Are Azawakhs Good With Cats? | Complete Guide 2025

If you're considering adding an Azawakh to a household with cats, you might wonder if this elegant sighthound can coexist peacefully with feline friends. Azawakhs are generally cautious around cats due to their natural prey drive, but with proper introductions and early socialization, many can learn to live harmoniously. This guide will explore the Azawakh's tendencies toward cats, how to introduce them safely, and strategies to foster a calm multi-pet environment.

Understanding the Azawakh's Tendencies Toward Cats

The Azawakh is a lean, fast sighthound originally bred to hunt small game like hare and gazelle. This background gives them a strong prey drive, which means they may instinctively see smaller animals, including cats, as potential prey. Their prey drive is moderate to high, so unsupervised interactions with cats can be risky.

However, Azawakhs are also independent and reserved dogs. They often observe first and act cautiously, which can help reduce impulsive chasing. Still, their natural instincts mean they are not typically the best breed to mix freely with cats without supervision and training.

Practical Advice for Owners Living With Cats

If you already have cats or plan to get one, it’s essential to prepare your Azawakh for this new household member:

Early Socialization: Introducing an Azawakh puppy to cats early can help reduce chasing instincts.
Supervised Interactions: Always supervise initial meetings to prevent any sudden chasing or aggressive behavior.
Safe Spaces: Provide cats with high perches or separate rooms where they can retreat if they feel threatened.
Observe Behavior: Watch for signs of stress or predatory behavior in your dog and intervene if necessary.

Training and Management Strategies

Follow these steps to help your Azawakh live peacefully with cats:

Start Slowly: Keep your Azawakh on a leash during first encounters with your cat.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm, non-aggressive behavior toward the cat with treats and praise.
Teach Basic Commands: Commands like "leave it" and "stay" are crucial to control your dog’s impulses.
Increase Freedom Gradually: Only allow off-leash interactions once both pets show relaxed behavior.
Maintain Routine: Keep feeding and playtime schedules consistent to reduce stress.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

Azawakh Chasing Cats: Interrupt immediately with a firm command and redirect attention to a toy.
Cats Hissing or Swatting: Ensure cats have escape routes and don’t force interactions.
Dog Ignoring Cat: This is ideal; reward this behavior to reinforce peaceful coexistence.
Tension After Introduction: Separate pets and try reintroducing more slowly after a few days.

Conclusion

Azawakhs are cautious but naturally prey-driven dogs, so they are not inherently great with cats. However, with early socialization, careful introductions, and ongoing supervision, they can learn to coexist peacefully. Owners should remain vigilant, respecting both the dog’s instincts and the cat’s need for safety. By following these guidelines, you can create a harmonious home where both pets feel secure and content.

Remember: Every Azawakh and cat is unique. Patience and consistent training are key to success in any multi-pet household.