Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/13/2008

Question
Hi I have a 6 (7 in nov) year old female cat named Tayer. And I have been letting my dog Ozzy into my room at night to sleep so that he is not alone ever since my mom moved out in June (he use to be her dog). Him and Tayer got along pretty well together every night with no problem. Then the other night I had went to lay down on my bed and Ozzy followed me and jumped on my foot and I yelled at him a bit for it then all the suddenly I was attacked by Tayer. I guess she figured that I was the dog cause then she attacked Ozzy and wouldn't stop even though he was yelping and I was yelling at her to stop. Then she stopped when I got in front of the dog and hugged him so she couldn't hurt him anymore and she stopped but kept an eye on him. Then when I tried to bring him in the next night, she started to attack him again. I don't understand what is going on but she's been also sitting on my lap and meowing at me a lot lately too. Is this a concern I should have with her?

Answer
Bonnie,

Anytime a cat shows a change in behavior, especially aggression, it could be caused by pain. A vet checkup should be made to rule out a medical issue before dealing with it as a behavioral problem.

Cats can get into a frenzy without knowing why. It often happens when a mother cat, protecting her babies, will attack a suspected threat. Any cats around see it and jump into the frenzy without knowing why, but they think they are helping. Your cat may be a sensitive type and was reacting to the tone of your voice. She may have thought you were upset at the dog and was trying to protect the dog, then she probably thought the dog was upsetting you so she went after the dog.

Try not to raise your voice, and give her love if you do so she knows it doesn't have to concern her. Try to pet the dog and cat at the same time. She probably also feels that with the dog there now that you don't like her as much and there is some jealousy involved. Feeding them both treats at the same time will help her associate the dog with some pleasant instead of a negative.

When she starts to attack the dog, say NO! firmly. Let her know the dog is a friend, not an enemy.

I have a cat, that when I scold another cat, he goes after the cat I'm scolding. To help? I keep telling him that I can handle myself, that I don't need his help!

I hope this helps answer your question.

Tabbi

FYI NOTE: if you live in PA, there is a recall for a possible salmonella problem in dry cat and dog food manufactured by Mars Petcare, including Special Kitty, Pedigree, and Ol'Roy.