Are Rottweilers Good with Cats? Everything You Need To Know

If you’re worried about keeping a Rottweiler with a cat, you may wonder if Rottweilers are good with felines. It’s an important question as Rotts are powerful dogs and can do serious damage to a cat, or even swallow a kitten whole if they want to.

Having pets at war can put stress on the whole household. So we definitely never want to bring a Rottweiler into a home with a cat if we don’t know that they can be buddies, or at least tolerate one another. 

So let’s look at whether cats and Rottweilers get along, and we can make sure that do. 

Are Rottweilers good with cats?

Most Rottweilers who socialized and raised with cats from a young age are good with cats. But how good a Rottweiler is with a cat depends the how well socialized the dog is, the temperament of the cat and the dog, familiarity, and early experiences.

In other words, whether a Rottweiler can get on with a cat will be affected by:

1. If the dog’s early experience with cats was positive,
2. If the dog has grown up with cats or been well-socialized them,
3. If the Rottweiler has any issues like reactivity, food aggression, or a high prey drive?
4. If the cat is comfortable or hostile to the dog.

A great many Rottweilers, particularly those that are raised with cats, get along wonderfully with felines. Just see this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzwlFy2PJZ0

This is important because a raised tail in a cat means friendliness, but a raised tail in a dog means aggression. So it’s important that these pets understand each other’s cues.

What makes Rottweilers Good With Cats?

First things first,  let’s talk about the Rottweiler temperament. Rottweilers are intelligent, loyal, and loving dogs that make great family pets. They are also known for being protective of their homes and families, which can sometimes make them seem a bit aloof or even aggressive to strangers.

But don’t let that reputation scare you, Rottweilers are really just big softies at heart and are known for getting on well with other dogs and animals when properly socialised.

1. Rottweilers are patient by nature: Rottweilers are known for their even-tempered dispositions. This means that they’re unlikely to startle a cat or be overly rough with them.
2. Rottweilers are intelligent and trainable: Rottweilers are quick learners, which makes them easier to train not to chase or bother cats. With the right training, a Rottweiler can learn to live peacefully with cats.
3. Rottweilers are loyal and protective: Rottweilers are fiercely loyal to their family and will do anything to protect them, which is one reason they have been used as guard dogs in the past. This includes cats who are part of the family. A Rottweiler is likely to see a pet cat or other animals as another member of their pack to be defended if they are socialized with them.
4. Rottweilers have a gentle side: Despite their large size and intimidating appearance, Rottweilers can actually be quite gentle. They’re known for being great with kids, and this gentleness extends to cats as well. With proper socialization, a Rottweiler can learn to coexist peacefully with cats.

If you’re considering adding a Rottweiler to your home, there’s a good chance they’ll get along with your cat just fine. Just be sure to introduce them slowly and supervise their interactions until you’re confident they’re comfortable with each other.

What makes Rottweilers Bad With Cats

1. Rottweilers are large and powerful: They’re one of the largest dog breeds, and their powerful bodies can easily injure a cat if they’re not careful.
2. Rottweilers have high energy levels: This means that they may be too rambunctious for a calm, sedentary cat. A high-energy Rottweiler may unintentionally scare or startle a cat with their enthusiasm.
3. Rottweilers are dominant dogs: Rottweilers have a strong instinct to lead and control those around them. This trait can make them challenging to live with, especially for a timid or submissive cat.
4. Rottweilers have a strong prey drive: Rotties were bred specifically as drovers and herding dogs so, they’re more likely to see a cat as a potential target to chase and attack. This is why it’s important to socialize and train a Rottweiler from a young age. Without proper training, a Rottweiler may view cats as prey instead of family members.

How do you teach your Rottweiler to be good with cats?

Rottweilers are a dog breed that can be trained to get along with cats, but it’s important to start the training early. Rottweilers are quick learners, so they can pick up on new commands and behaviours relatively easily. However, their prey drive is also strong, so it’s important to socialize and train your Rottweiler puppy from the beginning. Here are a few tips for training your Rottweiler:

1. Start socialization early: Socialization is key when it comes to training any dog to get along with cats. It’s important to expose them to different types of animals at an early age so they learn to accept them as part of their pack.
2. Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a great way to train any dog, and it’s especially effective with Rottweilers. Make sure to praise and reward your Rottweiler whenever they display good behaviour around cats. This will help them learn that getting along with cats is something you approve of.
3. Be consistent: Consistency is important when training any dog, but it’s especially important when training a Rottweiler. Make sure everyone in the family is on the same page when it comes to training and expectations. This will help your Rottweiler learn more quickly and avoid confusion.
4. Seek professional help: If you’re having trouble training your Rottweiler to get along with cats, seek professional help from a qualified dog trainer. They will be able to give you specific advice and guidance on how to best train your Rottweiler.

With proper socialization and training, a Rottweiler can learn to coexist peacefully with cats. Just be sure to introduce them slowly and supervise their interactions until you’re confident they’re comfortable with each other.

Start As Early As Possible

The best time to start training your Rottweiler to get along with cats is when they’re a young age. Puppies are more receptive to new experiences and easier to train than older dogs. If you wait until your Rottweiler is an adult, they may be more set in their ways and less likely to take kindly to a new animal in the house.

A  Study in Applied Animal Behavior Science writes,” Reaching such a relationship appears to be dependent on their initial encounter taking place at an early age, with a relatively longer window for the dog than for the cat for.”

Introducing your Rottweiler and your Cat

The best way to introduce a Rottweiler and cat is to do it slowly and supervise it. Start by keeping them in separate rooms and allowing them to sniff each other through the door. Once they seem comfortable with this, you can try letting them see each other face-to-face while you’re still supervising. If all goes well, you can eventually let them interact on their own. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them at first to make sure they’re getting along okay.

1. Slow Exposure

When you do start introducing your Rottweiler to cats, take things slowly. Start by letting them see each other from a distance. Then, gradually increase the amount of time they spend together until they’re comfortable being in close proximity to one another. It’s important to go at the pace that your Rottweiler is comfortable with so they don’t get overwhelmed or scared.1. Keep them separated at first: When you first introduce a Rottweiler and cat, it’s important to keep them in separate rooms. This will allow them to get used to each other’s scent without being in close proximity.

2. Let them sniff each other through the door

Once they seem comfortable with being in separate rooms, you can try letting them sniff each other through the door. This will help them get used to each other’s presence without being in the same room.

3. Allow them to see each other face-to-face 

Once they’re both comfortable with the previous step, you can try letting them see each other face-to-face while you supervise. This will help them get used to each other’s appearance and learn that they’re not a threat.

4. Let them interact on their own 

Once they seem comfortable with each other, you can eventually let them interact on their own. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them at first to make sure they’re getting along okay.

The importance of scent

Scent is one of the most important things to a Rottweiler and cat. When they’re first introduced to a cat, make sure to let them sniff each other out so they can get used to each other’s scent. This will help them feel more comfortable around one another and may help prevent any potential aggression.

You can place items that have your cat’s scent on them (such as a blanket or toy) near your Rottweiler’s food or bed. This will help them associate the scent with something positive (food and comfort). The same goes for your cat

5. Plan for the worst

Even if you do everything right, there’s always the potential for something to go wrong when introducing a Rottweiler and cat. Be prepared for the worst by having a plan in place in case of an emergency. This may include having a safe room for the cat to go to or keeping a break stick on hand in case the Rottweiler needs to be pulled off.

6. Let the cat decide

One of the most important things to remember when introducing a Rottweiler to a cat is to give the cat control. This means letting the cat decide when and how to interact with the dog. Forcing them together can lead to negative associations and worsen the situation.

7. Let the cat approach the dog on its own terms

The cat should be the one to decide when and how to interact with the dog.

8. Give the cat a safe place to retreat to 

Make sure there’s a safe place for the cat to go if it feels overwhelmed or scared. This could be a room that the dog is not allowed in, cat trees, or even just a high spot on a piece of furniture.

9. Provide the cat with plenty of toys and scratching posts 

Keeping the cat occupied with toys and scratch posts will help to redirect its attention away from the dog. This can be helpful in preventing any potential conflict between them.

10. Create Cat-Only Spaces

It’s important to give the cat plenty of space that is just for them. This will help to reduce their stress levels and make them feel more comfortable in their environment. Some things you can do to create cat-only spaces are:

1. Set up a litter box in a quiet, out-of-the-way place: The litter box should be in a location that is peaceful and away from the dog. This will help the cat feel more comfortable using it.
2. Provide the cat with a hiding spot: Cats like to have a place to hide when they’re feeling scared or overwhelmed. This could be a cardboard box, a pet bed, or even just a spot under a piece of furniture.
3. Give the cat its own food and water bowl: The cat’s food and water bowls should be in a location that is out of the way of the dog. This will help to prevent any potential conflict between them.

11. Remember to Be Patient

One of the most important things to remember when introducing a Rottweiler to a cat is to be patient. It’s important to go at the pace that your cat is comfortable with so they don’t get overwhelmed or scared. Going too fast can lead to problems down the road, so it’s best to take things slowly.

Give them plenty of time to adjust and get comfortable with each other. It can take a while for a cat in particular to get used to the presence of a dog.

Generally, Rottweilers are good with cats, but the older or less socialized your dog is, the longer it will take.

12. Keep Food and Feeding Separated

It’s important to keep food and feeding separated so that neither animal views the other as competition. This means feeding the cat and dog in separate areas of the house. It’s also important to keep their food bowls out of reach of each other so that there is no potential for conflict.

It’s a great idea to use food and treats as a way of rewarding good behaviour for both animals, but just make sure it’s done separately.

Signs that Your Rottweiler and Cat are Happy

When introducing a Rottweiler to a cat, it’s important to watch for signs of anxiety in both animals. If either the dog or the cat seems to be getting upset, it’s best to take a break and try again later. Signs of anxiety in cats can include hissing, growling, hiding, or swatting.

Signs Your Rottweiler is Relaxed Around Cats

Once your Rottweiler is relaxed around cats, you’ll start to see some tell-tale signs. These can include things like:

1. Sitting or lying down next to the cat
2. Sniffing the cat calmly
3. Allowing the cat to approach them
4. Playing gently with the cat
5. Looking at the cat, but not fixating on them

If you see these signs, it’s a good indication that your Rottweiler is starting to feel more comfortable around cats. Just keep up the good work and eventually, they’ll be best friends!

Signs Your Rottweiler is Not Good With Cats

There are some signs that may indicate that your Rottweiler is feeling anxious around cats. These can include:

1. Panting or pacing
2. Whining or barking
3. Fixating on the cat
4. Chasing the cat
5. Jumping or lunging at the cat
6. Sniffing the cat aggressively
7. Mounting the cat

If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take a break and try again later. It’s also a good idea to consult with a professional trainer or behaviourist to get some help with desensitizing your Rottweiler to cats.

What Should You Do If Your Rottweiler and Your Cat Can’t Get Along?

If, after doing everything you can, your Rottweiler and cat still don’t get along, it may be best to keep them separated. This means having two separate areas in the house where each animal can have their own food, water, litter box, bed, toys, etc. In some cases, it may be necessary to rehome one of the animals. If this is something you’re considering, be sure to do your research and find a good home where the animal will be well cared for.

Are Rottweilers Good With Cats? – Conclusion

There is no easy answer when it comes to whether or not Rottweilers are good with cats. It really depends on the individual dog and cat, and how much time and effort you’re willing to put into training and socialization. However, with patience and some hard work, it is possible for a Rottweiler to learn to coexist peacefully with a cat. Just be sure to take things slowly, watch for signs of anxiety, and consult with a professional if needed.