Are Bearded Collies Good With Cats? | Complete Guide 2025

If you're considering adding a Bearded Collie to a household with cats, you probably wonder how well they get along. The good news is that Bearded Collies are generally good with cats due to their low prey drive and friendly nature. However, like any dog breed, their success living peacefully with cats depends on proper introductions, early socialization, and ongoing supervision.

In this guide, we'll explore the Bearded Collie's natural tendencies towards cats, practical advice for owners, step-by-step introduction strategies, and common challenges with solutions to help you foster a harmonious multi-pet home.

Understanding Bearded Collies and Their Tendencies Toward Cats

Bearded Collies have a low prey drive, scoring a 2 on a scale where higher means more prey-driven. This means they are less likely to chase or harm cats out of instinct. Originating as herding dogs in the Scottish Highlands, they are intelligent and social, often showing a playful and affectionate demeanor toward other animals.

However, their herding background means they might sometimes try to herd smaller pets like cats, which could be annoying to some felines. Still, their friendly and adaptable nature makes peaceful coexistence very possible.

Practical Advice for Bearded Collie Owners With Cats

• Early Socialization Is Key: Introducing Bearded Collies to cats as puppies increases their comfort and reduces the chances of conflict.
• Supervise Initial Interactions: Always monitor early meetings between your dog and cat to prevent misunderstandings or accidental harm.
• Respect the Cat’s Space: Provide cats with high places or safe zones where the dog cannot reach them.
• Keep Play Gentle: Teach your Bearded Collie to play gently, as their size and energy can unintentionally stress smaller cats.

Training and Management Strategies

To ensure your Bearded Collie and cat live harmoniously, follow these steps:

1. Controlled Introduction: Start by allowing the pets to sniff each other through a closed door or baby gate.
2. Short Face-to-Face Meetings: Gradually increase their time together under supervision, rewarding calm behavior.
3. Use Positive Reinforcement: Praise and treats help your dog associate cats with positive experiences.
4. Establish Boundaries: Teach your dog commands like "leave it" or "stay" to manage interactions.
5. Maintain Routine: Keep consistent schedules for feeding and playtime to reduce stress for both pets.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

• Dog Chasing Cat: Redirect your Bearded Collie's attention with toys or commands and reward calm behavior.
• Cat Hissing or Swatting: Give the cat time to adjust and ensure they have escape routes.
• Jealousy Over Attention: Spend quality time with both pets separately and together to balance affection.
• Excessive Herding Behavior: Train your dog to focus on commands and provide sufficient exercise to reduce excess energy.

Conclusion

Bearded Collies are typically good with cats thanks to their gentle and social nature combined with a low prey drive. Successful coexistence largely depends on early and positive introductions, patient supervision, and respectful management of their interactions. With these strategies in place, your Bearded Collie and feline friend can enjoy a peaceful and loving home together.

Remember, every pet is unique, so always observe their behavior and adjust your approach as needed to ensure harmony.