Skip to Content

Rottweilers and Cats: Can They Really Be Friends? (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

do rottweilers get along with catsDespite their reputation as fierce guard dogs, rottweilers can be surprisingly good with cats—as long as they’re properly socialized.

Key Takeaways

  • Rottweilers may get along well with cats due to their calm, loyal, and affectionate nature.
  • It is important to introduce a Rottweiler to a cat slowly and give the cat control.
  • Creating cat-only spaces and using positive reinforcement can help facilitate a successful introduction.
  • Rottweilers have a strong prey drive, so providing plenty of exercise can help reduce this instinct when around cats.

Rottweilers May Do Well With Cats

Rottweilers May Do Well With Cats
Rottweilers may do well with cats because they’re calm, loyal, and affectionate. However, they also have a strong prey drive and may be too rough for cats.

If you want to get a cat and a Rottweiler, it’s important to introduce them slowly and carefully.

Why Rottweilers May Not Do Well With Cats

Why Rottweilers May Not Do Well With Cats
While Rottweilers may do well with cats, there are some reasons why they may not.

For example, Rottweilers have a strong prey drive, which means that they’re naturally inclined to chase and catch small animals.

They’re also independent and stubborn dogs, which can make them difficult to train.

Additionally, Rottweilers have an aggressive background, which means that they may be more likely to react aggressively to cats than other breeds of dogs.

Finally, Rottweilers are territorial dogs, which means that they may be more likely to see cats as a threat to their territory.

How to Introduce a Rottweiler and Cat

How to Introduce a Rottweiler and Cat
How do you introduce a Rottweiler to a cat?

  1. Slow introduction.
    • Start by allowing them to see each other from a distance,
    • And gradually increase the amount of time they spend together.
  2. Give the cat control.
    • Let the cat decide when to approach the dog,
    • And when to leave.
  3. Create cat-only spaces.
    • Give your cat a place to go where the dog can’t reach them.

      Be patient.

It may take time for your Rottweiler and cat to become friends. Just keep giving them positive reinforcement, and eventually they’ll learn to get along.

Tips for Training a Rottweiler to Get Along With a Cat

Tips for Training a Rottweiler to Get Along With a Cat
After you have successfully introduced your Rottweiler and cat, it’s time to start training your Rottweiler to get along with your feline friend.

  1. Create cat-only spaces.
  2. Give the cat control.
  3. Use positive reinforcement.
  4. Start with slow exposure.
  5. Continue training throughout your Rottweiler’s life.

Can You Get a Cat if Your Rottweiler Has High Prey Drive?

Can You Get a Cat if Your Rottweiler Has High Prey Drive
Yes, you can get a cat if your Rottweiler has high prey drive, but it’s important to take precautions.

Choose a confident cat that’s used to being around dogs.

Make sure that your cat has plenty of places to hide and escape from your Rottweiler.

Supervise all interactions between your Rottweiler and your cat closely.

Never leave them alone together.

Are Rottweilers Good With Other Animals?

Are Rottweilers Good With Other Animals
Rottweilers can learn to get along well with other animals, but it depends on the individual dog. Some Rottweilers may be aggressive towards other animals, especially those that they perceive as prey.

It’s important to introduce your Rottweiler to other animals slowly and carefully.

When properly acclimated, most Rottweilers get along very well with other dogs in the home.

Some Rottweilers tend to have more likelihood of aggression towards dogs of their same gender, so to set yourself up for success, dogs of opposite genders are the best.

Are Rottweilers Good With Other Dogs?

Are Rottweilers Good With Other Dogs
With proper socialization, Rottweilers can get along well with other dogs. However, they may be more likely to show aggression towards dogs of the same gender.

Rottweilers are independent and stubborn dogs, so they may not always be willing to follow commands from other dogs.

They’re also strong and protective, so they may be tempted to protect their owners from other dogs.

However, with proper training, Rottweilers can learn to get along well with other dogs.

Enjoy Your Rottweiler and Cat Relationship

Enjoy Your Rottweiler and Cat Relationship
With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy a long and happy relationship between your Rottweiler and your cat.

  • Give the cat space and let it make the first move.
  • Supervise interactions closely.
  • Create a cat-only space where your cat can feel safe and secure.
  • Provide plenty of exercise for your Rottweiler to help reduce its prey drive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are some signs that a Rottweiler is not good with cats?

Signs that a Rottweiler isn’t good with cats include:

  • Ears pinned back on the head
  • Pulling at the leash
  • Howling and barking
  • Excessive panting
  • Lips being licked excessively
  • Stiff and aggressive posture
  • Wide eyes

What can I do if my Rottweiler is aggressive towards my cat?

If your Rottweiler is aggressive towards your cat, you can try to:

  • Train them to be less aggressive.
  • Give them more exercise.
  • Create a cat-only space in your home.

How can I make my Rottweiler more comfortable around cats?

You can make your Rottweiler more comfortable around cats by:

  • Slowly and gradually introducing them to each other.
  • Giving the cat control over the situation.
  • Creating cat-only spaces in your home.

What are some things to keep in mind when introducing a Rottweiler to a cat?

When introducing a Rottweiler to a cat, it’s important to keep in mind that:

  • Rottweilers have a strong prey drive and may be too rough for cats.
  • It’s important to introduce them slowly and carefully.
  • Make sure that the cat has a safe place to escape to if needed.

What are some tips for training a Rottweiler to get along with a cat?

Early socialization and training can help Rottweilers get along with cats.

Start by introducing them to each other slowly and gradually, and give the cat plenty of space to escape if it feels threatened.

Conclusion

Wondering whether your rottweiler can get along with your cat? The answer is yes, but there are a few things you need to do to make sure the relationship is successful.

  1. Introduce them slowly.

The first step is to introduce your Rottweiler and your cat slowly and gradually. Start by letting them sniff each other through a closed door. Once they seem comfortable with that, you can let them meet face-to-face, but make sure to supervise them closely.

If either animal shows signs of aggression, separate them immediately and try again later.

  1. Make sure they have their own space.

It’s important to make sure that your Rottweiler and your cat have their own space where they can retreat to if they need to.

  1. Teach your Rottweiler to respect the cat.

You need to teach your Rottweiler to respect the cat and to not chase or bother it. This can be done by using positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, when your Rottweiler behaves well around the cat.

You can also use negative reinforcement, such as a firm no or a leash correction, if your Rottweiler misbehaves.

  1. Be patient.

It takes time for two animals to learn to get along. Don’t get discouraged if there are setbacks along the way. Just keep working with them and eventually, they will learn to live together peacefully.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief with a team of qualified veterinarians, their goal? Simple. Break the jargon and help you make the right decisions for your furry four-legged friends.