A hunting dog originating from Spain, the Springer Spaniel is a lovely friendly, active and obedient dog. With a soft coat, sociable personality, and active, boisterous disposition, it isn’t hard to see why the Springer Spaniel is one of the most popular pets in the USA!
But with their activeness and hunting tendencies, can Springer Spaniels live with cats? And how can you help your Springer Spaniel get along with a cat?
So, do Springer Spaniels get along with cats?
So, Springer Spaniels have a strong tendency towards chasing other animals. But does this mean a Springer and a cat can’t get along?
For sure, it can be difficult for a Springer Spaniel to live in peace with a kitty. But it’s definitely not impossible!
How can I help my Springer Spaniel get along with a cat?
If your Springer Spaniel and cat are going to be living together, it helps if you get them used to each other from as early an age as possible.
With the Springer Spaniel naturally being such a friendly and sociable dog, many people forget to socialize a Springer, or they don’t socialize their Springer Spaniel to the same extent they would with other dogs.
However, remember it’s just as important to get your Springer Spaniel used to the world around them as it would be if they were another dog.
Be sure to introduce your Springer Spaniel to many different people and plenty of different situations throughout their life. This can mean trying out a new walking route at least once a week or bringing your pooch along to different dog-friendly gatherings.
Your Springer Spaniel needs to get used to people who look different, wearing different clothes, and in all ages, shapes, and sizes. So, you should help your Springer Spaniel get used to cats and other animals similarly, too.
Try introducing your Springer Spaniel to the cat in neutral territory. If you have to, either pet’s home is fine. But, go for a hallway or bathroom rather than the area where either pet sleeps or hangs out most. Keep your Springer Spaniel on their leash or in their crate, whichever they are most comfortable with.
Do allow both pets to sniff each other, investigate each other and touch each other. But, do pull the cat or dog out of the situation if either pet shows signs of discomfort. Always ensure both pets have access to an area where they feel safe, throughout the meeting.
As the cat and Springer Spaniel start to get used to each other, you can hold longer and longer meeting sessions, with more and more freedom until you are sure they can be trusted around each other.
How can I help my Springer Spaniel live with a cat?
Sure, it’s adorable to see a cat and dog snuggled up together in the same bed. But, just like when they were meeting, your Springer Spaniel and cat will enjoy having their own personal space to relax and feel safe in.
For an agile cat, creating this safe space is easy – most cat trees or beds will have a soft, cozy dark area or two for your cat to leap into anytime they feel like a break. Plus, your cat may be able to leap onto a table.
For your Spaniel, their crate is a good option for a chill-out space. If you are in the room, you can close the door, so that your cat cannot gain entry. If you have a yard, a kennel is another great option for your Springer to spend some time alone.
If your cat uses a litter tray, consider a hooded litter tray, to prevent your Spaniel from gaining access!
How can I introduce my Springer Spaniel to a friend’s cat?
Again, introduce the pets slowly and introduce the pets in an area they see as neutral. Make sure your friend’s cat has access to their bed, cat tower, or even an external cat flap. Until both pets are happy with each other, keep your Springer on a leash or in their crate.
Even when both your pets are happy with each other, always supervise them. Don’t let them spend long periods of time alone together. Just as if they were permanently living with each other, offer them their own space to chill out.
Springer Spaniels have a strong prey drive. So, never allow your Spaniel to chase a cat. If your Springer shows any signs of wanting to chase the cat, remove your dog from the situation.
What kind of dog is the Springer Spaniel?
The Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog with characteristically long, droopy, silky Spaniel ears and a beautiful wavy double coat. So named for their ability to “spring” animals out into the open, historically, Springer Spaniels helped hunt animals and birds like woodcock and game alongside humans on horseback.
Is the Springer Spaniel friendly?
Definitely! Whether it’s a family member or a complete stranger, your Springer Spaniel will greet everyone with a wag of their tail. The Springer Spaniel loves playing with everyone, as long as that person is happy to spend hours throwing a ball! Springer Spaniels also hate to be alone, to the extent that separation anxiety is an increasing concern with this breed.
Are Springer Spaniels playful?
Yes. Though the Springer Spaniel is friendly and sociable, make no mistake – they are no companion dog. Sure, a Springer Spaniel will snuggle on the couch with you up to a point. But a Springer is truly happiest when running around in the yard or park, chasing a ball, Frisbee, or squirrel.
An obedient, anxious-to-please dog, the Springer Spaniel also excels at obedience and trick training and will quickly pick up new commands and skills with aplomb!
Do Springer Spaniels get along with other animals?
There’s no clear-cut answer to this question. As we touched upon earlier, the Springer Spaniel has a long history of hunting other animals. With hunting and chasing being what this dog was bred for, it can be challenging to train a Springer against carrying out these types of behaviors.
This being said, there have been increasing reports in recent years of Springer Spaniels living in harmony with all sorts of other pets – hamsters, mice, guinea pigs, and even rats!
