Top 11 Ways to Identify Dog Aggression Toward Cats:
There are many reasons why your dog could become aggressive towards cats, sometimes seemingly without any warning. The truth is, dogs do give warning signs, even if they are subtle.
These subtle cues are observed in the dog’s body language and can easily be missed if you do not know what you are looking for. Below is the list of 12 ways a dog will let you know if they are about to show aggression toward a cat.
A telltale sign of impending aggression towards a cat is if the dog were to freeze in place and become rigidly still. This signal is very easy to miss but it speaks volumes, as it is an aggressive posture.
In addition to the aggressive posture of freezing in place, the dog will lock in a very tense stare that radiates sinister energy. This stare is also an indicator of an impending attack.
While a dog has locked in that tense, aggressive stare, it will also visually track every movement the cat makes. The cat could be clueless as to what is going on and could simply be going about his or her business and moving around as if nothing is wrong. If you notice a dog become still, lock in the stare, and start visually tracking the cat, an aggressive outcome is very likely.
When your dog’s tail goes up, this is an indicator of aggression. This can signify that they’re about to react to whatever it is they’re unhappy with or have their sights set on.
Raised hackles on a dog mean they are on high alert. This response could be brought on by fear, dominance, or uneasiness and can be indicative of an aggressive response. Keep in mind that not all dogs will show this display, especially when the aggression is a result of prey drive. It also may not be as noticeable on short-haired dogs, while other breeds like German Shepherd’s hackles are very noticeable when raised.
Some dogs will bark and whine excessively when they are in the presence of a cat, or they know one is nearby. Barking and whining are a sign of excitement that is usually a result of a predatory response to prey.
The most common reasons a dog will sound a low growl are fear, possession aggression, territoriality, and even pain. If a dog is low growling at a cat, it is likely they are causing the dog to feel one of the above. For example, a dog may release a low growl when a cat comes near their food as a warning for them to get away. Low growling may be absent in instances of high prey drive but is common in other situations.
One of the most obvious signs a dog is displaying aggression is when they bare their teeth. This can be uneasy to see but teeth-baring is a warning that is usually prompted when a dog is either fearful or feels threatened. It is also common for dogs to do this when they are asserting dominance. Cats simply are not built to challenge a dog’s dominance, though some may think they are. Teeth baring can be accompanied by snarling.
Lunging is one of the final warning signs a dog will give that can quickly lead to an attack. Dogs will lunge in aggression that is triggered by fear, a display of dominance, possession aggression, or territoriality.
While biting is undoubtedly one of the most obvious signs of aggression a dog will show toward a cat, not all bites are the same. Some bites may be warning nips or snapping while others could be with full intent to cause harm. In an ideal circumstance, it will not get this far. Depending on the size of the dogs and the intent behind the bite, this is very dangerous to your cat.
If you notice a dog has a high drive to chase cats and other small animals, there is a good chance of aggression if they were to catch what they are chasing. Many dogs will playfully chase cases with no intent to harm.
Others have such strong prey drives that they cannot resist the temptation of pursuing prey. It can be catastrophic if the cat or other small animal were to be caught.
When a dog is displaying a highly aggressive prey drive, it will typically stiffen up, lock in the tense stare, and may even visually track the attack before the attack. When it is prey-driven, be wary, as it can happen very quickly.
Why Is My Dog Aggressive Toward Cats?
It can be terrifying to witness your dog acting aggressively toward your cat, for no apparent reason, especially if they were already living peacefully with one another. There are many reasons that dogs can show aggression toward cats. Let’s look:
Domesticated dogs and cats are natural predators, though it may not seem that way. These carnivorous animals are biologically driven to chase and capture prey for their survival. While cats have trouble resisting smaller prey like mice, some dogs have trouble resisting smaller prey like cats.
It is unfortunate for those that wish to have a harmonious life with dogs and cats, but the reality is, some dogs simply cannot be housed with cats. Prey drive is an instinct that is no fault of the dog. This instinct is hard-wired into them by nature, and it affects some dogs differently than others.
If you have a dog that displays this kind of behavior, it may be best to keep your house cat-free. If you already have a cat and are interested in getting a dog, you need to ensure they are raised together from puppyhood or that an older dog is proven to be cat-friendly before adoption.
You may even observe your dog that gets along well with cats in your household display prey drive when they come across a cat or other small animal while on a walk. This is normal but proper training can help prevent this behavior during walks and other activities outside the house.
Improper introductions can be a recipe for disaster. If the introduction is forced or pushed too quickly, it can result in fear from either the cat, dog or both. Cats may get aggressive with dogs out of fear, which can cause the dog to react out of aggression to protect themselves. This initial introduction can have a long-term impact, so you must do your research on how to properly introduce your dog and cat so that you are setting yourself up for the best possible outcome.
There’s a chance your dog is fearful of cats due to a previous experience. Cats can get quite aggressive with dogs and will lash out to assert their dominance or to protect themselves if they are feeling fearful. A negative experience from the past can leave your dog feeling wary, fearful, and even protective of themselves when in the company of a cat.
Dogs that lack proper obedience training tend to see themselves as the alpha of the home. This can cause issues with other members of the household, including other pets. If your dog is unruly and sees itself as the boss, it can cause conflict that can easily lead to aggression. Make sure you start obedience training as soon as possible and assert yourself as your dog’s leader. This will not only help in terms of other pets but people and overall household functioning.
Some dogs can be quite territorial and won’t take fondly to a cat invading their space. This is especially common when it comes to feeding time. Your dog may get along with your cat swimmingly until the cat comes near the food bowl or your dog’s favorite bed. Make sure you keep an eye out for the telltale signs of aggression and reach out to an animal behavior specialist or the veterinarian for assistance with this kind of behavior.
Situations That May Potentially Trigger a Dog’s Aggression Towards a Cat
Forcing a dog and a cat to get along on the get-go poses a threat to both pets and anyone in the vicinity. This is because dogs are sensitive to smells that are unfamiliar to them. They consider such scent as foreign and threatening.
What to do:
Cat and Dog Growling at Each Other As They Get to Know One Another
Many dogs and cats can live harmoniously together if introduced properly and supervised appropriately. Whether you’re adding a new cat or a new dog to your household, the top priority is always safety. A cat might be able to live safely and happily with some dogs, but not others, so even if your cat has lived with dogs before, use caution and proceed slowly when introducing your cat to a new dog.
When introducing your cat to a dog, it’s best to introduce her to only one dog at a time. It is also important to have at least two people present, one to handle the dog’s leash and the other to tend to the cat. In the initial introduction, make sure that the two animals first clearly see and become aware of the presence of each other. If one of the animals hasn’t seen the other before the other gets too near, fear and panic may result. Even if the two animals appear to be exhibiting playful behavior, slow down any approaches until it’s clear that neither pet is anxious or frightened.