You might wonder what it’s like to have a Siberian Husky who thinks she’s part cat, or at least, desperately wants to be! My girl, Leia, is a prime example of a “husky raised by cats.” It’s a full-time job convincing her to be "chill" around our feline friends, especially the beautiful "pretty cat" she adores. The OCR I mentioned earlier perfectly captures a moment where I'm talking to her, saying, "You are not being chill," and honestly, that’s a daily mantra in our house! She often comes on "too strong," and while I appreciate the "effort" she puts into "appearing chill," there’s a distinct difference between her and, say, Archer, who actually is chill with the cats. Huskies are known for their high energy and often, a strong prey drive. So, when I first thought about a Siberian Husky living with cats, I knew it would be an adventure. Leia, my fluffy "derpskie," definitely embodies the best (and sometimes most challenging) of these traits. Despite growing up with our resident "kitties," her natural husky instincts kick in. She’ll try her absolute best to appear calm, making a valiant "effort," as I often tell her. But there's a clear "distinction" between her attempts and actual feline-level calm. One minute she’s doing a low crouch, tail wagging ever so slightly, the next she’s letting out a playful "woo-woo" or trying to initiate a chase. It's less "raised by cats" and more "obsessed with cats." My "pretty cat," often the target of Leia's affections, has learned to tolerate her, mostly. You can see it in Leia's eyes – she just loves "kitties" so much! She’ll follow them from room to room, sniffing intently, and sometimes even trying to mimic their grooming habits (unsuccessfully, I might add!). It’s both hilarious and a constant reminder that supervision is key. I’ve learned to create safe spaces for my cats, like high shelves or rooms with cat doors, where they can escape Leia’s overwhelming enthusiasm when she’s "coming on too strong" or simply not being "chill." I often find myself saying, "Come on, Babes," trying to redirect her! For anyone considering bringing a Siberian Husky into a cat-filled home, or vice versa, early socialization is incredibly important, but it’s not a magic bullet. Understanding the individual personalities of both your husky and your cats is crucial. Leia might be a bit of a "derpskie" around them, but she's never aggressive. It’s pure, unadulterated husky curiosity and desire to play. We spend a lot of time on positive reinforcement training, rewarding her for calm behavior around the cats and redirecting her energy when she gets too excited. Teaching commands like "leave it" and "stay" has been invaluable in managing these interactions. Ultimately, living with a Siberian Husky and cats is a unique and often amusing experience. There are moments of genuine affection, like when Leia gently nudges one of the "kitties" with her nose, or when a brave cat decides to rub against her leg. And then there are the moments I’m reminding her, "Leia, you are not being chill!" It's a journey of managing expectations, ensuring everyone feels safe, and embracing the chaotic, loving bond that forms between these very different species. My home is certainly never boring with my "siberianderpskies" and her feline housemates! It's a constant lesson in patience and love, proving that even a husky with a big heart can learn to coexist, if not always perfectly "chill," with her tiny, furry overlords.