Before getting a pig as a pet, it’s important to consider many other things first such as the other pets inside the house and if there are children. We will answer your curiosity in this article!
Do pigs get along with cats? Yes, pigs get along with cats most of the time. Many owners of both animals fully support this claim! Surprisingly, pigs may get along with cats more than they do with dogs. However, it may also depend on their personalities and how well it will blend together.
In general, pigs are curious, gentle and docile and can also be playful too.
Depending on how cats may perceive their curiosity and desire to explore while examining things, you can expect that it will take some time before the pig and cat completely familiarizes with each other.
Pigs usually get along with most animals, but not much with dogs.
They would do better with cats based on what most people experienced.
Most of the time, cats won’t mind the curious behavior of pigs.
Even though pigs are capable of being as large as dogs, they don’t give off a sense of “danger” or a “threat signal” to cats.
This is all thanks to a pig’s quietness and they are less energetic compared to dogs.
Although pigs can get playful at times, they are not as intimidating to cats the same way as dogs.
Based off the observation of many, a cat would rather have a pig around more than dogs.
Even though dogs also have their own individual personalities, they are still capable of frightening a cat no matter how submissive and friendly the dog is.
Cats can be territorial but wouldn’t mind a “harmless” animal such as pigs within their territory.
When it comes to dogs, a cat would feel threatened that another “predator animal” is within their vicinity.
All animals are capable of “getting along” with each other, even the most unexpected combinations. Nature knows when to band together and set aside differences.
Introducing pigs to cats
Cats and pigs will get along just fine, but how do you introduce them to each other? Like how most relationships (friendships) begin, a proper introduction with a fair guide could be helpful.
Cats can be lazy and pigs can be lazy too. In this similar aspect, they could enjoy sleeping together like good friends.
Sometimes, a pig would lie down and the cat sees them as a perfect pillow or cushion to lie on. Most pigs wouldn’t mind and continue to sleep!
How much do they get along?
Well, that can depend on their individual personalities.
— If both animals are playful and outgoing, they can be great playmates.
— If one is playful and the other is timid, they can get a bit annoyed with each other.
— If they’re both timid, they can enjoy nap time together.
Truly, it’s all about their personalities too.
“Pigs love cats. My family has two piggies, both about 100 lbs, and Daisy LOVES our cats! The cats though, not so much“
— posted at quora.com
Babette LeBlanc, Pet pig owner and lover
It seems that the bigger concern is whether cats will get along with pigs rather than if pigs will get along with them. Pigs get along with almost any other animal, but the question is if the other animal will like them back.
So how can you make sure they will get along perfectly? Well, there is a saying that first impressions lasts. Proper introduction with the right guidance will do!
Tips on introducing pets to each other
Now that you’re certain that pigs can get along fine with your cats, the next step is to make sure they are properly introduced to each other.
Like people, animals need time to familiarize with new things, new places and new companions. Animals might take longer before they completely accept changes.
This is normal and should be understood with enough patience!
TIP 1: Supervise their first encounter
It’s important to witness this moment as it will show you their pure or honest reactions to each other. This will give you a good idea on what to do next.
TIP 2: Give them space
Even though you’re observing, don’t make the animals feel like they’re being watched. This may cause them to be on guard, feel pressured and will not act natural.
TIP 3: Respect the first pet’s “territory”
Whoever came first deserves to have their “territory” respected. Some cats may be territorial and would want to keep strangers out of their comfort zone.
If this is the case, DON’T let your pig wander off to the cat’s “den” right away. This might cause the cat to be annoyed, be on guard or worse, launch an attack.
A pig may NOT react to a few claws to their faces and may not perceive it as a hostile action immediately.
However, if this happens, either move your pig away before it gets worse or let it be if the cat seems to have retreated or calmed down.
If the cat sees the pig is not fighting back, it will figure out attacking was unnecessary and will examine the pig as much as the pig is examining the cat.
Note: A pig’s nose (the snout) can be very sensitive, so if you feel like the situation is risky, take your pig away and let the cat approach the pig on its own.
TIP 4: Allow as much interaction as possible
Compared to other pets, a pig CAN be left alone with cats.
Cats are less dangerous than larger predator animals like dogs. After you’ve ensured that you observed the pig and cat long enough, you may be confident to leave them together.
Sometimes you will be surprised when you get back and find them cuddling, sleeping next to each other or even playing games together.
All you need is patience and your cat and pigs will definitely become great friends.
Are pigs good family pets?
Since you’re wondering about how well they get along with other pets such as cats, you might move on to the next questions too.
“Can pigs be good house pets?
Can they be house trained?
Can they be dangerous?
Is it safe to leave them near kids?”
At least one of these questions must have crossed your mind.
Don’t worry, you’ll definitely find the answers here!
Are pigs good with kids?
Pigs are intelligent creatures and are believed to have the same intelligence level as a 2 year old child.
In general, pigs are kind and gentle creatures so it is OKAY to have them near kids. However, it’s best if they’re not left alone together.
Pigs are also herd animals and herd animals have what we call a “PECKING ORDER’.
Pecking order — a hierarchy of status seen among members of a group of people or animals, originally as observed among hens.
This means that it’s their natural instinct to have someone “above” or “dominating”. Simply put, a “leader”. Pig herds can also have an alpha male.
Since this is possible, pigs MIGHT perceive children as “weaker animals” and may attempt to “DOMINATE” them. Being dominant is not all about violence, but it could also involve manipulation or being stubborn.
Pigs will not listen to kids they want to dominate and this might annoy children.
It’s possible that a child will hit a pig because they are playing or because the child thinks the pig is bad or not listening.
No matter what, this is still mistreatment and abuse. This is why pigs are not recommended pets or companions for young children.
Pigs have great memory and WILL REMEMBER abuse. They will remember the faces of those who mistreat them even kids and may tend to hold a grudge.
NEVER HIT YOUR PETS OR OTHER PEOPLE!
Teach your children to be gentle with animals, otherwise, both your children and the animal will pay for their actions when it could have been easily prevented if kids are taught NOT to hit their pets.
This is only the majority of the answers. Not all pigs and children are the same.
There are also families who raised pigs together with their own children and tell stories about how it was an amazing and great experience for their kids.
This is highly situational, but if you’re not confident with your children’s behavior towards animals, it’s best to avoid giving them risky pets.
Can pigs be house trained?
Yes, pigs can be house trained. They are said to learn faster than most dogs and can even outsmart chimpanzees! Pigs ranked 5th among the most intelligent animals in the world.
They have great memory and it is said that the treat-reward system works effectively when training pigs.
Pigs are clean animals and would prefer to use a litter box, therefore you can be confident that they are willing to be litter trained.
They can also learn a few other tricks!
Are pigs dangerous?
No, in general, domestic pigs are friendly or neutral most of the times to the point you can even allow them near children.
They’re very similar to dogs in behavior.
Though they are capable of biting, it rarely happens and probably only does when they are hurt, mistreated or threatened. This is why it is not a good idea to pair them with kids that may potentially hurt the pig.
Pigs are prey animals and they would rather prioritize fleeing than facing danger themselves as it is too risky. Their only way of fighting is charging with their tusks if they have one and biting if they can reach.
Their aggression could also depend on the type of breed. Since most breeds are now domesticated, not many of them are dangerous.
Sometimes, it could also depend on their age or how they were raised.
Piglets that grew up lonely without social interaction tend to be unfriendly towards people and even other pigs. Older pigs could also be a bit aggressive when it comes to having an alpha male status.
However, another reason that they could be “dangerous” is if they are sick or carrying a disease.
Which is why, it’s important to have them checked medically and get vaccinated too.
Can pigs be good pets?
There are a lot of good reasons why pigs can be great pets.
- Pigs are intelligent and social animals.
- Pigs are clean.
- Pigs are not picky eaters.
- Pigs are proven to be capable of emotionally supporting their owners.
- Pigs can be sweet and cuddly.
RELATED QUESTIONS
- Do pigs get along with dogs?
Yes, pigs do get along with dogs.
However, not as much as cats.
Like what was initially stated above, i it’s not about whom pigs get along with. It’s more about who will like them back or tolerate them.
Dogs are known to be very patient to the point that families are comfortable leaving them near newborn children or younger kids.
Surprisingly, cats can tolerate pigs better than dogs.
Dogs are predator animals while pigs are prey animals. Cats are predators too, but they are not as large as dogs and do not scare off the pigs.
If the pig gets TOO comfortable with the dog, they might let out their energetic and playful side with the dog which can be a good thing IF the dog can handle it.
If you’ve owned at least two dogs and kept them together, you must’ve noticed how their play fighting can suddenly take a 360 degree turn when one of them loses their cool and unleashes a fierce attack.
This is very possible and while it’s normal and usually safe for dogs, it is not for pigs. When a dog loses its cool with a pig, the pig will end up the most injured.
Pigs are weaker than dogs and usually have no ways of fighting back. Their tusks are often removed and their hooves with dewclaws are maintained properly.
Dogs will always have their sharp canine teeth and pigs have no way of defending themselves aside from fleeing.
This is why it might be a bad combination if the dog is not patient enough. Sometimes, even the most patient breeds can lose their cool!
As much as possible, do not leave a pig and dog alone together for very long.
- Is it legal to own or raise a pig?
The answer depends on where you live. Laws differ on every country especially regarding animal welfare. It’s highly recommended to check with your local officers to verify first before you adopt a pig.
If it requires a license, please register your pig for its safety and yours too. It might also come with various benefits, so it’s worth the cost.
We have a helpful guide on how to get a license for your pet pig.