Is it OK for my dog to chase my cat?
Even if your pup is simply ready for playtime, this kind of chase can be dangerous. If one of the two animals gets overly excited, even an innocent move can trigger an extreme reaction in the other. It’s best to train your dog out of this habit as soon as you notice it to make the process as peaceful as possible for everyone.
Be patient with yourself and your pup — instinctual habits can be hard to break, and that’s no one’s fault. “Your dog may have very little control over the rush felt when chasing a cat or another animal,” Dr. Aramendi explains, so try your best to keep your cool while your buddy is still learning.
Give your cat a safe space
If your pets are always crossing paths, there will be many opportunities for your dog to feel tempted. Both of your fur babies should have spaces of their own where they can feel relaxed and safe, even if that means trying something new at home. You can try using a baby gate to keep your pup out of a certain room, or you can invest in cat towers that will be feline-exclusive.
Give Kitty a Break From Your Boisterous Dog
Your cat shouldnt be destined to a future filled with days of stress just because a new dog has been welcomed into your home. While its important to provide kitty with a safe haven to retreat to, this doesnt mean your cat has to spend the rest of his days hiding there because of the threat of being chased.
Its therefore imperative that your new puppy or dog isnt allowed to rehearse chasing behaviors over and over. Left untreated, chasing a cat can quickly become your dogs favorite pastime, and that for sure is not a good hobby.
Preventing the rehearsal of chasing behavior requires strict management and entails keeping your dog away from your cat when you are not supervising and keeping him under control when you are supervising.
Crates, pet gates, exercise pens, playpens and fences are management tools that can be considered when your dog cannot be supervised. Its important to ensure your dog has no way to escape them by chewing, digging or climbing over or under these barriers.
When you are actively supervising, you can control your dog and prevent him from rehearsing chasing behaviors with a collar and leash, and later on, with just voice control and training. If you are concerned about your dog potentially breaking loose from your grip on the leash and injuring your cat, by all means, let him wear a basket muzzle. It never hurts to add an extra layer or protection and play it safe.