How to Tell if a Dog Is Aggressive Towards Cats

Canine aggression can often become problematic when misunderstood. So, in order to avoid such issues, let`s find out how to tell if a dog is aggressive towards cats.

Dogs and cats have always had different sorts of interactions. Their natural instincts usually lead to interactions that might seem antagonistic, although sometimes animals taken as an individual can have relationships between each other that aren`t aggressive.

This can happen especially under certain conditions where us, humans, have promoted behaviors that aren`t aggressive.

In some domestic homes where the cat and dog are trained the proper way have a tendency to relate healthy to one another, particularly when the owner have taken proper care of them.

Does your little pal show any kind of signs of aggression when cats make their presence around them? Dog aggressivity can be treated, but first one must acknowledge the source of such a behavior.

Let`s dive into some related issues to better understand how to tell if a dog is aggressive towards cats or why this happens.

How Do I Know If My Dog Will Attack My Cat?

Cats and canines are both adorable pets to have around. However, sometimes it`s really difficult for them to co-exist together. Some believe it`s due to various differences between their personalities as a species.

Here are a few signs that can easily be noticed when your dog is starting to become aggressive towards a cat.

Staring
Standing tall & stiff
Biting
Blocking the cat`s path
Growling at cats
Getting aggressive around their sleeping area
Becoming aggressive around their food
Chasing cat in general

Why Is My Dog Growling at My Cat?

Generally speaking, territorial behavior is usually shown by both canines and cats. Your current 4-legged companion might feel threatened by the presence of a new creature around their residence.

They`ll most likely try to send a message like "this is my kingdom," meaning the dog may growl or even bark at their new "pal."

Both might urinate or even defecate in an improper manner in order to mark their own territory and get more attention from you.

If really necessary, a canine in their own residence might see a new cat as a prey and try to chase it away.

How Can I Get My Cat to Like My Dog?

Are cats and canines natural rivals! Well, yeah, kind of! They aren`t only very distinct species, but they both see each other as a prey as well.

Does this mean they aren`t able to get along? Actually, in lots of homes cats and dogs are best friends. Here you have some tips you can follow to help a cat become acquainted with a canine.

At first, let them interact only when you are around – When your two new bodies have just become acquainted, your presence is required.
Obedience training is important – Your canine companion needs to be taught that isn`t allowed to chase cats. – More info!
Swap their scents – It`s vital to let your two pals recognize and accept their scents.
Take personality into consideration – Contrary to general belief, some canines and cats aren`t able to get along no matter what.
Your cat should have a "safe spot" – Your feline companion needs their own "safe spot" to hide and run.
Their food & toys need to be kept separately – Always keep an eye out for their toys or food as they need to be kept separate.
Maintain a positive ambience – Scolding your canine should be avoided, especially in the cat`s presence.
Raise them together – Starting to socialize these two pets even from an early agea will always bring benefits later on.
Go slow – It takes time for these two species to adapt to one another – so, be patient!

How Do I Get My Dog to Stop Being Jealous of My Cat?

It`s kind of general knowledge that jealousy is deeply rooted into insecurity. So what should a pet owner do in order to reduce the behaviors of a jealous pet?

It`s easy – try and build that particular pet`s confidence. One way would be to offer them some time alone without letting other pets interfere.

The jealous pet could be offered some free time to be brushed or play with their favorite toys. If the canine is the jealous pet, you could spend some precious time training them, therefore building them confidence.

If you have a fun favorite game that you usually play with your dog that would be a great option as well.

How Do You Stop a Dog From Being Aggressive to Cats?

Before starting to train your little fella` to stop chasing all the cats around, you`ll have to make certain you find an enclosed area for the feline to be able to retreat.

Also, use a leash for your dog so they won`t be able to hurt the cat. You could even use a crate to give the feline a protection feeling while training session lasts.

Canine introduction – Introduce your dog into the training chosen area! Give them a lot of attention or treats so they can focus on you. Practice obedience commands with your canine while playing with them in the cat`s presence.
Cat space claiming – If you notice your dog starting to pay attention to the cat, use the "No" command in a firm manner and place yourself between your canine companion and the feline for them to focus on your again.
Reinforce ignoring the feline – While the canine starts paying attention to you again, resume the original plan of playing with them and offering them treats. Have patience until you notice your canine will ignore the cat`s presence.
Using the leash – Let the cat out of the carrier, in the same room with your guys. Your canine should stay on a leash while you repeat the steps again and again until they learn to ignore the feline.

How Long Does It Take a Dog and Cat to Get Along?

While in some cases, things get on the right track on a matter of days, in other cases it can become difficult to impossible for a cat and a canine to become friends.

Liz Palika, a popular author of pet-behavior and care books, says the entire process might generally take around 2 to 3 weeks. – Read more!

At times, it isn`t that easy to notice if a canine and a feline can get along only by their actions! Sometimes, it can really prove to be challenging to make a real difference between the predatory and playful interactions of these two species.

Final Word

How to tell if a dog is aggressive towards cats isn`t rocket science! The difficult task comes when you have to make friends a canine and a cat, especially if this doesn`t start at an early age.

However, you`ll soon realize that with a lot of patience on your part, nothing is impossible!

Kitchen Wople1976