Do Cats And Jack Russells Get Along?

The old rivalry between cats and dogs is truly timeless, and there’s a common belief that the two species simply don’t get along. While many dogs and cats have reconciled over the years, finding ways to share a household, Jack Russells have only reinforced their animosity toward cats.

Where Does This Animosity Come From?

Jack Russells were initially bred as hunters, causing them to be aggressive toward small animals like cats. Because of this, Jack Russell owners usually can’t have small pets like hamsters, birds, and often even can’t have cats. Cats very closely resemble the original prey that Jack’s were bred to hunt, so the nature of most cats immediately triggers the Jack’s hunting instincts. This is the consequence of generations of breeding and cannot be easily adapted.

Is It Ever Possible For Them To Cohabitate?

Even with this historic rivalry, every now and then a Jack Russell and cat will defy the odds. Jacks can be curious creatures and can often depart from the norms of the breed, so there are some Jacks out there who may indeed be cat-friendly. Indeed, socialization is possible, provided you start from the time your dog is a puppy and raise him around other cats, clearly establishing that cats are not something to hunt. Introduce them to each other as new playmates and make sure to carefully supervise them at all times. Socialization at an early age will teach both your dog and cat that they need not fear one another, allowing everyone to feel safe and comfortable.

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A House Divided

Socialization aside, remember that dogs and cats are still animals and caution must still be applied . It’s impossible to totally stifle their natural urges and accidents can and do happen, and if left unsupervised, the playful chasing could turn out to be the end of the cat. For example, when Jack Russells are startled, they get excited and could quite possibly lose control and momentarily forget his bond with the cat, treating her instead like prey.

This means that you should never get complacent. Understand that your Jack has been bred as a hunter and try to protect your cat against these impulses by ensuring they aren’t left in the same room while you’re gone and that their play never gets too rough. As a puppy such instincts are rather cute, but the early you discourage your Jack from rough-housing, the safer your cat will be when the Jack grows up.

Another helpful strategy is to provide a safety exit for your cat. One way of doing this is offering your cat access to higher areas, allowing her to leap to safety. Remember that even if they are amiable the majority of the time, you never know when your Jack may be tempted to demonstrate dominance, so allow the cat access to a place he cannot reach.

Simply supervise them. Simply by being with them, they will be less likely to start any trouble. It’s simply a case of being aware of the differences between them and preparing accordingly.

In conclusion, be mindful that typically Jack Russells don’t get along with cats, but can on occasion. There are exceptions to the norm, and if you socialize your Jack early enough it’s possible for he and your cat to have an amiable friendship.

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