, if a hound is good with cats, he/she is also good with small dogs, but not necessarily vice versa. Furthermore, no greyhound should ever be trusted outside with a running cat or anywhere with an unfamiliar small animal until proper introductions have been made.
NO
We attempt to cat test all of our greyhounds for their suitability to successfully live with cats. Because of strong chase instincts or a high prey, some very definitely test NO for cats. These dogs are not suitable to live safely with cats.
WITH WORK
Others might be considered cat tolerant “with work” meaning they will need some training and careful monitoring when they are to live with cats. An experienced adopter who has had greyhounds and cats together might be the best adopters for such a dog.
YES
Other dogs pass cat testing with results that show some interest or curiosity to no interest at all. We call this cat tolerant. However, even if a dog shows no interest at the time of cat testing does not mean that this dog should go into a home with cats without being muzzled and monitored until all are certain that the safety of the resident cat is assured. This may take a few days to a few weeks. Even if the greyhound shows no interest at all in your cat, doesn’t mean that the cat will immediately enjoy having this big dog take up residence in its home. Sometimes it is easier if the cat has lived with or spent time with dogs. It is not unusual for cats to go into hiding for a while or seek high places, especially if the cat is more timid or has not been around dogs.
Always have a safe area for your cat to retreat to where the dog cannot go, especially in the beginning. If your cat is more assertive or curious, it may stand its ground against this giant intruder and hiss and swat at the dog. This is not a bad thing, even if the dog gets a claw in the nose. It will teach the dog to respect the cat and this cat is not like the stuffed bone it chased at the track. The cat and greyhound may never be friends, but that is OK as long as they can peaceably coexist. Even if they become the best of friends, it is never wise to let them out in the yard together. The greyhound may view the cat as something different, especially if the cat runs and that could have tragic results. While lots of dogs chase cats, greyhounds can catch them and that is not a good thing. As often happens, particularly if the cat was in residence first, it may be alpha over the dog.
If your greyhound starts to chase the cat, curtail this behavior immediately even if it seems like play.
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