Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/24/2008

Question
Hi, I have 2 cats neutered, declawed males 4 yrs. old which I adopted couple years ago from shelter.  My black cat seems kind of siamese, is very loving, comes when I call him, he's my baby...the white one like attention sometimes, is more a loner.  Well, we just got a 2 yr. old dog from the shelter, is a very quiet, gentle, fearful dog...was an obvious abused dog.  The dog is starting to feel more happy and sometimes likes to romp and play.  My question has to do with my black cat's behaviour.  He is attacking the dog when it becomes playful with me, and we run around the house.  My cat actually hisses and puts out his paws and fangs and chases the dog.  The dog is very afraid and runs to me for protection.  I try to calm my cat down, talking slow and quiet, but if the dog moves, he chases it. When the dog is quiet, the cats are fine.  A year ago, I was scolding my white cat for something and the black cat attacked it too, then turned on me in the confusion and sunk his teeth into my arm...I got blood poisoning...so now I'm nervous of even touching him when he's in this rage against my dog, who I want to protect but don't know what to do??  Can you help me....I'd like the dog to have freedom to play.  I have been trying to give my cats lots of attention...the black one is still grumpy when the dog's around.  I'm sure he dislikes a new "baby" in the house.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Lori,

Quite a few cats behave like your black one, especially ones that are very sensitive, territorial, and protective.

Cats do not have any reasoning ability and do not understand the way of dogs, especially if they have not been raised with one and used to their actions. They do not understand playing per se or scolding. The cat sees you run from the dog and most likely thinks the dog is a threat to you and is the cat is trying to 'save' you.

When you scolded the other cat, the black cat understood the tone of your voice, not what you were doing. Cats can get into a frenzy when and will jump in and help when they think another cat or their owner is the subject of anger. But when they jump in, they do it without knowing who is the danger and who is being threatened. It is a reaction, not a behavioral issue.  

That is common with mother cats who defend their babies. Other cats will jump in and help without knowing the reason. Sometimes in the frenzy they turn on each other. I have a cat too that will go after any other of my cats that I scold. I have to tell him "it's OK, I can handle it myself" (smile).

My suggestion would be to lock the cats up in a room when you are having playtime with your dog. That way no one gets nervous or upset and the dog can relax and enjoy some quality time with you.

And since you know how your black cat is, then try to be careful about raising your voice in anger around him. He loves you, probably is grateful to you for rescueing him, and is protective of you, but also he is protective of the other cat too.

Sometimes it takes months for dogs and cats to get used to each other. They are aliens to each other and it takes time and patience for trust on both sides to develop, especially with abused animals. Take it slow. Try to show the cats (especially the black one) that the dog is a friend, not foe. Sit with all of them and pet them together so the cat can learn the dog is not your enemy and vice-versa.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi