Throughout history, dogs and cats have been considered natural foes, and even today we often think of them as being fundamentally incompatible. Regardless, plenty of dogs and cats seem to live rather peacefully together, though not when a Jack Russell is involved.

Where Does This Animosity Come From?

Jack Russells were initially bred as hunters, causing them to be aggressive toward small animals like cats. As a result, owners should be sure they don't have rodents in the house, or anything that may cause the Jack Russell to begin hunting, which often includes not having cats. Cats are smaller, can easily be chased and in a lot of ways look like the Jack's original prey, which makes it highly likely that your new dog will want to chase any cats that it comes across. Such compulsion is central to the Jack Russell personality and isn't likely to ever change without significant training.

Is It Ever Possible For Them To Cohabitate?

Even with this historic rivalry, every now and then a Jack Russell and cat will defy the odds. Just as not all Jacks will be diggers not all of them will be cat-haters either, and you're bound to come across the occasional Jack Russell that loves his feline housemate. Indeed, if you adopt your Jack Russell as a puppy, and he grows up around cats, it is unlikely that he'll ever think to hunt them. Be respectful when introducing them and be sure to supervise their interactions. Early socialization will teach your dog that your cat is a friend, not a foe, allowing everyone in the house to feel more comfortable, your cat included.

Sharing One Roof

Even if you've socialized your Jack Russell and he and your cat seem to have a good relationship, you should still keep a prudent eye on them . Animals have impulses that are beyond our control and when these animal tendencies arise you'll want to make sure things don't get out of hand. For example, when Jack Russells are startled, they get excited and could quite possibly lose control and momentarily forget his bond with the cat, treating her instead like prey.

The solution is to remain involved and cautious. Realise and accept your Jack's natural hunting instinct and prepare for it, such as by not letting your dog and cat be in the same room when you're out of the house and stopping any play fighting when it starts to get too rough. In puppyhood it's fine, but when your pup becomes an adult he could quickly and aggressively overpower your cat, so make sure to let them know that overzealous playing is simply not acceptable.

You should also try to create some opportunities for escape. If, for example, the three of you are on the couch, give your cat a heightened spot, allowing her an advantage if she has to get away. Remember that even if they are amiable the majority of the time, you never know when your Jack may be tempted to demonstrate dominance, so allow the cat access to a place he cannot reach.

So keep an eye on them. Owners who are present and observing will be able to intervene, and that's probably the best preventive measure. The two can live together as long as you understand how to care and prepare for their differences.

In conclusion, be mindful that typically Jack Russells don't get along with cats, but can on occasion. There are always exceptions and if you've got a cat in the house then socialise your new Jack to get used to them, and you could find that they become the best of friends.