Huskies and cats

[EllieEm]

Does anyone have any experiences good or bad? DH would love a husky but we have a cat and I've read that they have a very high prey instinct and I'm worried that it would chase/kill the cat. Are they ok/safe if they're raised with a cat from a puppy or is there always going to be a worry that the instinct to kill small furry things that run wI'll kick in?

I wouldn't.

I trained a husky as a special request guide dog. He was wonderful - very tame, completely reliable, he could answer the phone and open the washing machine. He still ripped the head off a squirrel in a moment of madness, though, and he only just edged it through assessment because that pray drive is always there.

You might be fine, but then you might come down to your poor cat having been identified as prey, or your cat may move out to avoid the dog.

OH response (has a lot of husky experience) was bye bye cat. So I tak it from that it's not a good idea.

We had huskies as a child. They are gorgeous but incredibly hard work, and I personally wouldn't trust them around small furries of any type. Ours had an attempt at a family friends pet when he escaped once, and in general they aren't the easiest animals to handle. That said, we had guineas and rabbits that survived - but these were always in hutches/firmly in our arms. Rather different to a free running cat!

Have you had much doggie experience? The walk and training demands are pretty hard core, IMO.

My cousin has a rescue husky. It ccannot be around cats at all. More prey drive than my greyhound. I really wouldn't think it'd be a sensible idea tbh.

Does your husband realise what a commitment a husky is? The exercise, the grooming, the training a smart wilful strong animal. they aren't to be taken lightly. Which is why so many are in rescue.

Sorry, read my post back and it sounds snarky. That wasn't the intent.

One of mine who is otherwise trained to a high standard (successfully competes in agility, sled dog racing, obedience trials etc) was raised with a cat in her first home - this didn't stop her from very sadly killing a family cat that she'd previously been tolerant of. They are not to be trusted with anything that moves!

I have a friend with Huskies, she got one as a new puppy when the older he was about 5. It nearly killed the puppy.
They are beautiful dogs but not ideal as family pets for most people and certainly not to be trusted around anything smaller than them.

Thank you for all the replies. That pretty much confirms everything I've read :( re commitment and grooming etc DH is very outdoorsy and goes for lots of walks/runs/hikes etc so I think he would fit quite well that way but the cat risk makes it a big no. I don't want to risk my girl!

Maybe suggest a lurcher to your husband? If you take some time you could find the perfect mix. Energetic exercise loving dog for your husband but equally happy to slob around sleeping and relaxing. Couldn't get a finer mix!

And honestly, I wouldn't do sad face if I was you. Huskies are REALLY hard work. You need to be either wealthy (for huge outdoor space and bought-in help) or very very experienced.

You deffo want a lurcher. Many are cat friendly but good exercise companions. Look at EGLR. You'll find your dog there. Guaranteed

I love lurchers but DH doesn't. We've been looking at a few different breeds. I'll let you know what we decide. Thank you!

If your DH is "outdoorsy" and likes running etc, could I suggest a collie? Ours live happily with 11 cats (the cats are very much the boss) and if you are switched on and spend time training and working with it, you'll have a wonderful, easy and obedient companion.

Admittedly I am totally bias as we have 4 collies and I work with collie rescue, but in reality, if you're matched to the right one and can give them what they need, they are awesome amazing dogs who make fantastic family friends.

And anyway, how could you refuse a puppy face like this?

So cute! Collies are actually on our short list. Friends of ours have a couple and they are lovely.

My uncle had a husky. Lovely dog she was. Didn't stop her leaping over the 6ft garden fence and polishing off next door's guinea pigs who had been having a lovely time munching on the grass in their garden run one beautiful summer's day.

Don't do it. A friend has a husky and a cat. They get on ok now (sort of) but in the first few months the husky bit off the cat's tail.

I honestly would never consider a husky and I work with dogs and have seen and worked with pretty much every breed.

Go for a german shepherd, some can look quite wolf like but they are amazing dogs

I have a husky and a cat they have lived together for 8 years no problems not saying it won't happen I understand but they play together and eat together I genuinely think my husky sees her as part of the pack I think it's how you bring them up 😊

Huskys have a reputation for consistently killing cats. Many after several years of living together peacefully. Prey drive is natural. If you like your cat dont get a Husky.

I would also consider a collie.
They are not crazy or neurotic if you get a decently bred one and although they are practically untireable and will take as much exercise as you can give them they don’t need hours of exercise/stimulation everyday.
I have a cat aswell.
Collies are typically high prey drive aswell but most of them lack the instinct to ‘follow through’.

Plus as quiettiger says, they are super cute puppies!

You could try one of these big softies!

What about a Hungarian Vizsla? Mine is naturally good with chickens, cats, sheep etc, just has a look and then goes about her business. Lovely outdoorsy dogs without the sharpness of a collie.
They do get attached to their person though, mine can be left with my OH all day but then is ridiculously clingy when I get home. She’s good when left on her own for 3-4 hours, but we trained that from the beginning.

Also ridiculously good looking. Although I’m biased.