Pets and Livestock Projects

     Most youth who have a livestock project also have a pet at home. The family dog or cat is usually the first introduction to learning to care for and respect another living thing. As time passes and youth are old enough for livestock projects, we see a lot of comingling (living and interacting) with pets and livestock projects. I myself have had pets such as a barn cat and part-time cow dog. But there are some things youth and families need to keep in mind about the interactions between pets and livestock.

     Let's start with the family dog. Depending on size, breed, temperament, and previous exposure, dogs react differently to livestock. The same can be said for the livestock projects. Things I look for in the interaction between the dog and livestock is how they react to each other.

• Is there aggression? Does the dog bark at or charge barking at the livestock?
• This can cause livestock's flight or fight reaction to kick in. If they turn and run, the dog may learn they can chase the livestock, becoming more aggressive.
• If the livestock turn and fight, most have the ability to hurt a dog, and possibly hurt a person who is caught in the middle of the fight.
• Any dog who bites is a major problem. The damage done by a dog bite can equal an expensive vet bill or worse, a death loss.
• Does the dog ignore the livestock?
• This can cause the dog more problems than the livestock. Dogs who do not pay attention to livestock can become injured if their presence is met with a fight response.
• Is the dog a scavenger?
• Some dogs enjoy having something different for a meal and may eat part of the livestock feed, especially if it taste good to them. The problem is some livestock feeds contain ingredients that can make a dog sick.
• Is the dog a chewer?
• Puppies are notorious for chewy up tack and equipment around a barn. They may also want to chew on things they should not such as used veterinary supplies. These may contain something that may make them very sick.

     The family cat, or in most cases the barn cat, can create some issues as well with livestock. While most cats avoid the larger livestock, what they bring into the barn can cause a problem.

• Where does the cat eat?
• Many barn cats are fed in the barn. If fed at ground level, the smell and access to food can invite unwanted guest such as possums, skunks, raccoons and other critters. In the barn these animals can spread disease and contaminate livestock feed and water.
• How well is the cat cared for?
• Most barn cats are cared for well and get trips to the vet. Some may be the neighbors or one who has gone feral (wild). Cats can carry in some unwanted health issues.  For example, cats can carry highly contagious ringworm fungus which can turn into ringworm on calves and goats, or wool fungus on sheep. If the barn cat exhibits any signs of illness, they need to go to the vet.
• Does your cat like to mark its territory?
• Cats like to mark their territory. They do this by spraying a small amount of urine on things. This may include hay or feed, making it less desirable for livestock to eat.

     Now both dogs and cats can also be beneficial around livestock projects. Dogs can keep predators like foxes, coyotes and stray dogs away from livestock. They can also alert us to other problems, like when our livestock get out and are grazing in the yard. Barn cats are hopefully doing their job of hunting rodents and birds, keeping them out of our barns and livestock feed. The big take away is make sure your pets are having positive interactions with your livestock projects. If not, take the action you need to correct the problems.


Scott Stinnett
Extension Associate
Kit Carson County
Golden Plains Area
Colorado State University Extension