Do dogs bite cats?

It’s common for dogs and cats to fight, but if your dog exhibits genuine aggression toward your own cats or any other animals that stray into your backyard, it could become a serious issue. If your dog is hostile toward cats, you must take action as a responsible pet owner because it could result in great distress or even serious injury. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to encourage coexistence between cats and dogs. Here are some suggestions for preventing a dog from being hostile to cats.

Your saved search Name of saved search: Search terms:

Yes

No

Email:

Reasons a dog might kill a cat

According to one theory, dogs and cats share an evolutionary rivalry with lions and hyenas. In fact, the conflict between cats and dogs likely existed before domestication. Due to competition for resources, it is common for predators to chase one another off hunting grounds or even kill one another.

However, most dogs that have been bred and raised as companion animals are content to accept a cat. Due to their friendliness and upbeat personalities, many dogs will even perform this action without any socialization. But the most common reasons for dogs attacking cats include:

A dog is not socialized with cats. Sometimes a dog views one cat as part of the household, but strange and new cats are still threats and intruders.

A dog has become aggressive and territorial. A cat can become a rival for resources such as food or attention in these cases.

A dog has a naturally high prey drive and sees the cat as prey.

A cat approaches a reactive dog that is fearful or aggressive.

A dog has had a negative experience with a cat, especially a puppy, and has learned that cats are dangerous.

Will your dog kill your kitten?

Your dog might get along with cats, but any kittens should be watched carefully. A kitten is more vulnerable and more unable to defend itself or escape than an adult cat.

There are a number of situations in which your dog might kill your kitten:

Dogs that are too active and energetic can injure the kitten or even kill it while playing.

A kitten is more vulnerable to a dog with a high prey drive or to a dog that doesn’t like small furry creatures.

A kitten does not necessarily know the rules of a house. Adult cats in households with dogs typically establish themselves at the top of the hierarchy. Even if dogs aren’t bonded to an adult cat, they usually learn to leave them alone and give them their space. See this video of cats stealing dogs’ beds as an example of how intimidated dogs often are with adult cats in the home.

However, a kitten may become a target for some dogs because it is not always possible for it to rise to the top of the hierarchy.

For territorial dogs, a kitten is a soft target. A kitten approaching a resource guarding dog’s food bowl is at risk of being bitten. And, due to their size, they are more vulnerable to being killed in such a case.

Naturally, any dog that lacks socialization, training, or has a strong instinct for hunting or guarding is harmful to kittens.

New kittens must be properly socialized with household dogs, and they must never be left alone until it is clear that the dog does not pose a threat to them.

Remember that breed isn’t the only factor that could lead to your dog killing your cat if you’re worried about it and wondering what breeds are most likely to do it.

There are many Pit Bulls who have a cat as their best friend. Even active hunting dogs typically pick up on how to get along with cats and other household pets.

The following dog breeds and varieties are more likely to fight with cats, though:

Sighthounds such as the Greyhound, Afghan Hound, Scottish Deerhound, Taigan, or Borzoi, are naturally programmed to give chase when they see something small and furry.

Terriers such as the Jack Russell Terrier, English Bull Terrier, or American Pit Bull Terrier are known for their strong predation instincts. They can still carry a strong instinct to hunt and kill small game or confront other animals, including cats and other dogs. They are also extraordinarily tenacious.

Livestock guarding dogs such as the Kangal or Anatolian Shepherd sometimes have a much lower tolerance for animals that could be viewed as other predators. Although if raised with cats, many owners report success. If raised with cats, they sometimes guard the cats as part of their “herd”.

Herding breeds such as the Border Collie or Australian Cattle Dog are usually high-energy, and their instinct to herd can lead them to harass cats. This doesn’t necessarily make them deadly to cats, but they typically need to be raised with cats to avoid too much upheaval since no cat likes to be herded.

Hunting breeds are some of the most common culprits after guard dogs and terrier types. This can range from Vizslas to Weimaraners, to even Beagles. While these dogs are not as frequently used for hunting as they once were, they retain a naturally high prey drive that is sometimes a problem for cats. These dogs need to be raised with cats and fully socialized with them early.

Guarding and protection dogs refer to a range of dogs, from the powerful Cane Corso to the traditional working protection dogs such as German Shepherds or the Belgian Malinois. The same instinct that makes these dogs good guardians makes them a problem for cats if they are not fully socialized and trained.

It’s crucial to remember that most of these breeds can coexist happily and fully with cats in the home. Devoted owners who socialize these puppies with their home cats hardly ever experience issues.

FAQ

Will dogs attack cats?

Keep your dog and cat apart if you don’t feel comfortable letting them be around each other. Many dogs can quickly hurt or kill a cat, and the cat could also hurt your dog.

Is it normal for my dog to bite my cat?

It is completely normal for your dog to nibble on your cat! If your dog and cat get along well, you will probably notice them both nibbling at each other quite frequently while they are playing, bonding, or getting groomed.

How do you know if a dog will attack a cat?

MATCHING CATS AND DOGS It is best to not even consider getting a cat — or at least to proceed with caution — if a dog attempts to aggressively chase, pin, pick up, or otherwise “manhandle” any cat. Furthermore, a dog that growls, lunges, or persistently barks at a cat would likely thrive in a cat-free environment.

Why would a dog attack a cat?

Some breeds of dogs have a high prey drive and may view your cat as prey. Aggression in dogs can occasionally be a fear-based reaction after a negative cat experience or when a cat was present. If you pay too much attention to a cat, other dogs might feel envious.