Most cats don’t like being chased by dogs. In fact, being chased often results in feelings of stress and fear. In order to ensure your dog and cat can cohabitate safely, and stress free, it’s important to take steps to manage their space and home environment. With that in mind, this article will explain:
- Why dogs chase cats
- How to stop your dog from chasing your cat
- Frequently asked questions about dogs chasing cats
Why do dogs chase cats?
There are a number of reasons that dogs chase cats:
- Their natural instinct to chase. Dogs are natural hunters and many have an innate desire to chase things. As a result, when they see a cat move, they want to chase it.
- They want to play. Some dogs are looking for a playmate. In this case, they chase cats because they think it’s a fun game, and actually want to play.
- They are protecting their territory. If your dog feels like a cat is infringing on their territory, they will chase the cat away.
How to stop dogs from chasing cats
If your dog has started chasing your cat, there are a few things you can do:
- Keep your dog and cat separated. Keep each animal on either side of a closed door and allow them to smell each other through the door, but don’t allow them to be in the open together.
- Give each animal a blanket that smells like the other animal. This will help them get used to each other’s presence.
- After two weeks of blanket swapping, consider a face-to-face re-introduction. To prepare your dog, take them on a long walk to get rid of excess energy. Then, when you’re ready to re-introduce your animals, you have two options to ensure everyone is safe: leash both animals or use a baby gate or pet gate to keep them physically separated. Either option works, and the key is providing each animal with a steady flow of treats / rewards throughout the encounter. This will help them develop good associations about each other.
- Regularly practice desensitization and counterconditioning techniques with your dog in the presence of your cat. To do this, have your dog relax on a mat and provide them with high value treats as a reward for being in the same space as your cat. If you think your dog might jump, keep them on leash. Practice this exercise for a few minutes each day to help your dog feel comfortable, calm and good about being in the same space as your cat.
- If either animal shows signs of stress, or your dog resumes chasing, separate them immediately. You will also want to take a step back, resume giving each animal a blanket that smells like the other, and retry a face to face introduction in the future.
- Offer both animals a safe space. Even after your dog and cat are living comfortably together, continue to offer each animal a safe space to retreat to whenever they need a break. For your dog, this could mean a crate or mat. For your cat, this could mean a bathroom or laundry room equipped with food, water, a scratching post and bed.
- Provide your cat with vertical spaces. Clean off a bookshelf, the top of the refrigerator or offer your cat a cat tree to make sure your cat always has a place to jump to. This will help keep your cat safe in the event that your dog chases your cat.
- Give your pup appropriate outlets for stalking and chasing. Flirt poles, "scent hides'' and Treibbals are great options and can provide a fun outlet for you to bond with your pup! Here is a link to a flirt pole we love.
Frequently asked questions about dogs chasing cats
How can I teach a puppy to be gentle with a cat?
Introducing your dog to your cat is all about patience, space management and being aware of how all animals are feeling. To increase the likelihood that your dog will be gentle with your cat, and vice versa, move slowly and introduce them in stages. Do not proceed with a face to face introduction until you’re confident both animals will be calm and comfortable.
Will my dog ever stop chasing my cat?
If your dog is already chasing your cat, this behavior may be difficult to change. This is because the behavior is likely driven by your dog’s natural instinct to chase. In this situation, you will need to use baby gates and closed doors to manage the space and ensure your cat is always safe.
Can a prey driven dog live with a cat?
Yes, a dog with prey drive can live with a cat as long as you’re willing to carefully manage their space, monitor interactions closely, and offer your dog appropriate outlets for stalking and chasing. Flirt poles, "scent hides'' and Treibballs are great options and can provide a fun outlet for you to bond with your pup!
