Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Are Miniature Schnauzers Good With Cats? Vet-Verified Facts and FAQ

Cat and Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are among the most affectionate and sociable of any dog—particularly among the Schnauzer breeds. They get along well with adults, children, and other dogs, but do they get along with cats? It depends on their early socialization, training, and individual temperaments.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

About the Miniature Schnauzer

Miniature Schnauzers are a result of breeding down Standard Schnauzers to create a smaller version of the popular guard dog breed for ratting and herding. Some of the breeds that were crossbred to create a smaller Schnauzer include the Affenpinscher and Miniature Poodle.

Though the Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the Terrier Group because of its ratter background, it does not share ancestry with Great Britain Terriers. Miniature Schnauzers are more obedient, laid-back, and friendly than terriers.

That said, Miniature Schnauzers do share one thing in common with terriers—an extremely high prey drive. This trait makes them great at hunting rats and other pests but can present problems in homes with other small animals like cats.

miniature schnauzer dog sitting on grass at the park
Image Credit: Roman Zaiets, Shutterstock

Do Miniature Schnauzers Get Along With Cats?

Because of their rodent-hunting background and in-bred traits, Miniature Schnauzers will always have a natural instinct to hunt small animals like rats, mice, and birds. Cats are small and both predator and prey, depending on the situation. They also move like prey, giving dogs a good chase.

With proper training and socialization, many Miniature Schnauzers can get along with cats just fine. It depends on the personality of the individual dog, but Miniature Schnauzers that are raised around cats from puppyhood are more likely to recognize a cat as a household companion rather than prey to hunt and chase.

How to Socialize Your Miniature Schnauzer With Cats

It’s easiest to get a Miniature Schnauzer used to cats if it is raised around them. Some rescue Schnauzers may come from a household with cats, but you can also teach a puppy to accept a cat from a young age.

Your Miniature Schnauzer and cat should be introduced slowly. If you’re already crate training your puppy, that will make introductions easier. When your pup is out of the crate, make sure it’s on a leash for safety.

When your puppy and cat interact appropriately, as in no growling, hissing, swatting, or snapping, offer a treat to both. They’ll begin to associate each other with good things.

Keep the interactions short and sweet. If you do see signs of defensiveness or aggression, end the session, simply separate them, and give them a “time out”. Try again at another time. It’s easier to prevent the situation from escalating than to address it once a behavior like chasing begins.

Remember, there’s a risk to both the cat and the dog in this scenario. A cat has sharp teeth and claws that can hurt a puppy if it gets defensive. Likewise, a juvenile or adult Miniature Schnauzer can seriously injure or kill a cat. Always supervise interactions between your dog and cat.

Cat and miniature Schnauzer playing
Image Credit: Tudor Sfatosu, Shutterstock

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

In Conclusion

Miniature Schnauzers are sociable dogs that enjoy spending time with all family members, human and pet alike, but cats can activate their naturally high prey drive. Fortunately, you can train your Miniature Schnauzer to accept your cat with positive training and careful interactions.


Featured Image Credit: Anastasiya Tsiasemnikava, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale in Texas: 2025 Breeders List

It’s hard not to fall in love with a Labrador Retriever. They are some of the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet. Fortunately, you...

Solid Gold Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros, Cons, & FAQ

If you are a dog owner, you know that finding the right food for your pet is essential to their health and well-being....

Grey French Bulldog: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

The Grey French Bulldog is a rare variation of the popular French Bulldog breed. It combines the charm and friendly personalities of French...

How Much Does a Whippet Shed? Vet-Verified Facts & Grooming Tips

Whippets have fine, short coats that only shed minimally. While they do shed, their fur is quite short, and it doesn’t matter all...

More related

Irish Wolfhound Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, History & More

Do you love large dogs? Do you think the larger the dog, the better? Then, you might end up adoring the Irish Wolfhound!...

Gay Men & Dogs: Why They Make Fabulous Friends

June is LGBT Pride Month, and it’s a fine time to celebrate differences. So, are gay dog lovers somehow different from straight ones?...

American Journey Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary Introduction American Journey dog food has quickly become a favorite of dog parents everywhere. However, if you’re searching for it in...

Do Dogs Like Cold Water? Vet-Reviewed Drinking, Swimming & Bathing Temperature

Do dogs like cold water? Indeed, most dogs prefer to drink cool water, and this remains true in both cold and warm environments!...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Bacon? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts & FAQ

If there’s an aroma guaranteed to get dogs drooling and gazing up at you with big, pleading eyes, it’s the smell of bacon cooking. As much as you may want to indulge your pooch, it’s wise to hold off on...

Can Dogs Eat Bacon

NutriCanine Dog Food Review 2025: An Expert’s Breakdown

As pet owners, we always want to give our fur babies top-quality meals. One way that we can give our pets premium food is by choosing fresh food. Fresh food has become quite popular, with many pet owners switching from...

DOG_SAPR_NutriCanine Dog Food

What Is Salmon Meal in Dog Food? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Salmon meal is a rich, protein-heavy ingredient. Typically, it is created by drying salmon to remove most of its moisture content. This leaves a dried meal that is usually broken down into a powder. Since dry dog foods have little...

smoked salmon outdoors

10 Best Legume-Free Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Food sensitivities can make shopping for dog food difficult, especially if your dog is allergic to common ingredients like legumes. While there are benefits to adding legumes to your dog’s diet, there are several reasons that you might prefer to...

dog eating from bowl in kitchen

11 Best Canned & Wet Dog Foods for Senior Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Senior dogs have unique dietary needs, just like humans. Depending on the size and breed of the dog, it may be considered “senior” after the age of five or seven. Each dog has unique nutritional needs according to its age,...

Senior dog eating dog food

Bil-Jac Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Bil-Jac makes several varieties of wet and dry dog food, treats, and supplements. The company promotes its food as super premium dog food that provides the best taste and nutrition. Its main selling point is the use of...

Dogster_Bil-Jac Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat? Vet-Approved Feeding & Health Facts

Raw food diets for canines have gained popularity in recent years, but are they truly safe for our pets? You’ve probably heard there are many benefits to giving your pet raw food. But feeding a dog a raw food diet...

Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat

8 Best Organic Puppy Foods in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Puppies require healthy, high-quality foods as they grow through this developmental stage. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy gets nutritious food is to look for dog food with the USDA Organic Label. In truth, it’s pretty challenging...

Cocker Spaniel puppy eating