We’ve all laughed at the antics of Spike chasing Tom in the classic Tom & Jerry cartoons.
But in real life, a dog’s aggression towards cats isn’t all fun and games. Just like Spike never quite learned to play nice, some dogs have a hard time getting along with their feline friends.
Let’s dive into this aggressive behavior and find ways to help our furry pals live harmoniously.
Why is My Dog Aggressive Towards Cats?
Call of the Wild
At their core, dogs are descendants of wolves and have some strong instincts buried deep down.
One of those instincts is to hunt. In the wild, anything that moved quickly, like a squirrel or a bird, was seen as potential food. With their quick, darting movements, cats can trigger that ancient hunting drive in some dogs. It’s like when a toy moves suddenly, and your dog HAS to chase it.
Speaking Different Languages
Dogs and cats speak entirely different body languages.
Dogs are all about wagging tails and barks, while cats are more into purring and swishing tails.
A wagging tail in a dog generally means, “Hey, I’m happy!” But for a cat, a swishing tail often signals, “Back off, buddy!”
When a dog approaches a fearful cat with friendly intentions, and the cat’s tail starts to swish, the dog might get confused and think the cat is up for some play-fighting.
Defending One’s Turf
Territory matters.
Dogs and cats are very particular about their space, no different than we are about our rooms.
If a dog senses a cat moving in on their turf, it might get defensive and show some aggression.
Early Signs of Dog Aggression Towards Cats
Let’s chat about early warning signs dogs exhibit when they’re not thrilled about our household cats:
- Body Stiffening: Your dog’s body goes all stiff when they spot a cat. It’s like they turn into a furry statue. This means they’re on high alert, and not in a friendly way.
- Focused Staring: If your dog is intensely staring at the cat, almost like they’re zoning in on a toy they want to play with, they see the cat as something to chase, not a potential friend.
- Growling or Barking: Just like we might raise our voices when upset, dogs exhibit aggressive behavior through growling and barking at cats. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, I’m not cool with this!”
- Lunging or Charging: Even if it seems playful, lunging or charging at the cat is a solid red flag. It shows they might want to chase or even harm the cat!
- Raised Hackles: Dogs have this line of hair on their back that stands up when feeling threatened or aggressive. It’s called their “hackles.” If you see those hackles raised, your dog is feeling some intense emotions.
- Tail Position: Dogs use their tails to chat without words. A raised, stiff tail usually means a dog is alert and possibly agitated. Combined with other signs, it could hint at unfriendliness towards the cat.
How Do Cats Respond to Aggressive Dogs
Our household felines may have this “boss of the house” attitude, but that doesn’t mean they’re fearless.
When faced with an aggressive dog, some cats might puff up, arch their backs, and hiss, trying to make themselves look bigger and scarier. It’s their way of saying, “Back off, buddy!”
Others might dart away in a heartbeat, choosing to find a safe spot like under the bed or up on a shelf.
A few brave ones might even swipe at the dog with their claws out.
In general, cats would rather avoid fights, so they usually choose to escape or stay out of the dog’s way.
Why is My Cat Harassing My Dog?
Believe it or not, sometimes, it is our feline friends who turn into household bullies for reasons such as:
- Territory Talk: Cats are big on marking their territory, and if a dog steps into what a cat considers its “zone,” there might be some kitty drama. The cat might say, “This is my spot, not yours!”
- Playtime or Pester Time? Some cats might think they’re just playing, but to a dog, it might come off as being harassed. Cats have a different play style, and their idea of fun might come off as aggressive.
- Attention Seeking: Maybe your cat has figured out that if they pester the dog, they get more attention from you, even if it’s just you telling them off. Cats are sneaky like that!
- Past Experiences: If your cat had a bad experience with a dog, they might be taking it out on your current dog. They’re saying, “I’ll get you before you get me!”
- Personality Clash: Like humans, animals get into personality clashes. Some cats and dogs may not vibe well together, leading to tension.
How Do I Stop Dog Aggression Towards Cats?
Learn the Reason Behind Your Dog’s Aggressive Behavior
Dogs, just like us, have reasons for their behaviors.
Sometimes, they’re afraid or unsure about something new, like that sassy cat sitting on the windowsill. Other times, they’re acting out because of their instincts, like the urge to chase smaller animals. By understanding where their aggression is coming from, pet parents can target that specific reason and work on it.
For example, if a dog is curious about a cat and doesn’t know how to approach them politely, you can teach them calm ways to say hello. But if they see the cat as a big fluffy toy to chase, you’ll need to focus on controlling that chase instinct.
Start With a Proper Introduction
Imagine you’re at a party, and a total stranger suddenly jumps into your personal space, wanting to be besties. Pretty weird, right? That’s how dogs and cats feel when thrown together without a proper introduction.
Introducing a dog to a new cat is akin to setting up a successful blind date. Both pets need time to get to know each other slowly, from a distance, in a relaxed environment. This helps them feel safe and less likely to get all defensive or scared.
Imagine if a big dog ran up to a cat out of nowhere. That cat might get scared, puff up, and hiss, making the dog more excited or aggressive. On the flip side, if a curious cat zips by a dog who loves to chase things, it could trigger the dog’s “let’s play chase!” mode, which isn’t always fun for the cat.
You can start by making gradual introductions. Let them sniff each other’s toys or bedding, then allow them to see each other through a gate or door. Finally, let them hang out in the same room under your supervision.
Find Ways to Keep Them Separated
Just like brothers and sisters might need space from each other occasionally, our dogs and cats sometimes need the same.
When a dog acts aggressively towards a cat, or vice versa, it’s like a big, flashing sign that says, “Hey, we need a break!” Providing separate spaces is like giving each one a bedroom where they can unwind and feel safe.
Keeping them separated at first doesn’t mean they’ll never be buddies. It’s just a way to hit the “pause” button on any tension and let things cool off. This gives pet parents a chance to figure out why their dog might be acting aggressively and devise a plan to help them get along in the future.
Plus, by having separate spaces, our pets can slowly get used to each other’s scents and sounds without the pressure of face-to-face interactions. It’s all about baby steps!
Friendship doesn’t happen overnight. By taking things slow and giving our pets the space they need, we’re giving them the best chance at forming a purr-fectly pawsome relationship!
Hammer in the Appropriate Commands
Teaching our dogs the proper commands is akin to instructing them on how to act. For example, the “Stay!” command tells your dog to hang tight and not move. So, if a cat walks by and your dog knows the “Stay!” command, it’s less likely they will suddenly chase the cat.
Commands like “Leave it!” or “Off!” are super handy, too. If your dog starts showing interest in our cat (in a not-so-friendly way), a quick “Leave it!” can make them stop and think, “Oh, maybe I shouldn’t be doing that.”
The cool thing about teaching commands is that it’s not just about stopping aggressive behaviors. It’s also about building trust and understanding between a pet parent and their dog. Listening to our commands, especially around cats, is our dogs’ way of saying, “I trust you know what’s best for me.”
Cat Aggression Does Not Warrant Punishment
You know how when we make mistakes, being yelled at doesn’t help us learn? Instead, it makes us more scared or confused.
It goes the same with dogs.
When dogs act aggressively toward cats, it’s often because they’re scared, excited, or don’t understand how to behave around them. If we punish our dogs by yelling or using a harsh tone, they might think, “Every time the cat is around, bad things happen!” This will only cause more stress and anxiety.
Instead of punishment, teaching dogs what we want them to do calmly and positively is way better. Give your dog treats and use calm voices and praises when they behave nicely around the cat. By doing this, the dog will start to think, “When I’m calm around the cat, good things happen!”
Keep Your Dog’s Schedule Busy
Imagine you have absolutely nothing to do. You might find yourself getting into unusual stuff to relieve that constant feeling of boredom.
The same goes for our canine buddies!
When a dog gets bored, they look for something or someone to play with. And that moving, darting, fluffy thing called a cat may seem like an exciting toy.
Keeping your dog entertained gives them something productive and fun to do, which means they’re less likely to see the cat as a plaything. Think of it like having a fun game or book; you’re less likely to get into mischief. For dogs, that fun game could be fetch, a new chew toy, or proper training exercises to keep their brain busy.
No Love Lost Between Your Dog and Cat? Time for a Professional Dog Trainer!
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, our pets have a tough time getting along. That’s when it’s time to bring in the professional dog trainers at K9 Basics. We know all the tricks and tips to help dogs and cats become best buds!
Call us at (866) 592-2742 or, if you’re from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, or New York, visit us at 131 Kenilworth Road, Marlton, New Jersey 08053, to learn more about our obedience training services. Also, browse our blog and social media for various topics about dogs and their lives with us!
References
- “Can Dogs Break Their Tails?” Volhard Dog Nutrition, www.volharddognutrition.com/blog/can-dogs-break-their-tails/. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.