Raising a feline friend with a giant dog breed like a Cane Corso can seem like a challenge. After all, everyone knows that cats and dogs don’t mix… right?
Well, the fact is, with a bit of patience and training, your Cane Corso can become the best buddy for your kitty.
Cane Corsos are known as a fierce dog breed and can be quite intimidating. Therefore, many cat owners do not like the idea of raising a Cane Corso with their beloved cat.
But there are reasons why you can trust a Cane Corso around cats. This article will walk you through why.
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Cane Corso And Cats – Do They Get Along Well?
Contrary to popular belief, dogs and cats can become great friends. There’s no exception when it comes to the Cane Corso. This intelligent, loyal, and gentle giant is a perfect companion for cats.
A well-socialized Cane Corso loves to play and loves attention. If you can make your Cane Corso feel comfortable around cats, he will be more likely to develop a strong bond with them. Proper training is key in this matter.
Although these dogs are popular as guardian dogs which can make them appear intimidating, they have quite interesting characteristics.
This is why, unlike Pitbull, who are often maligned, Cane Corsos can get along with cats quite well.
Why Cane Corsos Can Get Along Well With Cats
Sure, pet experts like The Spruce Pets discourage keeping Cane Corsos with other small animals like cats and other small dogs, but with proper training and socialization, they can get along just fine with felines.
Here are some of the reasons why:
Cane Corsos Are Highly Affectionate
This is probably the most important trait that these Italian mastiffs exhibit. They love humans and are very loyal to their owners, which makes them a great addition to any family.
They will often bond with one particular human, although they can form relationships with multiple people and animals in the same household.
Once they see your cat as a family member, they will treat it with the same affection and respect as any other family member.
Cane Corsos Are Protective Of Their Families
This breed is known for being naturally protective of their families, which includes kittens and cats (if they treat them as their family).
They will bark to alert owners of perceived danger and intervene if they sense a threat to their family. Of course, all of this comes with the caveat that they need to be properly trained, so they don’t become overly aggressive and attack for no reason.
But with proper training, you and your feline family members can feel safe and secure in the presence of your lovely Cane Corso.
Cane Corsos Are Intelligent
They are known for being very smart, which makes them easier to train. They can learn commands quickly and remember them with ease, so you won’t have to worry about constantly reminding your pup of the rules.
Plus, they are eager to please, meaning they will respond positively to praise and rewards. So don’t be surprised if your Cane Corso is doing things on command without you even having to ask them.
This includes getting along with your cats. With a little patience and persistence, they will soon learn how to live peacefully in the same household as their feline counterparts.
How To Introduce Your Cane Corso to Cats?
If your Cane Corso has never been around cats before, things can become more frightening as both animals are likely to be defensive and unsure of each other.
Also Read: Are Cane Corso good with other dogs
To ensure a successful introduction, follow the steps below:
Start Slow
Before introducing your Cane Corso to cats, it is important to make sure that the dog has a solid foundation of basic commands and that they respond reliably to them.
This will help ensure a safe introduction process, as the cat’s safety should be your top priority.
Pick the Right Spot
When introducing your Cane Corso to cats, make sure you pick a spot where both animals feel comfortable and relaxed.
For example, a room with few distractions or an enclosed outdoor area can be good options for this task.
Monitor Body Language
Ensure you pay attention to both animals’ body language during the introduction.
If either animal appears anxious or uncomfortable, it is best to stop the introduction and try another day again.
Let Your Cat Move Freely
It is important that your cat has full freedom of movement during this process so they can walk away if they need to in order to feel more comfortable or secure in their environment.
If your dog and the cat are gentle by nature and more relaxed in their behavior, you can increase the proximity between them gradually and eventually let them interact with each other.
But always ensure that your cat has access to a safe spot where they can escape if they need to.
Give Treats
Giving treats during the introduction is a great way to motivate positive behavior and create positive associations between both animals.
Also Read: Best Treats For Cane Corso
Exercise Together
Regularly exercising together can help create a strong bond between your Cane Corso and cats.
It also helps them become familiar with each other’s smells and movements while maintaining an appropriate level of respect for one another’s personal space boundaries.
Supervise Playtime Carefully
Once your Cane Corso and cats have become familiar with one another, you may want to allow supervised playtime between them so they can become comfortable playing together without creating unnecessary stress or tension in the relationship dynamic between them.
However, monitoring their interactions closely and ending the play session if they are not getting along as expected is important.
Provide Lots of Positive Reinforcement
When your Cane Corso and cats are interacting, it is important that you reward them with lots of positive reinforcement.
By providing them with treats and praise when they are behaving well together, you can help to create a positive association between them. This will encourage your Cane Corso and cats to keep playing together in the future.
Also Read: Can Cane Corso be service dogs
Finally, always remember that it is important to keep a watchful eye on your pets when they are together. This will ensure that everyone stays safe and happy.
With the right approach, your Cane Corso and cats can learn to live in harmony with each other!
Final Words
If your Cane Corso is still a pup, things will become easier because pups are more open to new things. However, if your Cane Corso is an adult, it will take time and patience for them to accept the cats.
It is important to remember that all animals, including dogs and cats, need respect and kindness from their owners.
With love and understanding, your Cane Corso and cats can learn to get along like a house on fire! Good luck!
FAQs
Are Cane Corsos Good With Chickens?
As with cats, Cane Corsos can behave well with chickens if they are properly socialized and trained. The key is gradually introducing the two species and providing supervision until a stable relationship has been established.
With a little patience and understanding, your Cane Corso can also become friendly with chickens. However, it is essential to remember that there is no guarantee of success and that you should never leave the two species unsupervised.
Are Cane Corsos Good With Livestock?
Cane Corsos are widely appreciated for their faithful protection and guarding abilities. If they are properly trained from an early age, they can be excellent watchdogs for livestock.
Nonetheless, due to their fiercely protective nature and large size, it’s not suggested that you leave them alone around livestock or other animals.
