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Why Do Shiba Inus Act Like Cats? (Explained)

Shiba Inus are confident and self-sufficient breed dogs. Initially, they were bred as hunting dogs. But over time, they got many qualities that made them popular all over the world.

For example, Shiba Inus often act like cats. You might be confused about the reason behind it. But this article will tell you about the reason Shiba Inus acts like cats.

Why do shiba inus act like cats?

Shiba Inus act like cats because they have some characteristics similar to cats. These characteristics come from the instinct of Shiba Inus most often. Shiba Inus is independent, confident, and stubborn. Moreover, they clean themselves like cats. They are also self-centered, like the cats.

Shiba Inus have many similar qualities to cats. They love to be self-dependent and confident, always like the cats. Moreover, they have cleaning habits like cats.

Shiba Inus are considered one of the cleanest dogs. Like the cats, they try to keep them clean. Generally, they don’t like human company that much. But they can be good house dogs also. For their activities and characteristics like the cats, they act like cats.

Why are shiba inus like cats? – How they are similar to as well as different from cats

Shiba Inus have developed many cat’s activities and features over time. Though they don’t have all the features of the cats, their similarities are pretty surprising. Let’s see why Shiba Inus are like cats and how they are similar or different from each other.

Clean:

Shiba Inus try to keep themselves clean like the cats. Even if they get dirt or dust on their bodies, they start licking and clean themselves. For their cleaning qualities, people often call them “cat-like”.

Independent:

Shibas love to be independent like cats. They don’t like anybody’s dominance. If your Shiba Inu didn’t get his training, don’t let him go outside off-leash.

Because they love to explore the outside alone and want to roam around alone. So, he might not come back if you leave him without a leash. But with proper training, they can be obedient and loyal, like the cats.

Hard to train:

Though Shiba Inus can be trained so well, they are considered comparatively harder to train than other dogs. This feature makes them more like cats. But if the Shiba Inus are trained properly with socializing, they can learn the best.

The habit of sitting in high places:

If you notice a cat, you will see that the cat likes to sit in a high place. Similarly, Shiba Inus also like to sit in high places. This makes them similar to cats. But this habit is not true for all the Shiba Inus.

Rubbing up against their owners:

Like the cats, Shiba Inus also likes to rub up against their owners. They will do this to show affection and love. But sometimes, Shiba Inus lick their owners to show affection that is not likely to be like the cats.

Do shibas like cats?

Shibas are generally aggressive dogs. They are aggressive towards other animals most of the time. But a well-trained Shiba Inu can get along with any animal. Similarly, a cat can also get along with other animals after getting training.

Animals are likely to act strange to other animals. But training can grow positive behavior in them. If you train a Shiba Inu, he can be the best companion of a cat. So, a grown-up and trained Shiba likes cats.

Moreover, if a cat attacks the Shiba first, the Shiba will attack too for his protection. That’s a normal behavior of any animal. Otherwise, Shiba Inus likes cats.

What breeds make a shiba inu?

Shiba Inus are one of the Japanese native six dogs. Shiba Inus used to have many bloodlines. Among them, three bloodlines that survived are known as today Shiba Inu. These three bloodlines are Nagano Prefecture, the Mino Shiba, and the San’in Shiba.

Generally, Shiba Inus are Spitz-type breeds. Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting. They were bred with the qualities to chase small animals with a high prey drive. Shiba Inus still have the temperament and aggression.

What kind of breed is shiba inu?

Shiba Inu is a Spitz kind of breed. Dog breeds have many types. Spitz-type is the breed that originated in Japan with five other dogs. Akita Inu, Hokkaido Inu, Kai Ken, Kishu Ken, Shiba Inu, and Shikoku Ken are the six Spitz breeds of dogs.

Shiba Inu is a kind of breed dog that has hunting qualities from the very beginning. Because the Shiba Inus were bred for hunting.

They have the qualities to be aggressive to other animals. They like to chase small animals and birds. These features make the Shiba Inu a perfect example of his breed type.

Do Shiba Inus do well with cats?

Generally, Shiba Inus don’t do well with cats if they don’t have training. Shiba Inus have the instinct to chase small animals. Even they get aggressive to the other animals. These are Shiba Inu’s natural behaviors.

But if you train a Shiba Inu with basic training and socialization, he might get along with other animals. If you raise the Shiba Inu and a cat together, it will make them easier to do well. You can train them both to get along with each other.

How to introduce a shiba inu to a cat?

To introduce a Shiba Inu to a cat, they both need basic training. A Shiba Inus and a cat need to follow basic commands for getting along with each other.

Before introducing, make them familiarize themselves with each other’s toys, treats, clothes, etc. This will make the scent of each other familiar.

Then you can let their visual contact with each other before being closed. These activities will make them easy to get along with.

Will a Shiba Inu hurt a cat?

Shiba Inus are aggressive in nature. They have the instinct to chase small animals like cats. So, when a cat comes near a Shiba Inu, the Shiba Inu might get aggressive. The Shiba Inu is likely to chase the cat. Even the cat might be getting hurt in the run.

But a trained and socialized Shiba Inu will not do that. Shiba Inus that are house dogs, service dogs, or trained dogs will get along with any animals. So, a trained and socialized Shiba Inu will not hurt a cat. But a wild and non-trained Shiba Inu will chase, even hurt a cat.

Shiba Inus have many similar characteristics to cats. They are stubborn and self-centered like cats. But all Shiba Inus are not like cats. Shiba Inus are aggressive and generally don’t get along with the cats.

Trained and socialized Shiba Inu will get along with animals and people. Moreover, Shiba Inus are loyal. But they are called “cat-like” dogs for some seminaries with cats. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why Do Shiba Inus Have Curly Tails?

Why Do Shiba Inus Lick So Much?

Why Do Shiba Inus Scream?

Why Are Shiba Inus So Stubborn?

Are Shiba Inu Good Hunting Dogs?

Are Shiba Inus Aggressive?