Are Greyhounds Cat-Friendly? The Truth Behind the Paws

If you’ve landed on this blog, chances are you’re asking the age-old question: “Are greyhounds cat-friendly?” Maybe you have a cat and are considering rescuing a greyhound. Perhaps you already have a greyhound and are thinking about adding a feline friend to your family. Or, you might be starting fresh, dreaming of bringing a dog and cat into your life together. Whatever your story, you’re in the right place.

If you’re anything like me, I found myself pondering this exact question when I decided to bring a greyhound into my home. At the time, I already had a rescue kitty ruling the roost. The answer to the question “Are greyhounds cat-friendly?” is: yes—but with reason.

Every Greyhound is Unique

Just like how every fingerprint is unique, so is every dog you meet. Their temperament, experiences, and personalities all shape how they interact with other animals, including cats. Let me share a little about my own journey and what I’ve learned along the way.

A Tale of Two Hounds and a Cat

When I adopted my first greyhound, Misty, I specifically sought out a cat-friendly hound. Misty had been assessed by the adoption group as suitable for a home with cats, and for the most part, she and our rescue kitty coexisted peacefully.

Then came Acey, my foster fail. Acey was classified as “not cat-friendly,” meaning the adoption group didn’t believe she would be safe around cats. However, life has a way of surprising us—Acey turned out to be more gentle and loving toward our cats than Misty ever was!

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: labels like “cat-friendly” are helpful guides, but they aren’t set in stone. Some greyhounds, with the right training, supervision, and environment, can adjust beautifully to life with cats. Others may never be safe in a home with small animals.

Tips for a Successful Cat-Greyhound Household

If you’re considering blending a cat and greyhound into one happy family, here are some tips to help set everyone up for success:

1. Seek a Cat-Friendly Greyhound

Many greyhound rescue organisations test their dogs for compatibility with cats. Be upfront about your living situation when adopting, so they can match you with a dog that’s been assessed as cat-friendly.

2. Start with a Foster Trial

If possible, consider a foster-to-adopt situation. A trial period allows you to observe how your greyhound and cat interact in a controlled, supervised environment without a long-term commitment.

3. Supervised Introductions Are Key

When bringing your new greyhound home, always introduce them to your cat slowly and in a controlled setting. Use barriers like baby gates or crates to give each pet their own space to observe and adjust.

4. Use a Muzzle During the Adjustment Period

It’s common practice to use a basket muzzle during the initial introductions. This is for everyone’s safety—your greyhound is in a new environment, and it may take time for their prey drive (if present) to settle.

5. Respect Their Boundaries

Not every cat or dog is going to love sharing their space. Pay attention to their body language, and don’t force interactions. Sometimes, peaceful coexistence is the best outcome.

Every Pet is Unique

Greyhounds are known for their gentle and affectionate nature, but they also come with unique quirks—especially when it comes to their prey drive. Whether your new greyhound gets along with your cat depends on their individual personality, their experiences before adoption, and the environment you create for them.

Conclusion

If you’re willing to take the time to make careful introductions and respect each animal’s needs, the bond between a greyhound and a cat can be truly special. Just like with Misty and Acey, you might find that your pets surprise you in the best possible ways.

Thinking about adopting a greyhound or adding a cat to your family? Share your story or questions in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your journey toward a harmonious furry family! 🐾